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MONDAY

We usually think of Peter Sellers when we think of Dr. Strangelove. We should think of Herman Kahn. An eccentric think-tanker, Kahn is the likeliest role model for the film’s title character. Director Stanley Kubrick reportedly read Kahn’s 1960 bestseller On Thermonuclear War several times and soon after foresaw “some problems in the near future,” among them “greater opportunities for blackmail, revenge, terrorism…[i]n a world which is armed to its teeth with nuclear weapons,” “more widespread capabilities for ‘local’ Munichs, Pearl Harbors, and blitzkriegs,” and “pressure to preempt….[O]ne could reasonably expect decision makers…to note the importance of acting first.” No wonder Donald Rumsfeld called Kahn “a giant,” whose “analysis could help make ours a better world.” Forty-two years ago, Kahn predicted a maximum of 40 years “before our system reaches the breaking point.” Try to take your mind off it and go see a nice movie at 2:40, 5:10, 7:35, and 9:50 p.m. (see Showtimes for other dates) at Landmark’s E Street Cinema, 555 11th St. NW. $6.75–$9.25. (202) 452-7672. (Dave Nuttycombe)