Panic in the City is a 1968 Conspiracy Thriller, Made-for-TV Movie.
A rogue Soviet Operative plans to detonate an atomic bomb in Los Angeles, and Agent Dave Pomeroy works around the clock to stop him.
Due to the nature of the plot, spoilers will remain unmarked.
The most terrifying tropes of our times!
- Ace Pilot: Agent Dave Pomeroy is a reserve pilot for the Coast Guard, and can fly a helicopter from a suburban area out to the coast on short notice, a handy skill for disposing of a nuke.
- Assassins Are Always Betrayed: When Best's hitman starts asking questions regarding why an already dying man needed to be killed, Best has him killed himself.
- Bittersweet Ending: Pomeroy dies of radiation poisoning while disposing of the bomb, but still manages to save the day.
- Born in the Wrong Century: Subverted. Agent Dave Pomeroy makes a quip about Dr. Paula Stevens not looking like a doctor (since she is an attractive latina woman), in response to her saying that he doesn't look like an NBI agent (because he is middle aged). However, he quickly decides that she is trustworthy and competent.
- Callousness Towards Emergency: When Karl Sinden, a scientist working for August Best, collapses in the street of radiation poisoning, a bystander (later revealed as Best himself), steals his possessions.
- Covert Group with Mundane Front: The operatives use an art dealership in order to cover up their shady espionage activities.
- Deadly Doctor: Goff, one of Best's assassins, disguises himself in medical attire to assassinate a sickly scientist in a hospital, using a syringe to do the deed.
- Glory Hound: Best's patriotism is little more than a desire for personal glory as an operative, and he even kills his superior, Steadman, when the latter refuses to support his scheme.
- He Knows Too Much: Best has multiple people killed as witnesses.
- Hospital Hottie: Dr. Paula Stevens is an attractive doctor who assists Agent Dave Pomeroy with his case.
- Nuke 'em: Best has an atomic bomb built in Los Angeles for the purpose of its destruction, and he plans to use similar bombs in other cities.
- Renegade Russian: While he may be employed by the Soviets, Best is not above carrying out his own vicious agenda to nuke LA.
- Rogue Agent: Best, a Soviet operative, builds an atomic bomb against the wishes of his superiors.
- The Spook: Little is known about Best other than the fact that he is a rogue Soviet operative; not his true name, date of birth, or true origins.
- Weapon of Mass Destruction: August Best is constructing an atomic bomb in the hopes of leveling the city of Los Angeles.
