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The War Game

Controversial drama depicting the consequences of a nuclear attack on Britain. The film was made in 1965 but not televised until 1985 as the BBC judged it 'too horrifying'.

Controversial drama that depicts the consequences of a nuclear attack on Britain. The terrible aftermath of a nuclear bomb in Kent is portrayed in the style of a news programme.

Written and directed by Peter Watkins, The War Game won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 1966, even though the BBC decided not to show it when it was made as 'the effect of the film has been judged by the BBC to be too horrifying for the medium of broadcasting'. The film was finally televised on 31 July 1985.

6 months left to watch

46 minutes

Last on

Thu 31 Jul 202502:10
BBC Four

About BBC Four Collection programmes

Programmes are selected, in part, for their historical context and reflect the broadcast standards and attitudes of their time, which may not accord to some current BBC editorial guidelines. We aim to select programmes which can be shown in their entirety but in some cases edits are required.

Credits

DirectorPeter Watkins
WriterPeter Watkins

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