The Chain Reaction (1980)

Director: Ian Barry

Starring: Steve Bisley, Arna-Maria Winchester, Ross Thompson

A holidaying couple is pursued by the thugs of a nearby nuclear storage facility’s boss, who is intent on covering up an accidental leak.

After being contaminated when an earthquake causes a leak at a waste management plant, an engineer, Heinrich, realizes he has to warn the public. The company is more interested in protecting their interests, though, and thugs pursue Heinrich when he goes on the run.

Heinrich stumbles upon the home of Larry and Carmel, where he collapses. Carmel is a nurse and takes care of Heinrich, although Larry doesn’t trust him. Larry is a mechanic and fast driver, and his skills are put to the test when their lives are endangered. In the process, Larry becomes the film’s action hero.

Heinrich is suffering from temporary memory loss. He remembers he had to warn people of an impending disaster, but can’t recall what it entails. To make matters worse, he doesn’t have much time with the radiation consuming him. The film becomes an action-packed race against time to warn the public.

I must be honest, there were times when I had a difficult time trying to understand what was actually going on. In general, the movie was entertaining enough and I enjoyed the good car chase climax.

Steve Bisley stars as Larry, and the film uses every excuse to show off his lean, hairy body – and I’m certainly not complaining!

‘The Chain Reaction’ received award nominations for Best International Film, Best Supporting Actress, Best Sound, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Editing, and Best Cinematography.

Would I watch it again? I don’t think so.