30 years ago Tuesday: U.S. premiere of 'Threads' [View all]

[Newsjock]

As far as I can tell, this anniversary is not being marked anywhere. On January 13, 1985, TBS aired the U.S. television premiere of the BBC movie Threads, which depicted a nuclear attack on Sheffield, England, and its nightmarish aftermath.

It's one of the singular defining influences on my life.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Threads

Shot on a budget of £250,000–350,000, the film was notable in being the first of its kind to depict a nuclear winter. Certain reviewers have nominated Threads as the "film which comes closest to representing the full horror of nuclear war and its aftermath, as well as the catastrophic impact that the event would have on human culture".

Associated Press, 1/12/1985:
http://www.apnewsarchive.com/1985/TBS-Promoting-British-Film-With-Fervor/id-8758c05347c36c0239e680de9fe9ed25

A graphic British television film about a fictional nuclear attack will be shown the week of Jan. 13 by the Turner Broadcasting System Inc., which is promoting the program with a crusader's fervor.

The film, ''Threads,'' will make its American debut Sunday night on Ted Turner's WTBS cable station, followed Monday by a documentary about the effects of the so-called ''nuclear winter'' and a panel discussion on the dangers of nuclear war. In all, WTBS will devote 4 1/2 hours to the subject over the two nights.

''No one is immune to the threat of nuclear destruction,'' said Turner, chairman of the WTBS board and head of Cable News Network. ''By airing programs like 'Threads' and (the documentary) 'On the 8th Day,' it's my intention to increase the public's consciousness of the potential dangers of nuclear proliferation.

''I dream of a future when our children will be free from the fear of world destruction,'' Turner said.

When the movie later premiered on television in Manitoba, here is the chilling introduction that was given by the station manager: