Watch Panic in Year Zero!

Panic in Year Zero! is a 1962 American science fiction thriller film directed by and starring Ray Milland. The film also stars Jean Hagen and Frankie Avalon. The movie was produced by American International Pictures. The story of the movie revolves around the Baldwin family - Harry Baldwin (Ray Milland), his wife Ann Baldwin (Jean Hagen), and their teenage children Rick (Frankie Avalon) and Karen (Mary Mitchel). The Baldwins are on a weekend fishing trip to the mountains when they witness a nuclear explosion. Panicked and aware of the death and destruction they had just witnessed, they realize that they must flee from the city they were planning to return to.

The family heads to a small, secluded mountain cabin belonging to Harry's boss that he and his family use for vacations. As they make their way towards the cabin, they try to calm themselves and figure out what to do next. Meanwhile, they are constantly afraid of the possibility of another nuclear attack and the chaos and destruction it could bring.

Once they reach the cabin, the Baldwins realize that they are not the only ones who had the same idea. The cabin is already occupied by a group of young thugs who plan to rob and kill anyone who comes in their way. The Baldwins must now fight for their survival and protect themselves against the violent intruders.

The situation outside the cabin is also terrifying. The Baldwins hear news on the radio that martial law has been imposed and that lawlessness and depravity are rapidly becoming the norm in society. As they try to survive this new world order, each family member also deals with their own personal struggles, including anxiety and paranoia.

Throughout the movie, the tense and nervous atmosphere is palpable, as we witness the Baldwin family's struggle to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. The movie depicts the chaos and desperation that arise in a society when all order and structure have been destroyed. It also explores the psychology of survival as the characters deal with their own vulnerabilities and demons in the face of an existential threat.

The acting performances in the movie are commendable, with Ray Milland portraying Harry Baldwin as a stoic, determined, and resourceful father who does everything he can to protect his family. Jean Hagen as Ann Baldwin delivers a compelling performance, effectively conveying the fear and anxiety that the character experiences. Frankie Avalon as Rick Baldwin, the young son, brings a sense of hope and charm to the movie.

The movie is notable for its consideration of Cold War fears during the early 1960s. It also portrays the fear of nuclear warfare, which was a prominent fear during that time. With the Cuban Missile Crisis and the threat of nuclear annihilation looming over, the film undoubtedly struck a chord with its audience.

Overall, Panic in Year Zero! is a tense, gripping, and thought-provoking movie that explores the depths of human fear and resilience in the face of a catastrophic event. It is a movie that remains relevant even in today's world, where we continue to grapple with the dangers of global warming, terrorism, and political instability.

Panic in Year Zero! is a 1962 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.