Alerta atómica

Its been decades (literally) since I saw this film but after talking with co-workers today about Karen Silkwood (today is the anniversary of her death) I began to recollect this movie. From what I remember Janet Margolin was a decent lead actress for this film. THe story wasn't lifted "directly" from the "Silkwood/KerrMcGee" case but you can see the essence of it in the film with its drama based on nuclear power plant, plutonium contamination, corporate coverups and a ending similar to Karen Silkwood's. This film has been lost to the foreign market so it is doubtful I'll get to see it and compare it to Silkwood on a real-time basis but if you happen to catch it, check it out and compare for yourself.

OK, this is a sort of SILKWOOD before its time, cause Mike Nichols feature was made in 1983, three years later. This TV film is rather OK, inspired from actual events I guess, but what I want to say is that the acting is so terrible, especially Powers Boothe who seemingly thinks about everything else whilst he plays is manager role. he seems to think about a joke heard a little earlier from a buddy of his. That's my feeling anyway. Margolin seems to behave like this from time to time on the movie, not always although. Bo Hopkins is fine. I have seen far better performances in many Tv épisodes, whith so realistic pictures of all kinds of characters.

Following on the heels of THE CHINA SYNDROME the year before, THE PLUTONIUM INCIDENT tells the tale of sinister goings-on at a plutonium reprocessing facility. While it has a good cast, the story is strictly standard with the usual corporate bad guys, the crusading female protester, and the evil government agency.

Sunny and cheerful Judith Longden (Janet Margolin) takes a new job at a reprocessing plant in Oregon. Soon she hooks up with Art Reeves (Bo Hopkins) and begins to uncover frightening evidence of hazardous working conditions and associated cover-ups. They are also joined by Harry Skirvan (Joseph Campanella) in their fight for justice. Longden's house is invaded by industry thugs wearing protective suits, she is subjected to humiliating medical tests, and a sinister Nuclear Regulatory Commission guy (J.A. Preston) abducts her and threatens all kinds of consequences if she doesn't shut up. Longden ends up dead, after which the facility is demolished by a crew with a wrecking ball.

I kept waiting for a satisfying payoff to all of this, but it never came. The film's abrupt, vague and unsatisfactory ending just left me wondering what the rest of the movie was about. The basic plot with evil, shadowy industrialists and government bureaucrats threatening innocent workers has been used so many times that the edge is gone. Still, seeing the late Ms. Margolin is always worthwhile, and the rest of the cast is very good. This film is no classic but it will keep your attention for an hour and a half, especially if you appreciate suspense films.