Amazing Grace and Chuck 1987

Field trip shock: Minuteman sight

During a school field trip in Montana, Chuck Murdock is unsettled by the sight of a Minuteman missile. The moment plants a deep anxiety about nuclear weapons that haunts him in nightmares, including a vision of a fork dropping as if to mark the moment of impact. This early event sets Chuck on a path of protest against the arms race.

Chuck protests by refusing to play baseball

Chuck's protest against nuclear weapons leads him to refuse to participate in a Little League game. His stance causes his team to forfeit, highlighting the personal costs of his beliefs. The incident makes the issue visible to his community and beyond.

Amazing Grace Smith learns of Chuck's story

Amazing Grace Smith, a fictional Boston Celtics player, catches a blurb about Chuck in his newspaper and decides to emulate him. He vows to stop playing professional basketball until nuclear weapons are abolished. The decision becomes a national talking point and sets the stage for a larger movement.

Smith moves to Montana and renovates a barn

Smith relocates to Montana and buys an old barn, which he and other athletes renovate into their residence. The makeshift hub becomes a base of operations for their anti-nuclear protest. This physical transformation symbolizes the seriousness of their commitment.

Lynn supports the cause and athletes join

Smith's agent, Lynn, despite initial doubt, decides to support the movement. Pro athletes from around the world join the protest, lending star power and global attention to the cause. The group solidifies into a visible, organized effort.

Pressure to quit intensifies

Chuck and Smith face escalating pressure to abandon their protests, including physical intimidation and threats to their livelihoods. The momentum of the movement meets stiff pushback from powerful interests. The challenge tests their resolve and leadership.

The President meets Chuck

The President of the United States personally meets with Chuck, admiring his resolve but explaining the practical difficulties of achieving an immediate stoppage. The encounter underscores the seriousness of the issue at the highest level. Chuck remains unmoved, reinforcing his commitment to the cause.

Jeffries threatens Lynn and Smith

Corrupt businessman Alexander Jeffries fears the movement will erode his political influence and uses threats against Lynn and Smith. The tension between activism and entrenched power intensifies the stakes of the protest. This antagonism foreshadows further confrontations.

Smith's plane is blown up

While on a flight to San Francisco, Smith's plane is destroyed by an explosion. His death receives worldwide media attention and becomes a rallying point for the movement. Chuck processes the loss as his advocacy takes on a more personal, somber dimension.

Chuck's speech and vow of silence

In the wake of Smith's death, Chuck delivers a speech in admiration of his fallen ally. He then embarks on a vow of silence, inspiring children across the world to do the same. The vow becomes a global symbol of protest and a catalyst for political pressure.

Blimps highlight Jeffries' involvement

Lynn and the pro athletes learn that Smith's plane was owned by Jeffries, and they publicly display his name on Goodyear Blimps to draw attention. The move leverages media visibility to pressure authorities and reshape public opinion. The public spectacle intensifies scrutiny of Jeffries' influence.

FBI investigates, but proof remains elusive

The FBI traces the bombing plane back to Jeffries but cannot provide conclusive evidence that he ordered the attack. The lack of definitive proof complicates the pursuit of accountability, even as political momentum continues to build. Authorities remain watchful over the broader anti-nuclear movement.

President pressures Jeffries to cease business practices

The President directly calls Jeffries and demands that all related business practices cease, signaling the government's willingness to use authority to quell the threat. Jeffries is placed under intense surveillance as part of the crackdown. This confrontation highlights the clash between activism and corrupt power.

US and Soviet leaders agree to dismantle arsenals

The President meets with the leader of the Soviet Union and they decide to dismantle their nuclear arsenals as quickly as possible. The diplomatic breakthrough demonstrates how public moral courage can influence global policy. The agreement marks a turning point in the broader arms-control effort.