Review of By Dawn's Early Light (1990) by Craig E — 16 May 2009

HBO has always been known for producing stellar telefilms. "By Dawn's Early Light" stands as one of their early best, chronicling a coerced nuclear war and the resulting chaos that spirals the situation out of control. The ensemble cast includes Martin Landau, James Earl Jones, Darren McGavin, Powers Boothe, Rebecca DeMornay, Rip Torn and countless others (many before they became noted stars).

Many Hollywood films tend to condescend military personnel as being mindless automatons unable to think on their own. However, this film takes an honest examination of both the military and the civilian government, showing them both to be equally susceptible to mistakes or moments of brilliant perception and tactical intelligence. In this, the film doesn't fall into cliches easily and becomes that much more convincing.

As a telefilm from the early 1990's, budget visual effects and the use of sets over on-location shots do tend to cheapen the overall experience and confirms it as a television film rather than a feature film. However, in comparison to network telefilms, this one still stands out amongst anything else of its time as being first rate.

If you are a fan of cold war drama and suspense such as that offered by films such as "Fail Safe", "By Dawn's Early Light" is a welcome addition to the genre's family.