The China Syndrome
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.
Critics Sentiment
Godell demands live television interview with Wells to expose truth
Kimberly Wells introduced as fluff reporter in TV newsroom
The film builds from slow character setup to its explosive climax where Godell seizes the control room, representing a 2.7 point jump in audience engagement.
Critics universally praised The China Syndrome as a masterfully crafted thriller that builds deliberate tension from its authentic opening through to its explosive climax. Jack Lemmon's performance anchors the film, with reviewers highlighting his transformation from compliant employee to desperate whistleblower as genuinely compelling. The film's prescient timing with Three Mile Island elevated its impact, but critics consistently noted it works as both political statement and edge-of-your-seat entertainment.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 64
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
Daniel Lewk
Donny
Allan Chinn
Holt
Crew
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