The Emergency Channel
The Emergency Channel

Movie spotlight

The Emergency Channel

1973
Movie
75 min
English

Dean has a rare talent. He can be made happy. He exudes happiness and confidence like a rare blossom. Both Sarah in the past, and Julia now, could do this for him. But where are they now that he is alone in Battersea Park with two suitcases and no memory?

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Director: David GreeneGenres: Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

A television network's emergency broadcast system is accidentally activated during a live news program, leading to widespread panic and chaos. The ensuing situation tests the mettle of the station's staff as they struggle to regain control and disseminate accurate information. The film explores the fragility of communication and the potential for misinformation to spiral out of control in a crisis.

Critical Reception

The Emergency Channel was a made-for-television film that received a mixed to positive reception. Critics noted its timely themes and suspenseful nature, particularly given the anxieties of the Cold War era. While some found the plot somewhat predictable, others praised its exploration of media responsibility and public reaction to crisis.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its suspenseful premise and exploration of media's role during crises.

  • Some viewers found the pacing uneven and the resolution somewhat contrived.

  • The film effectively captured a sense of media-induced panic.

Google audience: Audience reviews for The Emergency Channel are scarce due to its made-for-TV nature and age, making it difficult to provide a specific summary of Google user sentiment.

Fun Fact

The film was part of ABC's "Movie of the Week" anthology series, which often tackled contemporary social and political issues.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review