The China Syndrome
“People who know the meaning of "The China Syndrome" are scared... Soon you will know.”
Synopsis
While doing a series of reports on alternative energy sources, opportunistic reporter Kimberly Wells witnesses an accident at a nuclear power plant. Wells is determined to publicize the incident, but soon finds herself entangled in a sinister conspiracy to keep the full impact of the incident a secret.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
The China Syndrome (1979) ORIGINAL TRAILER [HD 1080p]
Type: Trailer • Published 2019-04-23
Top Cast
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Jane Fonda
Kimberly Wells
Michael Douglas
Richard Adams
Jack Lemmon
Jack Godell
Scott Brady
Herman De Young
James Hampton
Bill Gibson
Peter Donat
Don Jacovich
Wilford Brimley
Ted Spindler
Richard Herd
Evan McCormack
Daniel Valdez
Hector Salas
Stan Bohrman
Pete Martin
James Karen
Mac Churchill
Michael Alaimo
Greg Minor
Donald Hotton
Dr. Lowell
Khalilah Ali
Marge
Paul Larson
D.B. Royce
Ron Lombard
Barney
Tom Eure
Tommy
Nick Pellegrino
Borden
Release History & Theatrical Window
Cannes Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
March 16, 1979
Wide Cinema Exhibition
October 26, 2004
Physical Home Media
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$5.9M
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$51.7M
Total global ticket sales
Box Office Return
8.77x
+$45.8M net gain
Theatrical Status
Mega Hit
Box office tier
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- James Bridges
- Screenplay & Story
- Mike Gray, T.S. Cook, James Bridges
- Original Title
- The China Syndrome
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 2h 2m
- Production Budget
- $5.9M
- Worldwide Gross
- $51.7M
- Production Studios
- Columbia Pictures, IPC Films
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
James Bridges
Mike Gray, T.S. Cook, James Bridges
James Crabe
David Rawlins
Michael Douglas, Bruce Gilbert
Department Leadership Roster
George Jenkins
Production Design
Donfeld
Costume Design
David Rawlins
Editor
James Bridges
Director
Michael Douglas
Producer
James Crabe
Director of Photography
Mike Gray
Writer
T.S. Cook
Writer
James Bridges
Writer
Carey Loftin
Stunt Coordinator
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 — Recommended for mature viewers.
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Parental Guidance — Unlikely to upset children 8 and older.
Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The China Syndrome.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The China Syndrome.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The China Syndrome
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The China Syndrome about?
While doing a series of reports on alternative energy sources, opportunistic reporter Kimberly Wells witnesses an accident at a nuclear power plant. Wells is determined to publicize the incident, but soon finds herself entangled in a sinister conspiracy to keep the full impact of the incident a secret.
Who directed The China Syndrome?
The China Syndrome was directed by James Bridges.
Who stars in The China Syndrome?
The principal cast of The China Syndrome includes Jane Fonda, Michael Douglas, Jack Lemmon, Scott Brady, James Hampton.
When was The China Syndrome released and how long is it?
The China Syndrome was released in 1979 with a total runtime of 2h 2m.
What was the box office and production budget of The China Syndrome?
The China Syndrome had a reported production budget of $5.9M and grossed $51.7M at the worldwide box office (8.77 return on budget, classified as a blockbuster success).
What is the age rating and content advisory for The China Syndrome?
The China Syndrome holds official age classifications: AU: PG (Parental Guidance — Recommended for mature viewers.); DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); GB: PG (Parental Guidance — Unlikely to upset children 8 and older.); US: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.).