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

Record Stats

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