In the aftermath of the nuclear blast, footage of a cat supposedly "suffocating" outside in the extreme heat is shown. This is actually footage of a cat enjoying a hefty dose of catnip, then they just reversed the film to give the impression of the cat suffocating (the way the cat is rolling on the ground is the giveaway).
Helpful•4620
While shooting the movie, the BBC got in trouble with local police when they detonated a large smoke bomb in order to simulate a nuclear explosion. Members of the public, who were not aware that a movie was being shot, panicked and thought that a real explosion had occurred.
Helpful•3072
US television magnate Ted Turner wanted to air this film on TBS, his cable TV network, but couldn't find a sponsor. He decided to broadcast the film out of his own pocket.
Helpful•3483
Shortly after the film's broadcast on the BBC, Ronald Reagan made a speech that was less aggressive than expected. A cartoon on the front of the London Times on 25th September 1984 depicted one person reading a headline "Reagan's peace speech" and another asking, "Do you think he saw Threads?"
Helpful•2502
A Salvation Army brass band is seen marching down a street during a demonstration. This was not scripted, the band was returning from an "open air" service and had unexpectedly marched in on the filming. Mick Jackson loved the unexpected interruption and kept the cameras rolling.
Helpful•2002
