A State of Emergency
“A chain reaction. Only he can stop it. Tomorrow's dawn is in his hands.”
Synopsis
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.
Top Cast
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Martin Sheen
Alex Carmody
Peter Firth
Ken Parrish
Fionnula Flanagan
Diane Carmody
Ramon Estevez
Brian Carmody
William Hootkins
Earl Linton
Tim Pigott-Smith
Father Joe Ryan
Frances Tomelty
Jackie Hampton
François Guétary
Jean-Pierre Belair
Kenneth Haigh
Nathan Weis
Daniel Woźniak
Uri Lopte
Dudley Sutton
Mikhail S. Petrov
Bobby Sherman
Jack Tyler
Valerie Braddell
Jacinta
Ted Carrere
Beale
Richard Drout Miller
Grissom
Bertie Cortez
Assante
Tomasz Białkowski
Embassy Clerk
Michael Morris
Nuclear Guard
Release History & Theatrical Window
November 1, 1986
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$5
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
Pending
Total global ticket sales
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Richard C. Bennett
- Screenplay & Story
- Tom Guggino, Ray Cunneff
- Original Score
- Georges Garvarentz
- Original Title
- A State of Emergency
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 37m
- Production Budget
- $5
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Richard C. Bennett
Tom Guggino, Ray Cunneff
Georges Garvarentz
Willy Kurant
Catherine Kelber
Richard C. Bennett
Department Leadership Roster
Willy Holt
Production Design
Catherine Kelber
Editor
Tom Guggino
Writer
Ray Cunneff
Writer
Richard C. Bennett
Director
Richard C. Bennett
Producer
Willy Kurant
Director of Photography
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
Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for A State of Emergency.
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Frequently Asked Questions About A State of Emergency
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is A State of Emergency 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 directed A State of Emergency?
A State of Emergency was directed by Richard C. Bennett.
Who stars in A State of Emergency?
The principal cast of A State of Emergency includes Martin Sheen, Peter Firth, Fionnula Flanagan, Ramon Estevez, William Hootkins.
When was A State of Emergency released and how long is it?
A State of Emergency was released in 1986 with a total runtime of 1h 37m.
Who composed the musical score for A State of Emergency?
The original motion picture soundtrack for A State of Emergency was composed by Georges Garvarentz.
What is the age rating and content advisory for A State of Emergency?
A State of Emergency holds official age classifications: US: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.).