The China Syndrome

– A modern nightmare nearly becomes reality in this tension-filled story about an "incident" at a nucl..

Type:
Movie
Rating:
7.40 / 10
Duration:
2 Hours and 2 Minutes
Release Year:
1979
The China Syndrome (1979)

A modern nightmare nearly becomes reality in this tension-filled story about an "incident" at a nuclear power plant. Jane Fonda stars as Kimberly Wells, an ambitious TV reporter covering a story on energy sources, who is present at the nuclear plant when a startling accident occurs that nearly causes the meltdown of the reactor. A newsreel cameraman accompanying Wells (Michael Douglas) captures the incident on film but the television station won't air the footage. Though the plant's corporate heads are quick to deny the possibility of any real danger, Jack Godell (Jack Lemmon), the plant's veteran engineer, discovers faulty equipment at the plant. Attempting to tell others about his findings, an attempt is made on his life. In desperation, he forcibly takes control of the power plant and invites the media to hear his ceremony. But the corporation is determined to stop him in a taut and shocking climax!

Story Timeline:
Producing Country:
USA
Filming Locations:
Genre:

The China Syndrome (1979) - Trailer

Release Date:

16 Mar 1979

Language:

English

MPAA Content-Rating:
PG – Parental Guidance Suggested

Some material may not be suitable for children. Parents urged to give "parental guidance". May contain some material parents might not like for their young children.

Director:

James Bridges

Writer:

Mike Gray, T.S. Cook, James Bridges

Main Actors:

Jane Fonda, Jack Lemmon, Michael Douglas, Scott Brady

Plot:

While doing a series of reports on alternative energy sources, an opportunistic reporter Kimberly Wells witnesses an accident at a nuclear power plant. Wells is determined to publicise the incident but soon finds herself entangled in a sinister conspiracy to keep the full impact of the incident a secret.

Awards:

Nominated for 4 Oscars. Another 7 wins & 11 nominations.

Production:

Columbia Pictures

Ratings:
Internet Movie Database:
7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes:
84%
Metacritic:
81%