Incident at Browns Ferry

Watch Incident at Browns Ferry

  • 1977
  • 59 min

Incident at Browns Ferry is a 1977 docudrama directed by Fielder Cook based on the nuclear accident at the Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant in Alabama. The movie was produced by David Susskind and features Richard Kiley, Ralph E. Lapp, and Norman Rassmussen in lead roles. The story is centered around a professional nuclear engineer, Dr. Rassmussen who works at an atomic power plant in Alabama. One day, an incident occurs at the Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant where a fire breaks out in the electrical control area of the plant. The control room is filled with smoke and the operators are unable to restore the control of the reactors. This causes a chain reaction, leading to a partial meltdown in one of the reactors of the plant.

Dr. Rassmussen, who is an expert in nuclear safety, is called in to help solve the crisis. He arrives at the plant and tries to assist the plant’s management, but he finds that none of the plant’s workers are trained in handling such an accident. He also finds that there are no safety protocols in place to handle situations like this, and the operators and managers are ill-prepared to deal with the crisis.

The movie goes on to show the heroic efforts by the plant’s workers to put out the fire and the brave men who risk their lives to keep the situation under control. Dr. Rassmussen, who is an advocate of safety and proper procedures, battles with the plant’s management who are more focused on not disclosing the incident to the public for fear of giving a bad name to the nuclear industry.

As the situation unfolds, the tension builds and there are moments of high drama as the nuclear threat escalates. The film captures the sheer terror of such a situation and how it impacts everyone involved. There are scenes of chaos and confusion, fear, and panic, as well as a sense of hopelessness and resignation.

Overall, Incident at Browns Ferry is a gripping account of the dangers of nuclear power and the importance of safety in such facilities. It raises important questions about how we should manage the nuclear industry and the consequences of failures in safety procedures. The movie is a must-watch for anyone interested in the dangers of nuclear power and the importance of safety in operating such facilities.

Incident at Browns Ferry is an important piece of American nuclear history, and the movie does an excellent job of capturing the drama and tension of such a situation. The performances are strong and authentic, and the movie’s pacing is well-done, keeping the viewer engaged throughout. Although it was made over forty years ago, the message of this docudrama is as relevant today as it was then. This is a powerful and thought-provoking film that should not be missed.

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Description
  • Release Date
    1977
  • Runtime
    59 min