Page "The Day After" Paragraph 19

However, Meyer wanted to make sure he would film the script he was offered.

He didn't want the censors to chop up the film, nor did he want the film to be a regular Hollywood disaster movie from the start.

Meyer figured the more The Day After resembled such a film, the less effective it would be.

Meyer just wanted to dump the facts on nuclear war in people's laps.

So first of all he made it clear to ABC that no TV or film stars should be in The Day After.

ABC agreed, although they wanted to have one star to help attract European audiences to the film when it would be shown theatrically there.

Later, while flying to visit his parents in New York City, Meyer happened to be on the same plane with Jason Robards and asked the star to join the cast.