Advance to Ground Zero (1989): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1989, Advance to Ground Zero is a drama and tv movie film directed by Peter Markle, running about 99 minutes. “How Close Can You Get To Hell?” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Dr. Alexander Brown (Martin Sheen) arrives in Las Vegas, awarded for his recent medical invention. An ex-G.I. tells Brown he was a test subject during the 1950's, exposed to atomic bomb radiation in the Nevada desert-- will Brown help the man uncover the truth? In 1950's Nevada, Brown (played by Emilio Estevez) is a young psychiatrist and a guest of the U.S. Army, where soldiers were routinely exposed to excessive radiation. The young Brown and a colleague interview soldiers, who show their ignorance and insouciance in the face of this danger. The movie intercuts scenes between the young Alexander Brown and older Alexander Brown, some thirty years after the nuclear tests. Will the decorated psychiatrist finally speak out on the atrocity he witnessed?

Who’s in it. Advance to Ground Zero stars Martin Sheen as Dr. Alexander Brown - Present, Emilio Estevez as Dr. Alexander Brown - Past, Lea Thompson as Sally Matthews and Melinda Dillon as Paula Brown, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 7.1/10, Advance to Ground Zero has been warmly received by audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Advance to Ground Zero page.

If you liked it. Fans of Advance to Ground Zero tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.