Duck & Cover and More

Synopsis

A compilation of five nuclear information films produced in the USA during the Cold War.

Language

English

Country

United States

Year of release

2003

Year of production

1950-1954

Availability

Online

Notes

All the titles are available for free download from the Internet Moving Images Archive (http://webdev.archive.org/)

Subjects

History; Media studies

Keywords

animation films; atomic physics; Cold War; government information films; nuclear hazards; archive films

Distribution Formats

Type

DVD

Format

Region 2 NTSC, Region 0, VCD

Price

$9.99

Availability

Sale

Duration/Size

67 minutes

Year

2003

Type

VHS

Format

NTSC

Price

$9.99

Availability

Sale

Duration/Size

67 minutes

Year

2003

Sections

Title

A is for atom

Synopsis

Produced in 1953 by John Sutherland Productions, and sponsored by General Electric. A classic cold war cartoon explaining in lay terms all about "the five giants" of atomic energy - the warrior, the engineer, the farmer, the healer & the researcher. The elements are depicted as humans with giant molecule heads; radioactive elements are shown dancing frantically. Atomic Energy is a giant glowing outline man. Discusses such matters as atomic & sub-atomic theory, the periodic chart & what makes elements different, atomic weight & isotopes, stable & unstable (radioactive) elements, particle accellerators ("atom smashers"), the splitting of the atom, extraction of the U-235 isotope, the atomic pile & the creation of plutonium, the generation of power from an atomic pile, the irradiation of materials for a variety of uses, etc.

Duration

15 mins

Title

Medical aspects of radiation

Synopsis

Produced in 1950 by Cascade Picturs of California for the US Air Force Special Weapons project. A pretty girl lying by a poolside serves as an example of nuclear ionization by the four different missiles of nuclear ejecta - gamma rays, neutrons, alpha & beta particles. Relying on a number of animated diagrams, the film tries to dispell fear of nuclear radiation by such tactics as portraying the human body as a factory run by pixies, suggesting you can always get a toupee if your hair falls out, and informing you that you’ll be dead before getting a high enough dose of radiation to make you sterile.

Notes

Also known as MEDICAL ASPECTS OF NUCLEAR RADIATION

Duration

20 mins

Title

House in the middle

Synopsis

Produced in 1954 by the National paint, Varnish and Lacquer Association for the National Clean Up-Paint Up-Fix Up Bureau, with the Cooperation of the Federal Civil Defense Administration. A civil defence film showing that neatness and cleanliness equal survival in the nuclear age. Atomic tests at the Nevada Proving Grounds (later the Nevada Test Site) show effects on well-kept homes, homes filled with trash and combustibles, and homes painted with reflective white paint. Asserts that cleanliness is an essential part of civil defense preparedness and that it increased survivability.

Duration

12 mins

Title

Atomic alert (elementary version)

Synopsis

Made in 1951 by Encyclopaedia Britannica, aimed at elementary school students. The film explains steps to take in case of an atomic bomb alert or a bombing without warning at school, in the open or at home. Gives a simple explanation of nuclear fusion.

Duration

11 mins

Title

Duck & cover

Synopsis

The original 1952 version made by Archer Films and sponsored by the US Federal Civil Defense Administration. This is the version that was distributed to schools, rather than the version put together in 1982 for the film ATOMIC CAFÉ. Bert the Turtle teaches children what to do in the event of an atomic bomb being dropped. Just as Bert has a shell, children are told to take cover in their own way in case of a nuclear attack. Comparisons are made between things children already know and things that are like them in an atomic explosion

Duration

9 mins

Distributor

Name

MediaOutlet.com

Email

service@prosperohouse.com

Web

http://www.mediaoutlet.com/ External site opens in new window

Address

PO Box 1432
Bayonne
NJ 07002
USA

Notes

Specialises in US archival moving image and sound material, particularly vintage radio and public service films and broadcasts that have been digitally restored. Formerly known as Earthstation.com. Sale on multi-region DVD or CD.

Related

Name

Internet Archive

Email

info@archive.org

Web

http://www.archive.org/details/movies External site opens in new window

Phone

+ 415-561-6767

Fax

+ 415-840-0391

Address

Internet Archive
P.O. Box 29244
Presidio of San Francisco
San Francisco,
CA 94129-0244
USA