City on Fire Poster

City on Fire 1979

★ 5.039 votes106 min📅 1979-07-11

"What Happened to Them Could Happen to You... In Any City Anywhere!"

Directed by Alvin Rakoff, *City on Fire (1979)* transforms a quiet urban landscape into a blazing inferno after a disgruntled ex-employee sabotages a city oil refinery.

Director: Alvin Rakoff

Cast

Barry Newman
Barry Newman
Dr. Frank Whitman
Susan Clark
Susan Clark
Diana Brockhurst-Lautrec
Shelley Winters
Shelley Winters
Nurse Andrea Harper
Leslie Nielsen
Leslie Nielsen
Mayor William Dudley
James Franciscus
James Franciscus
Jimbo
Ava Gardner
Ava Gardner
Maggie Grayson
Henry Fonda
Henry Fonda
Fire Chief Risley
Jonathan Welsh
Jonathan Welsh
Herman Stover
Hilary Farr
Hilary Farr
Mrs. Adams
Richard Donat
Richard Donat
Captain Harrison Risley

Frequently Asked Questions

What is City on Fire (1979) about?

This gripping 1970s action thriller follows a vengeful ex-employee who ignites a catastrophic fire at an oil refinery, setting off a chain reaction that engulfs an entire city in flames. As panic spreads, authorities scramble to contain the disaster while residents fight for survival amid the spreading inferno.

Who directed City on Fire?

City on Fire (1979) was directed by Alvin Rakoff, known for his work in intense drama and suspense films.

Who stars in City on Fire?

The film features a powerhouse cast led by Barry Newman, Susan Clark, Shelley Winters, Leslie Nielsen, and Ava Gardner.

Is City on Fire (1979) worth watching?

While not a modern blockbuster, *City on Fire* offers solid 1970s action with a compelling disaster premise and strong performances. Fans of gritty thrillers from the era will find it a tense, if dated, experience worth streaming or downloading for its nostalgic appeal.

How long is City on Fire?

City on Fire (1979) has a runtime of 106 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About City on Fire (1979) — A High-Stakes Disaster Thriller from the 1970s

Directed by Alvin Rakoff, *City on Fire (1979)* transforms a quiet urban landscape into a blazing inferno after a disgruntled ex-employee sabotages a city oil refinery. The resulting explosion triggers a catastrophic chain reaction, trapping residents in a nightmare of flames and chaos as fires rage uncontrollably through every corner of the city. With suspense building at every frame, this action thriller captures the fragility of modern life and the terrifying speed at which disaster can strike.

The film's tense atmosphere is amplified by its all-star cast, including Barry Newman as the vengeful perpetrator, Susan Clark as his determined pursuer, and legends like Shelley Winters and Ava Gardner adding depth to the high-stakes drama. Rakoff's direction keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, blending relentless action with human drama to explore themes of vengeance, survival, and the unintended consequences of unchecked industrial power.