Lynne Littman directed Testament, based on a three-page story titled “The Last Testament” by Carol Amen, adapted to the screen by John Sacret Young.
The film tells the story of how one small suburban town near the San Francisco Bay Area slowly falls apart after a nuclear war destroys the outside civilization.
Originally produced for the PBS series American Playhouse, it was given a theatrical release by Paramount Pictures (although PBS did subsequently air it a year later).
The cast includes Jane Alexander, William Devane, Leon Ames, Ross Harris, Lukas Haas, Roxana Zal and, in small roles shortly before their rise to stardom, Kevin Costner and Rebecca De Mornay.
Oscar Contex:
Jane Alexander was nominated for an Oscar for the Best Actress Award, but did not win.
