By Dawn's Early Light
“Four people... Three minutes... Two choices... One chance for survival.”
Synopsis
A nuclear warhead launched by Soviet insurgents protesting the waning Cold War destroys the Ukrainian city of Donetsk. The destruction sets off a race between American and Soviet politicians to prevent a nuclear holocaust. While the U.S. president feverishly works to keep the military and political machine from going into overdrive, various subordinates panic. When the president is believed to be killed in a helicopter crash, zealous advisers take over.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
By Dawn's Early Light (1990) Trailer (Fan Made)
Type: Trailer • Published 2015-07-02
Top Cast
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Powers Boothe
Cassidy
Rebecca De Mornay
Moreau
James Earl Jones
Alice
Martin Landau
President
Darren McGavin
Condor
Rip Torn
Colonel Fargo
Jeffrey DeMunn
Harpoon
Peter MacNicol
Sedgwick
Glenn Withrow
Tyler
Ronald William Lawrence
Hooker
Kieran Mulroney
Radnor
Nicolas Coster
Icarus
Ken Jenkins
Sam
Randal Patrick
O'Toole
Daniel Benzali
Bascombe
Robert O'Reilly
FEMA Radioman
Annabella Price
FEMA Bunker Nurse
Ann Gillespie
Marie
Release History & Theatrical Window
May 19, 1990
Wide Cinema Exhibition
November 1, 1990
Physical Home Media
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Jack Sholder
- Screenplay & Story
- Bruce Gilbert, William Prochnau
- Original Score
- Trevor Jones
- Original Title
- By Dawn's Early Light
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 41m
- Production Studios
- Daniel L. Paulson Productions, HBO
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Jack Sholder
Bruce Gilbert, William Prochnau
Trevor Jones
Alexander Gruszynski
Tony Lombardo
Bruce Gilbert, Thomas M. Hammel
Department Leadership Roster
Jack Sholder
Director
Thomas M. Hammel
Producer
Trevor Jones
Original Music Composer
Alexander Gruszynski
Director of Photography
Tony Lombardo
Editor
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
PG: Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.
International Certification Matrix
Suitable only for 15 years and over.
Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for By Dawn's Early Light.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring By Dawn's Early Light.
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Frequently Asked Questions About By Dawn's Early Light
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is By Dawn's Early Light about?
A nuclear warhead launched by Soviet insurgents protesting the waning Cold War destroys the Ukrainian city of Donetsk. The destruction sets off a race between American and Soviet politicians to prevent a nuclear holocaust. While the U.S. president feverishly works to keep the military and political machine from going into overdrive, various subordinates panic. When the president is believed to be killed in a helicopter crash, zealous advisers take over.
Who directed By Dawn's Early Light?
By Dawn's Early Light was directed by Jack Sholder.
Who stars in By Dawn's Early Light?
The principal cast of By Dawn's Early Light includes Powers Boothe, Rebecca De Mornay, James Earl Jones, Martin Landau, Darren McGavin.
When was By Dawn's Early Light released and how long is it?
By Dawn's Early Light was released in 1990 with a total runtime of 1h 41m.
Who composed the musical score for By Dawn's Early Light?
The original motion picture soundtrack for By Dawn's Early Light was composed by Trevor Jones.
Is By Dawn's Early Light based on a book or true story?
By Dawn's Early Light is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "William Prochnau".
What is the age rating and content advisory for By Dawn's Early Light?
By Dawn's Early Light holds official age classifications: GB: 15 (Suitable only for 15 years and over.); US: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.).