A State of Emergency (1986): Besetzung, Handlung & Streaming

Released in 1986, A State of Emergency is a notable film directed by Richard C. Bennett, running about 97 minutes. “A chain reaction. Only he can stop it. Tomorrow's dawn is in his hands.” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. This story is about a crusading scientist out to stop nuclear testing who is motivated by scientific fact, conscience and faith. Dr. Alex Carmody (Martin Sheen) is a physicist who becomes convinced that if the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. continue to test nuclear weapons, eventually one of these tests will set off an atomic chain reaction that will obliterate the world. Carmody travels to Portugal where he tries talks to one of the women who in 1911 saw a vision of the Virgin Mary that spoke to her and her two companions about the future. Carmody is certain that the Virgin Mary predicted the very chain reaction he and his co-worker Dr. Kenneth Parrish (Peter Firth) envision. Failing in his attempt to talk to the woman, Carmody then travels to Paris and elsewhere, warning Soviet and American officials that the tests they are planning should be cancelled before they become their last.

Who’s in it. A State of Emergency stars Martin Sheen, Peter Firth, Fionnula Flanagan and Ramon Estevez, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 1.5/10, A State of Emergency has proved divisive with audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch A State of Emergency page.