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| The Missiles of October | 
 enlarge | Director: Anthony Page
Actors: William Devane, Ralph Bellamy, Howard Da Silva, James Hong, Martin Sheen
Studio: Mpi Home Video
Category: DVD
List Price: $14.98
Buy New: $9.24
You Save: $5.74 (38%)
New (29) Used (15) Collectible (2) from $8.07
Avg. Customer Rating:  37 reviews
Sales Rank: 8133
Format: Color, Dvd-video, Ntsc
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Subtitled)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Number Of Items: 1
Running Time: 150
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: D6324D
ISBN: 0788603221
UPC: 030306632421
EAN: 9780788603228
ASIN: B00005JXI7
Theatrical Release Date: December 18, 1974
Release Date: June 26, 2001
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: BRAND NEW AND FACTORY SEALED
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com
Without becoming didactic, The Missiles of October does an outstanding job of presenting many points of view on the Cuban missile crisis. The film humanizes Kennedy's near impossible task of avoiding war without compromising national security. The earnestness of this 1974 made-for-television dramatization may briefly remind one of social studies class--indeed it is at times difficult to maintain consciousness while the extensive cast of characters is being introduced at the opening. Not to worry, though--soon the power plays begin and The Missiles of October becomes completely gripping. Actual news footage is spliced in with the action, nicely serving as exposition and driving home just how very close the world came to nuclear war. A crew of excellent character actors flesh out the story and reveal the psychological games behind the language of diplomacy. William Devane takes on the difficult task of playing John F. Kennedy. While he doesn't quite capture Kennedy's charisma, he does occupy the role comfortably and effectively conveys the president's deep worry and determination to avoid war. Martin Sheen plays an engaging Robert Kennedy and Michael Lerner, oddly enough, manages to make Pierre Salinger absolutely fascinating. --Ali Davis
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| Customer Reviews: Read 32 more reviews...
 A Timely Revisit November 3, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
I took the time to revisit this film in view of the near end of the elections. While the 1974 made for TV production values pale in comparison to contemporary efforts--I must say that the cast is excellent. As Bush prepares to exit office, this film is a reminder of what grace under pressure was about. And how close we came to nuclear war in 1962. I was a 9 year old child then and could not really appreciate state of the world. But in 46 years hence (and considering what we've had to live under the last 8 years), it is clear to me that if we had had a less thoughtful president---we would have been plunged into the abyss of nuclear destruction. Thank GOD Bush was not president then.
 The Missiles of October October 15, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
I bought this to share with my two sons. I had watched it my Junior year in High School. I remember how shocked I was at the time as I had no knowledge of any of this taking place. It's done, not so much as a movie but almost more as a documentary. I feel it's better than the more recent movie done on this subject starring Kevin Costner as it gives you more of a feeling of watching history unfold. I would HIGHLY recommend this movie.
Sweating Armageddon... September 13, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
1974's "The Missiles of October" is a powerfully acted and still compelling TV docudrama of the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, as the United States and Soviet Union came perilously clsoe to war over the placement of nuclear missiles in Cuba.
The presentation is stark but engrossing, in the manner of the film version of "Twelve Angry Men." An excellent cast of TV character actors inhabit a series of austere sets meant to replicate the White House, the Presidium of the Soviet Union, and a handful of other venues where crucial decisions were debated. The austere sets increase the tight focus on the principals as they struggle with the crisis and with their emotions. William Devane and a young Martin Sheen are outstanding as President John F. Kennedy and his brother Robert, at the center of an agonizing decision-making process. Howard de Silva plays a cantankerous and cunning Soviet Chairman Khrushchev, who discovers he may be riding a tiger he cannot dismount in the crisis.
The story is presented in a even-handed manner that reinforces the difficulties for both the Americans and the Soviets, including the supreme challenge for each of correctly decerning the intentions of the other. The intercutting of actual film footage showing military preparations adds to the building suspense. The dialogue is drawn or extrapolated from the historical record.
This film works both as a drama and as an exploration of an historical event still studied as a model of crisis decision-making. "The Missiles of October" is very highly recommended to those who remember the event and those who wish to study it.
A Movie Everyone Should See October 19, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I lived through the Missiles of October. It is still amazing and truly frightening to see how close we came to nuclear war. No Senator, Congressional Rep, candidate for President, or informed voter should miss this film. I'd seen it on TV, then bought the video. The DVD makes the scenes even more immediate. All the acting is superb. Want to know why we need a President who can THINK? This is why.
THE ULTIMATE WMDS October 13, 2007
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
THE MISSILES OF OCTOBER is a tense, tight, made for TV, docudrama about the Cuban missile crisis. It is a Golden Laurel award-winning film based on all historical evidence about those 13 days in October, 1962. Many of us have forgotten or never knew the crisis 45 years ago that brought us to the edge of nuclear war and possible extinction of life as we know it. Unbeknown to America and with full denial from Russia, the USSR had begun to build a nuclear missile arsenal in Cuba that was capable of destroying all of America and most of South America and it was 90 miles from our shores. When a U-2 spy plane discovered the project from 14 miles above the earth, it precipitated perhaps one of the greatest confrontations in world history. The two superpowers, the two nations capable of annihilating one another were face to face. Not that these weapons weren't already the greatest concern of the world already, but why was Russia putting these clearly 'offensive weapons' only 90 miles from the U.S. What were they up to? JFK and his administration had 10 days to figure it out and react before the missiles would be fully installed. The film is about those 13 days in October when the U.S. and Russia played the ultimate nuclear chess game. The film is mostly about the American side but also shows a very interesting side of the Russians during this time as it bounces back and forth between the two leaders. The tension was unimaginable as this was no theoretical discussion about war, this was nuclear war on our doorstep. It makes the discussion of WMD's in Iraq look like a elementary discussion. In reality, this might be a great film for all our leaders to watch before going to war. Kennedy had to face Kruschev as well as his own military machine, who wanted to take out the nuclear weapons with military force. Kennedy, for all his personal flaws, really seemed to grasp the dangers of war and what responding militarily could do to the world. He chose, instead, to use our military might as the bargaining chip for peace. Kruschev, also, had to battle his 'comrades' who were eager to take on the U.S. and he showed great courage in standing up to them and negotiating with the U.S. This is a well done film about a historical moment in our history that could have changed the course of world history overnight. As one reviewer said, this proves that history does not have to be boring. Should be required viewing for everyone under 50 as a reminder that we can deal with the most difficult of all situations and not have to go to war, even though it could have ended up with two nations destroying each other. [...]
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