Set in the early fifties, this razor-sharp adaptation of the novel by Richard Condon concerns the decorated U.S. Army sergeant Raymond Shaw, who as a prisoner during the Korean War is brainwashed into being a sleeper assassin in a Communist conspiracy, and a fellow POW who slowly uncovers the sinister plot.

Set in the early fifties, this razor-sharp adaptation of the novel by Richard Condon concerns the decorated U.S. Army sergeant Raymond Shaw, who as a prisoner during the Korean War is brainwashed into being a sleeper assassin in a Communist conspiracy, and a fellow POW who slowly uncovers the sinister plot.

A group of paranoia-inspired, war-happy generals manage to initiate an "accidential" nuclear apocalypse. Joint Chief of Staff "Buck" Turgidson and Air Force Strategic Commander Jack Ripper, order a bomber squadron to attack the USSR. This triggers a Soviet secret weapon called the 'Doomsday Machine.' The weapon is a diabolical retaliatory missile system. In an attempt to advert this catastrophe, British Captain Lionel Mandrake becomes the only person with access to Gen. Ripper. U.S. President Muffley, whose best attempt at diverting this disaster depends on convincing a boozed-up Soviet Premier it's all a silly mistake. Advising the president is Dr. Strangelove, a demented ex-Nazi scientist.

In this dark comedy, chaos erupts when a general orders an attack on the Russians, which subsequently will trigger the Russian "Doomsday Device." The President and his aides struggle to find a way to stop the impending doom.