1 00:00:01,785 --> 00:00:03,711 Narrator: The threat of a nuclear doomsday 2 00:00:03,787 --> 00:00:05,129 Haunts the nation. 3 00:00:05,205 --> 00:00:08,382 Man: The destructive power of the weapons is so vast. 4 00:00:08,459 --> 00:00:10,050 Narrator: In the cold war, 5 00:00:10,127 --> 00:00:13,554 Filmmaking is at the front lines of the arms race. 6 00:00:13,630 --> 00:00:17,299 Man: They were dealing with the most secret activities 7 00:00:17,309 --> 00:00:20,060 Of the cold war state. 8 00:00:20,137 --> 00:00:21,562 Narrator: Images of mushroom clouds 9 00:00:21,638 --> 00:00:26,975 Put americans face to face with the apocalypse. 10 00:00:26,986 --> 00:00:31,655 Civil defense propaganda sells the hope of survival. 11 00:00:31,732 --> 00:00:34,074 Woman: The overall message of the civil defense films 12 00:00:34,285 --> 00:00:37,235 Is if you're prepared, you'll survive. 13 00:00:37,246 --> 00:00:39,079 Narrator: While a top-secret program 14 00:00:39,156 --> 00:00:43,658 Struggles to capture the true power of the bomb. 15 00:00:43,669 --> 00:00:46,244 Man: The only reason why we have access to these images 16 00:00:46,255 --> 00:00:49,089 Is because of a declassification process. 17 00:00:49,166 --> 00:00:51,500 Narrator: Cold war films tell the story 18 00:00:51,510 --> 00:00:55,054 Of a world on the brink of annihilation. 19 00:00:56,515 --> 00:01:05,773 ♪ 20 00:01:09,520 --> 00:01:12,196 Alamogordo, new mexico. 21 00:01:12,272 --> 00:01:15,941 The dawn of the atomic age. 22 00:01:15,951 --> 00:01:19,611 After two years and more than $2 billion, 23 00:01:19,622 --> 00:01:24,124 A massive scientific research project... 24 00:01:24,201 --> 00:01:26,043 About to test a new weapon 25 00:01:26,120 --> 00:01:31,131 Promising unimaginable destructive power. 26 00:01:31,258 --> 00:01:34,384 But even some of the world's most brilliant scientists 27 00:01:34,461 --> 00:01:39,139 Have no idea how powerful the bomb will actually be... 28 00:01:39,266 --> 00:01:41,967 Or if it will work at all. 29 00:01:41,977 --> 00:01:44,478 James hershberg: On the night of the first test, 30 00:01:44,555 --> 00:01:47,147 There was incredible tension. 31 00:01:47,224 --> 00:01:53,562 Expectations ranged from a high of close to 50,000 tons of tnt 32 00:01:53,572 --> 00:01:56,815 To those who predicted zero. 33 00:01:56,826 --> 00:01:59,743 Narrator: Famed italian physicist enrico fermi 34 00:01:59,820 --> 00:02:03,580 Jokes that the blast will ignite the atmosphere, 35 00:02:03,657 --> 00:02:06,416 Ending all life on earth. 36 00:02:08,254 --> 00:02:10,170 Dozens of cameras are set up 37 00:02:10,381 --> 00:02:13,832 To film this first atomic explosion. 38 00:02:13,843 --> 00:02:16,343 Kevin hamilton: Film was crucial to the science of the bomb 39 00:02:16,420 --> 00:02:18,178 From the very first test. 40 00:02:18,264 --> 00:02:21,590 This wasn't just a matter of seeing what they could destroy 41 00:02:21,600 --> 00:02:23,183 With a sample bomb. 42 00:02:23,352 --> 00:02:24,601 They needed to measure it. 43 00:02:24,678 --> 00:02:26,436 Narrator: Only film could show them 44 00:02:26,513 --> 00:02:30,357 What's invisible to the human eye. 45 00:02:30,434 --> 00:02:31,859 Hamilton: Most of what's happening 46 00:02:31,935 --> 00:02:33,527 That scientists need to know about and study 47 00:02:33,604 --> 00:02:35,195 Is happening in milliseconds 48 00:02:35,406 --> 00:02:40,450 Right at the point of detonation at an atomic-level reaction. 49 00:02:40,527 --> 00:02:42,369 Narrator: But even the team that built the bomb 50 00:02:42,446 --> 00:02:45,539 Has no idea how to film it. 51 00:02:45,616 --> 00:02:47,699 Greg spriggs: Los alamos initially designed the weapon; 52 00:02:47,710 --> 00:02:51,628 They were also responsible for doing the photography. 53 00:02:51,705 --> 00:02:54,882 They had never tried to film a nuclear weapon before. 54 00:02:54,958 --> 00:02:56,884 A lot of people didn't know what to expect. 55 00:02:56,960 --> 00:02:59,219 They didn't know how bright the fireball was gonna be. 56 00:02:59,296 --> 00:03:02,631 They weren't quite sure about what frame rate they needed. 57 00:03:02,641 --> 00:03:05,800 They had set up 52 cameras. 58 00:03:05,811 --> 00:03:08,228 And when the detonation occurred... 59 00:03:08,305 --> 00:03:12,724 [rumbling] 60 00:03:12,735 --> 00:03:15,227 A lot of the films were overexposed. 61 00:03:15,237 --> 00:03:17,646 And out of the 52 cameras that they had running, 62 00:03:17,656 --> 00:03:21,700 Only four of them actually produced scientific data. 63 00:03:26,990 --> 00:03:30,075 Narrator: Three weeks later, they get a second chance... 64 00:03:30,085 --> 00:03:34,588 When atomic bombs are dropped on japan. 65 00:03:34,665 --> 00:03:37,165 Spriggs: On the hiroshima detonation, 66 00:03:37,176 --> 00:03:39,417 The photo plane failed to rendezvous 67 00:03:39,428 --> 00:03:42,012 With the b-29 bomber that dropped the bomb, 68 00:03:42,089 --> 00:03:45,674 And so there was no film record of the hiroshima shot 69 00:03:45,684 --> 00:03:50,270 Other than what was taken by one of the scientists. 70 00:03:50,347 --> 00:03:52,856 And he had smuggled on his own personal camera, 71 00:03:52,933 --> 00:03:56,276 And he filmed the mushroom cloud out one of the windows. 72 00:03:56,362 --> 00:04:05,035 ♪ 73 00:04:05,112 --> 00:04:09,539 Narrator: Attempts to film at nagasaki also fail. 74 00:04:09,616 --> 00:04:12,125 Spriggs: Because the guy that was supposed to run 75 00:04:12,202 --> 00:04:13,368 The high-speed cameras 76 00:04:13,379 --> 00:04:14,711 Didn't have a parachute, 77 00:04:14,788 --> 00:04:16,213 They didn't let him on the plane. 78 00:04:16,290 --> 00:04:18,039 So again, there was no photographic record 79 00:04:18,050 --> 00:04:21,301 Other than one camera captured the late cloud. 80 00:04:21,470 --> 00:04:27,140 ♪ 81 00:04:27,217 --> 00:04:29,309 Narrator: But what pictures can document 82 00:04:29,436 --> 00:04:31,561 Is the horrific destructive force 83 00:04:31,638 --> 00:04:34,231 Of america's new super weapon. 84 00:04:34,308 --> 00:04:37,976 Reporter: An explosion equal to 20,000 tons of tnt 85 00:04:37,987 --> 00:04:40,320 Brought the greatest man-made disaster 86 00:04:40,397 --> 00:04:41,646 In the history of the world. 87 00:04:41,657 --> 00:04:44,899 Completely leveled four square miles. 88 00:04:47,738 --> 00:04:49,070 Narrator: For the military, 89 00:04:49,081 --> 00:04:52,666 The bombs achieve their primary objective. 90 00:04:52,743 --> 00:04:57,629 Japan formally surrenders on September 2, 1945. 91 00:05:00,250 --> 00:05:03,176 But images of mushroom clouds and destruction 92 00:05:03,253 --> 00:05:07,756 Don't help scientists understand how the bomb works. 93 00:05:07,766 --> 00:05:10,091 Spriggs: From the first three detonations, 94 00:05:10,102 --> 00:05:12,602 Trinity, hiroshima, and nagasaki, 95 00:05:12,679 --> 00:05:16,356 We basically have very little data to analyze. 96 00:05:16,442 --> 00:05:19,359 Narrator: It's the fireball before the mushroom cloud 97 00:05:19,436 --> 00:05:22,103 Scientists need to analyze. 98 00:05:22,114 --> 00:05:26,325 To learn more, they have to detonate more bombs. 99 00:05:29,038 --> 00:05:30,862 July 1946. 100 00:05:30,873 --> 00:05:33,707 The bikini atoll in the pacific. 101 00:05:33,784 --> 00:05:35,208 The military begins 102 00:05:35,285 --> 00:05:38,787 An aggressive atomic weapons testing program 103 00:05:38,797 --> 00:05:42,874 Called operation crossroads. 104 00:05:42,885 --> 00:05:45,302 Hamilton: Photography at operation crossroads 105 00:05:45,379 --> 00:05:48,055 Was a huge part of that project. 106 00:05:48,131 --> 00:05:50,390 Ned o'gorman: It was a major, major adventure 107 00:05:50,601 --> 00:05:52,717 For the united states. 108 00:05:52,728 --> 00:05:56,471 Crossroads called for over 700 photographers 109 00:05:56,482 --> 00:05:59,399 And for thousands of cameras. 110 00:06:01,478 --> 00:06:04,145 Narrator: Radio-controlled autopilots are installed 111 00:06:04,156 --> 00:06:06,907 In eight b-17 bombers, 112 00:06:06,983 --> 00:06:08,909 Converting them into drones 113 00:06:08,985 --> 00:06:11,411 Filled with hundreds of automatic cameras 114 00:06:11,488 --> 00:06:15,248 So they could fly directly into the mushroom cloud. 115 00:06:16,919 --> 00:06:21,913 The photography team brings 1.5 million feet of film. 116 00:06:21,924 --> 00:06:23,248 O'gorman: Crossroads created 117 00:06:23,258 --> 00:06:25,675 A worldwide shortage of film stock, 118 00:06:25,752 --> 00:06:27,010 And not only that, 119 00:06:27,087 --> 00:06:28,920 Camera equipment in the united states. 120 00:06:28,931 --> 00:06:31,431 The government had to go to private labs 121 00:06:31,517 --> 00:06:33,517 And borrow equipment. 122 00:06:37,272 --> 00:06:39,356 Narrator: Journalists are also invited 123 00:06:39,433 --> 00:06:41,266 To witness operation crossroads 124 00:06:41,276 --> 00:06:44,352 In a kind of public relations spectacle. 125 00:06:44,363 --> 00:06:46,938 O'gorman: Crossroads was part of an initiative, 126 00:06:46,949 --> 00:06:48,698 An effort by the u.S. Government 127 00:06:48,775 --> 00:06:51,618 To make americans more comfortable with the bomb, 128 00:06:51,695 --> 00:06:54,529 To, in a sense, sort of domesticize it 129 00:06:54,540 --> 00:06:56,865 By creating beautiful pictures 130 00:06:56,875 --> 00:06:58,875 And making the mushroom cloud itself 131 00:06:58,952 --> 00:07:02,170 A kind of a cultural icon. 132 00:07:05,625 --> 00:07:06,883 Narrator: Conditions are perfect 133 00:07:06,960 --> 00:07:09,461 For a front-row seat to the blast. 134 00:07:09,471 --> 00:07:11,471 Film announcer: The world's fourth atomic bomb 135 00:07:11,548 --> 00:07:13,965 Plummets earthward, 136 00:07:13,976 --> 00:07:16,560 Falling for slightly more than 48 seconds. 137 00:07:16,636 --> 00:07:18,145 The bomb explodes. 138 00:07:18,221 --> 00:07:24,401 [rumbling] 139 00:07:24,478 --> 00:07:25,810 Unfolded are a myriad 140 00:07:25,821 --> 00:07:28,396 Of majestic, startling and awesome effects, 141 00:07:28,407 --> 00:07:32,367 A panoply that only the cameras can record in faithful detail. 142 00:07:34,571 --> 00:07:36,079 Narrator: Only they don't. 143 00:07:36,156 --> 00:07:39,332 At least not what the scientists need most-- 144 00:07:39,409 --> 00:07:41,501 Those crucial first few milliseconds 145 00:07:41,578 --> 00:07:44,504 Of the formation of the fireball. 146 00:07:44,581 --> 00:07:45,922 Spriggs: The timing mechanism 147 00:07:45,999 --> 00:07:47,924 That was supposed to start all the cameras failed, 148 00:07:48,001 --> 00:07:51,920 And so all of the scientific films started late, 149 00:07:51,930 --> 00:07:55,640 And they were unable to get satisfactory scientific results. 150 00:07:57,936 --> 00:08:01,188 Narrator: The country that built the world's most advanced weapon 151 00:08:01,264 --> 00:08:05,517 Is failing to understand how it really works. 152 00:08:05,527 --> 00:08:07,519 Hamilton: What the military learned from photography 153 00:08:07,529 --> 00:08:08,853 At operation crossroads, 154 00:08:08,864 --> 00:08:10,530 That if they were really gonna begin to learn more 155 00:08:10,741 --> 00:08:12,106 From these weapons, 156 00:08:12,117 --> 00:08:14,534 They were going to take a more technical approach 157 00:08:14,703 --> 00:08:17,871 To documenting these tests. 158 00:08:17,948 --> 00:08:20,207 Narrator: Traditional photographic equipment 159 00:08:20,283 --> 00:08:23,543 Can't deliver. 160 00:08:23,629 --> 00:08:27,380 So the military turns to three high-tech wartime innovators 161 00:08:27,457 --> 00:08:29,123 At m.I.T.-- 162 00:08:29,134 --> 00:08:32,385 Harold edgerton, kenneth germeshausen, 163 00:08:32,462 --> 00:08:33,962 And herbert grier, 164 00:08:33,972 --> 00:08:37,382 Who would go into business as eg&g. 165 00:08:37,392 --> 00:08:40,802 Peter zavattaro: Eg&g got involved in the nuclear program 166 00:08:40,812 --> 00:08:42,062 Right from the beginning 167 00:08:42,138 --> 00:08:44,138 Because of the expertise they had 168 00:08:44,149 --> 00:08:49,310 With photography and flash systems. 169 00:08:49,321 --> 00:08:51,896 Narrator: They invent ultra high-speed cameras 170 00:08:51,907 --> 00:08:54,241 That can capture atomic detonations 171 00:08:54,317 --> 00:08:58,820 In their first critical milliseconds. 172 00:08:58,830 --> 00:09:01,164 Hamilton: You begin to need such precision 173 00:09:01,241 --> 00:09:03,408 And such fine slicing of time 174 00:09:03,418 --> 00:09:04,742 That you need cameras 175 00:09:04,753 --> 00:09:07,671 That don't even look like cameras to our eyes. 176 00:09:07,747 --> 00:09:09,589 O'gorman: One of the technologies that they built 177 00:09:09,716 --> 00:09:11,758 Was the rapatronic camera. 178 00:09:11,835 --> 00:09:14,427 It was a still camera that could shoot a frame 179 00:09:14,504 --> 00:09:17,389 Of about two milliseconds. 180 00:09:19,259 --> 00:09:21,092 These are some of the more spectacular images 181 00:09:21,103 --> 00:09:24,012 That you see come out of eg&g work, 182 00:09:24,022 --> 00:09:26,514 These sort of almost otherworldly 183 00:09:26,525 --> 00:09:29,609 Alien-like fireballs. 184 00:09:29,736 --> 00:09:36,774 ♪ 185 00:09:36,785 --> 00:09:40,945 [rumbling] 186 00:09:40,956 --> 00:09:47,201 ♪ 187 00:09:47,212 --> 00:09:50,880 O'gorman: Through images of the bomb detonating, 188 00:09:50,957 --> 00:09:53,958 You could get both to things like yield, 189 00:09:53,969 --> 00:09:55,460 How powerful was this bomb 190 00:09:55,470 --> 00:09:57,637 Through very careful measurements 191 00:09:57,714 --> 00:09:59,964 Of photographic frames. 192 00:09:59,975 --> 00:10:02,216 Zavattaro: We would take high-speed photography 193 00:10:02,227 --> 00:10:03,727 Of the fireball, 194 00:10:03,803 --> 00:10:07,972 And analysts would measure frame by frame the growth rate. 195 00:10:07,983 --> 00:10:12,235 And that was a very accurate yield measurement. 196 00:10:12,312 --> 00:10:14,729 Narrator: Now for the first time, 197 00:10:14,740 --> 00:10:16,230 They could begin to calculate 198 00:10:16,241 --> 00:10:20,076 The impact their weapons would have. 199 00:10:20,153 --> 00:10:24,664 It's the critical information needed to build better bombs. 200 00:10:26,993 --> 00:10:28,668 And that was the plan, 201 00:10:28,745 --> 00:10:34,582 Even when america stood alone as the world's sole nuclear power. 202 00:10:34,593 --> 00:10:36,259 [rumbling] 203 00:10:36,336 --> 00:10:42,590 ♪ 204 00:10:42,601 --> 00:10:46,436 What all cameras can record, and what the public sees, 205 00:10:46,513 --> 00:10:51,274 Is an image that would characterize the atomic age. 206 00:10:51,351 --> 00:10:53,360 The mushroom cloud quickly becomes 207 00:10:53,436 --> 00:10:56,946 An iconic symbol of death and destruction. 208 00:10:57,023 --> 00:11:00,283 O'gorman: By 1948 the white house 209 00:11:00,360 --> 00:11:02,619 And the department of defense 210 00:11:02,696 --> 00:11:08,700 Thought atomic publicity was creating more panic and anxiety 211 00:11:08,710 --> 00:11:10,710 Among the american public 212 00:11:10,787 --> 00:11:13,630 Than it was reassuring them. 213 00:11:16,468 --> 00:11:18,802 Narrator: The sense of anxiety would skyrocket 214 00:11:18,878 --> 00:11:22,880 On September 23, 1949, 215 00:11:22,891 --> 00:11:24,716 When president truman announces 216 00:11:24,726 --> 00:11:30,313 The soviet union has tested its own atomic weapon. 217 00:11:30,390 --> 00:11:32,557 This is the moment that changes forever 218 00:11:32,567 --> 00:11:35,985 The balance of power on a global scale, 219 00:11:36,062 --> 00:11:37,987 Jump-starting the arms race 220 00:11:38,064 --> 00:11:40,982 And redefining virtually all geo-politics 221 00:11:40,992 --> 00:11:44,744 Through the prism of east-west conflict. 222 00:11:44,821 --> 00:11:47,747 America is in shock. 223 00:11:47,916 --> 00:11:49,999 The constant threat of atomic attack 224 00:11:50,076 --> 00:11:53,002 Is now a fact of life-- 225 00:11:53,079 --> 00:11:55,839 A terror that never goes away. 226 00:11:55,915 --> 00:11:59,250 [siren wailing] 227 00:11:59,261 --> 00:12:01,002 Announcer: Only in practice now. 228 00:12:01,012 --> 00:12:05,515 But tomorrow this siren may mean the real thing. 229 00:12:05,592 --> 00:12:08,259 ♪ 230 00:12:08,270 --> 00:12:10,353 Narrator: America comes out of world war ii 231 00:12:10,430 --> 00:12:14,941 The most powerful, most prosperous nation on earth. 232 00:12:15,018 --> 00:12:18,352 But now the soviets have the bomb, too. 233 00:12:18,363 --> 00:12:19,696 [explosion] 234 00:12:19,773 --> 00:12:21,022 And there's still a lot to learn 235 00:12:21,032 --> 00:12:24,358 About the weapon that ended the war. 236 00:12:24,369 --> 00:12:28,288 The military is determined to test a lot more bombs 237 00:12:28,364 --> 00:12:32,792 And get a lot more serious about filming those tests. 238 00:12:32,869 --> 00:12:34,368 For serious filmmaking, 239 00:12:34,379 --> 00:12:38,456 There is only one place for the u.S. Military to go. 240 00:12:41,294 --> 00:12:44,804 Hamilton: They look for a way to create a routine resource, 241 00:12:45,015 --> 00:12:46,806 A routine set of laborers 242 00:12:46,975 --> 00:12:50,810 That can be in charge of photography for these bombs. 243 00:12:50,887 --> 00:12:53,897 They set up a new place called lookout mountain laboratory. 244 00:12:56,401 --> 00:12:59,569 Narrator: Hidden away in the hills overlooking hollywood, 245 00:12:59,646 --> 00:13:04,732 The u.S. Military starts a new top-secret operation 246 00:13:04,743 --> 00:13:07,911 That fulfills two primary needs. 247 00:13:07,987 --> 00:13:09,821 Hamilton: One is secrecy, 248 00:13:09,831 --> 00:13:13,407 Where they know that they can shoot and develop film on site 249 00:13:13,418 --> 00:13:15,585 Without sending it out to other locations 250 00:13:15,662 --> 00:13:17,829 Where it might get eyes on it they don't want. 251 00:13:17,839 --> 00:13:20,840 And two is they want to have regular access 252 00:13:20,917 --> 00:13:22,592 To people who are experts 253 00:13:22,669 --> 00:13:25,419 In the production of motion pictures. 254 00:13:25,430 --> 00:13:27,505 Narrator: Official designation: 255 00:13:27,516 --> 00:13:33,353 The u.S. Air force 1352nd photographic squadron... 256 00:13:33,429 --> 00:13:36,773 Staffed by both civilian and military filmmakers 257 00:13:36,850 --> 00:13:40,860 With expertise across every aspect of film production. 258 00:13:40,937 --> 00:13:43,196 O'gorman: Lookout mountain was arguably 259 00:13:43,273 --> 00:13:49,277 The only self-sufficient hollywood studio in its time. 260 00:13:49,287 --> 00:13:55,208 You could shoot an entire movie inside the facility. 261 00:13:55,285 --> 00:13:57,877 Hamilton: That included everything from the engineering 262 00:13:57,954 --> 00:13:59,871 And development of cameras 263 00:13:59,881 --> 00:14:02,715 Through the machine shop and engineers on hand, 264 00:14:02,792 --> 00:14:06,803 Through the shooting of these images on site or off site 265 00:14:06,880 --> 00:14:09,138 To the development and storage of those films. 266 00:14:09,215 --> 00:14:10,798 They had scriptwriters, 267 00:14:10,809 --> 00:14:14,302 They had musicians and composers to create the scores. 268 00:14:14,312 --> 00:14:16,053 They had the prop shops. 269 00:14:16,064 --> 00:14:18,472 They had a robust art and animation studio. 270 00:14:18,483 --> 00:14:20,900 They had a full-on sound stage. 271 00:14:20,986 --> 00:14:23,903 They had sound technicians on board. 272 00:14:23,980 --> 00:14:26,314 O'gorman: No other studio in hollywood 273 00:14:26,324 --> 00:14:29,483 Could do that kind of thing all in one space, 274 00:14:29,494 --> 00:14:31,744 And lookout mountain was set up 275 00:14:31,821 --> 00:14:35,915 That you never had to go outside of the walls of the studio. 276 00:14:36,084 --> 00:14:40,420 Narrator: Crucial, because most of the movies are top secret. 277 00:14:40,496 --> 00:14:42,422 O'gorman: Everybody who worked at lookout mountain 278 00:14:42,498 --> 00:14:43,673 On a daily basis 279 00:14:43,750 --> 00:14:46,500 Had the highest form of security clearance, 280 00:14:46,511 --> 00:14:48,169 The q clearance. 281 00:14:48,179 --> 00:14:50,755 They had to have that security clearance 282 00:14:50,765 --> 00:14:54,934 Because they were dealing with the most secret activities 283 00:14:55,020 --> 00:14:58,271 Of the cold war state. 284 00:14:58,348 --> 00:15:00,773 Narrator: It's a mysterious operation, 285 00:15:00,850 --> 00:15:04,185 With some staff arriving by school bus. 286 00:15:04,195 --> 00:15:06,529 Residential neighbors living nearby 287 00:15:06,606 --> 00:15:12,443 Have no idea what's happening inside the complex. 288 00:15:12,454 --> 00:15:13,953 Hamilton: Lead animators would be going 289 00:15:14,030 --> 00:15:15,279 Back and forth between disney 290 00:15:15,290 --> 00:15:17,206 And lookout mountain's animation shop. 291 00:15:17,283 --> 00:15:18,958 Actors would be going up and down the mountain 292 00:15:19,035 --> 00:15:21,294 To take turns with doing voice-over 293 00:15:21,371 --> 00:15:22,787 Or even on-camera work 294 00:15:22,797 --> 00:15:24,714 For some of lookout mountain's projects. 295 00:15:24,791 --> 00:15:28,968 O'gorman: John ford, jimmy stewart, walt disney, 296 00:15:29,045 --> 00:15:31,554 Marilyn monroe, kim novak, 297 00:15:31,631 --> 00:15:33,973 I mean, the list goes on and on. 298 00:15:34,050 --> 00:15:36,968 Narrator: The '50s are a time of dazzling innovations 299 00:15:36,978 --> 00:15:38,561 In moviemaking. 300 00:15:38,638 --> 00:15:41,481 Lookout mountain is often a step ahead of hollywood 301 00:15:41,557 --> 00:15:44,984 In pioneering some of the most advanced technologies. 302 00:15:45,061 --> 00:15:46,811 Hamilton: Lookout mountain would sometimes serve 303 00:15:46,821 --> 00:15:48,988 As a sort of research and development wing 304 00:15:49,065 --> 00:15:52,400 For cutting-edge cinematic technologies in hollywood. 305 00:15:52,410 --> 00:15:53,910 They were doing 3-d cinema 306 00:15:53,987 --> 00:15:56,153 Before others were doing it in hollywood. 307 00:15:56,164 --> 00:15:58,081 They were doing cinemascope 308 00:15:58,157 --> 00:16:00,157 Many months before the first cinemascope film 309 00:16:00,168 --> 00:16:03,577 Was released in hollywood. 310 00:16:03,588 --> 00:16:06,506 Narrator: Like hollywood, lookout mountain films 311 00:16:06,582 --> 00:16:10,009 Often target very specific demographics. 312 00:16:10,086 --> 00:16:14,672 O'gorman: Each film project, um, came with an audience in mind, 313 00:16:14,683 --> 00:16:17,517 And those audiences varied widely. 314 00:16:17,593 --> 00:16:21,521 Sometimes they were foot soldiers. 315 00:16:21,597 --> 00:16:24,691 Film announcer: If you've ever been on an atomic test before, 316 00:16:24,767 --> 00:16:28,602 Either here in nevada or overseas at enewetak... 317 00:16:28,613 --> 00:16:32,273 O'gorman: Other times they were military brass. 318 00:16:32,283 --> 00:16:33,774 Film announcer: When the department of defense 319 00:16:33,785 --> 00:16:35,359 Requirements for... 320 00:16:35,370 --> 00:16:37,704 O'gorman: Only those at the highest levels of the pentagon. 321 00:16:37,780 --> 00:16:39,196 Film announcer: The various manufacturers 322 00:16:39,207 --> 00:16:40,790 Under contract to the... 323 00:16:40,867 --> 00:16:43,710 O'gorman: Other times it was the general public. 324 00:16:43,786 --> 00:16:45,286 Film announcer: On the morning of shot day, 325 00:16:45,296 --> 00:16:47,714 Official observers, technicians and scientists 326 00:16:47,790 --> 00:16:51,050 Gather at news knob to await the momentous event. 327 00:16:51,127 --> 00:16:53,469 Narrator: Lookout mountain isn't alone. 328 00:16:53,546 --> 00:16:55,379 There's an explosion of military 329 00:16:55,390 --> 00:16:57,432 Filmmaking in the cold war. 330 00:17:00,887 --> 00:17:03,062 While the most highly technical material 331 00:17:03,231 --> 00:17:06,065 Would remain top secret for decades, 332 00:17:06,142 --> 00:17:09,235 The government is eager to exploit the propaganda value 333 00:17:09,312 --> 00:17:12,405 Of the atmospheric detonations. 334 00:17:14,400 --> 00:17:16,909 Atomic sabre rattling-- 335 00:17:16,986 --> 00:17:20,580 A very public warning to enemies, 336 00:17:20,656 --> 00:17:23,249 While reassuring allies and the american people 337 00:17:23,326 --> 00:17:24,992 That they are being protected 338 00:17:25,003 --> 00:17:28,087 By weapons of awesome destructive power. 339 00:17:28,298 --> 00:17:30,998 Film announcer: The armed forces will be ready with the know-how 340 00:17:31,009 --> 00:17:33,334 To put them into immediate use-- 341 00:17:33,344 --> 00:17:36,095 Knowledge for the deadliest kind of atomic strikes 342 00:17:36,264 --> 00:17:38,097 On enemy targets 343 00:17:38,308 --> 00:17:42,769 And experience for effective defense of our own cities. 344 00:17:48,267 --> 00:17:51,268 Narrator: From 1951 to 1957, 345 00:17:51,279 --> 00:17:54,113 Multiple tests under the code-name desert rock 346 00:17:54,324 --> 00:17:59,860 Attempt to prepare troops to fight this new kind of war-- 347 00:17:59,871 --> 00:18:05,533 Boots on the ground of an atomic battlefield. 348 00:18:05,543 --> 00:18:08,953 Camera crews capture troops piling into trenches 349 00:18:08,963 --> 00:18:14,050 Just a few thousand yards from ground zero... 350 00:18:14,127 --> 00:18:19,547 And turn the footage into training films. 351 00:18:19,557 --> 00:18:21,382 Joseph masco: They created documentaries 352 00:18:21,392 --> 00:18:23,559 For military personnel that would be involved 353 00:18:23,636 --> 00:18:25,728 In nuclear warfighting, 354 00:18:25,805 --> 00:18:27,396 Communicating for the soldier 355 00:18:27,473 --> 00:18:30,724 That was gonna be on the frontline. 356 00:18:30,735 --> 00:18:32,143 [squeaking] 357 00:18:32,153 --> 00:18:36,564 Narrator: In 1953, there's still a lot they don't know, 358 00:18:36,574 --> 00:18:42,069 Especially about the effects of radiation poisoning. 359 00:18:42,080 --> 00:18:44,163 Chaplain: What seems to be the trouble, soldier? 360 00:18:44,249 --> 00:18:45,823 You look a little bit worried. 361 00:18:45,834 --> 00:18:48,409 Soldier: Well, I am, chaplain, just a little bit. 362 00:18:48,419 --> 00:18:50,169 Chaplain: Actually, there's no need to be worried, 363 00:18:50,296 --> 00:18:53,589 As the army has taken all of the necessary precautions 364 00:18:53,666 --> 00:18:57,009 To see that we're perfectly safe here. 365 00:18:57,086 --> 00:18:58,177 Soldier: Sir, have you ever been out 366 00:18:58,388 --> 00:18:59,762 On one of these shots before? 367 00:18:59,839 --> 00:19:01,755 Chaplain: Yes, I've had the opportunity 368 00:19:01,766 --> 00:19:04,684 To see a number of the atomic tests... 369 00:19:04,760 --> 00:19:07,186 ♪ 370 00:19:07,263 --> 00:19:08,771 Narrator: For thousands of troops, 371 00:19:08,848 --> 00:19:13,601 The desert rock detonations are the ultimate leap of faith. 372 00:19:13,611 --> 00:19:17,438 Stationed in trenches right out of world war I... 373 00:19:17,448 --> 00:19:21,275 Waiting for hours in the nevada sun... 374 00:19:21,286 --> 00:19:24,120 For the inevitable countdown to armageddon. 375 00:19:24,197 --> 00:19:27,707 Announcer: The b-50 type aircraft you see overhead 376 00:19:27,783 --> 00:19:32,870 Is the drop plane on its bombing run. 377 00:19:32,881 --> 00:19:37,049 Masco: Soldiers were involved in various kinds of operations 378 00:19:37,126 --> 00:19:41,295 Around and nearby those detonations. 379 00:19:41,306 --> 00:19:43,380 There were two things going on there. 380 00:19:43,391 --> 00:19:46,717 One was a literal experiment on those soldiers 381 00:19:46,728 --> 00:19:49,228 To see what the psychic effects would be 382 00:19:49,355 --> 00:19:51,230 For seeing a nuclear detonation. 383 00:19:51,441 --> 00:19:52,648 So, there were all sorts of questions 384 00:19:52,725 --> 00:19:54,233 About just psychologically 385 00:19:54,402 --> 00:19:58,154 How soldiers would understand the nuclear battlefield, 386 00:19:58,231 --> 00:19:59,739 What their reactions would be. 387 00:19:59,815 --> 00:20:05,986 Announcer: Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, 388 00:20:05,997 --> 00:20:07,747 Four, three... 389 00:20:09,825 --> 00:20:11,242 Narrator: The stage is set 390 00:20:11,252 --> 00:20:14,712 For the desert rock atomic test in nevada. 391 00:20:17,091 --> 00:20:19,425 Thousands of troops wait in trenches, 392 00:20:19,502 --> 00:20:23,262 Some just a few thousand yards from ground zero. 393 00:20:23,473 --> 00:20:28,184 Announcer: Look down and stay down. 394 00:20:28,261 --> 00:20:33,022 Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, 395 00:20:33,099 --> 00:20:38,277 Five, four, three, two, one, zero. 396 00:20:38,354 --> 00:20:41,772 [rumbling] 397 00:20:41,783 --> 00:20:51,782 ♪ 398 00:20:51,793 --> 00:21:00,883 ♪ 399 00:21:00,960 --> 00:21:03,794 Narrator: Training films made from operations like this 400 00:21:03,805 --> 00:21:06,722 Prepare troops for both the military tactics 401 00:21:06,799 --> 00:21:10,884 And emotional impact of fighting on an atomic battlefield. 402 00:21:10,895 --> 00:21:13,062 Film announcer: The biggest value of the operation 403 00:21:13,139 --> 00:21:16,807 Is for us to prove to ourselves that it can be done 404 00:21:16,818 --> 00:21:20,311 And find any weak points in the training. 405 00:21:20,321 --> 00:21:23,155 Masco: A second project was teaching soldiers 406 00:21:23,232 --> 00:21:25,741 That the battlefield of the nuclear age 407 00:21:25,818 --> 00:21:27,326 Would not be so different 408 00:21:27,412 --> 00:21:29,745 From the battlefield they knew during world war ii, 409 00:21:29,822 --> 00:21:32,406 That they could, uh, use their skills 410 00:21:32,417 --> 00:21:34,158 And that they would be trained 411 00:21:34,168 --> 00:21:38,162 To protect themselves on the frontline. 412 00:21:38,172 --> 00:21:43,250 O'gorman: Numerous films meant to sort of reassure soldiers 413 00:21:43,261 --> 00:21:47,087 Of the safety of being at the nuclear test site 414 00:21:47,098 --> 00:21:52,176 Or train soldiers on how to behave at a nuclear test 415 00:21:52,186 --> 00:21:57,681 Or in the future occasion of nuclear war. 416 00:21:57,692 --> 00:21:59,775 Narrator: Even as the effects of radiation 417 00:21:59,852 --> 00:22:03,520 Become a subject of concern and study, 418 00:22:03,531 --> 00:22:08,367 It would still be years before its full impact is understood. 419 00:22:08,444 --> 00:22:10,194 Film announcer: As they enter the blast area 420 00:22:10,204 --> 00:22:12,371 Within an hour after the detonation, 421 00:22:12,448 --> 00:22:15,374 They realize the danger of radiation sickness 422 00:22:15,451 --> 00:22:17,460 From an air burst is slight. 423 00:22:17,536 --> 00:22:21,213 Masco: There are early episodes in which radioactive fallout 424 00:22:21,290 --> 00:22:24,050 Is dismissed as not a... Not a major health concern, 425 00:22:24,126 --> 00:22:27,294 Something that could be handled very easily. 426 00:22:27,305 --> 00:22:28,962 Film announcer: A thorough head-to-foot examination 427 00:22:28,973 --> 00:22:32,391 Will reveal any accumulation of radioactive material. 428 00:22:32,477 --> 00:22:34,134 A vigorous sweeping with a broom 429 00:22:34,145 --> 00:22:38,230 Removes contaminated dust and dirt from shoes and clothing. 430 00:22:38,307 --> 00:22:40,733 Narrator: In the end, desert rock is comprised 431 00:22:40,810 --> 00:22:43,977 Of five different test operations, 432 00:22:43,988 --> 00:22:48,816 Each with multiple detonations-- 69 in all. 433 00:22:48,826 --> 00:22:52,411 More than 50,000 troops participate. 434 00:22:52,622 --> 00:22:56,415 Guinea pigs in america's new atomic age. 435 00:22:56,492 --> 00:22:59,418 Film announcer: As exercise desert rock is concluded, 436 00:22:59,504 --> 00:23:01,420 Initial reactions are 437 00:23:01,631 --> 00:23:04,423 It is possible to utilize an atomic weapon 438 00:23:04,634 --> 00:23:06,425 In close support of ground troops 439 00:23:06,511 --> 00:23:09,762 In those cases where the conditions surrounding its use 440 00:23:09,839 --> 00:23:12,098 Are carefully considered. 441 00:23:14,093 --> 00:23:17,186 Narrator: While training films are seen by thousands of troops, 442 00:23:17,263 --> 00:23:19,438 Some of the most elaborately produced 443 00:23:19,649 --> 00:23:21,598 And most expensive films 444 00:23:21,609 --> 00:23:24,360 Are seen by the fewest viewers. 445 00:23:24,437 --> 00:23:26,278 Hamilton: The films that lookout mountain 446 00:23:26,355 --> 00:23:27,446 Spent the most time on 447 00:23:27,615 --> 00:23:30,116 Were called special project films. 448 00:23:30,192 --> 00:23:31,367 These would be the films 449 00:23:31,444 --> 00:23:34,945 Mostly about the nuclear tests themselves. 450 00:23:34,956 --> 00:23:37,790 O'gorman: Film reports were distributed 451 00:23:37,867 --> 00:23:40,701 To government officials of various kinds. 452 00:23:40,711 --> 00:23:42,461 They could be government officials 453 00:23:42,538 --> 00:23:44,037 In the department of defense, 454 00:23:44,048 --> 00:23:48,542 They could be congressmen, even the president himself. 455 00:23:48,553 --> 00:23:50,719 Narrator: More and more, policymakers 456 00:23:50,796 --> 00:23:53,464 Who control defense department purse strings 457 00:23:53,474 --> 00:23:56,475 Get their information on america's nuclear program 458 00:23:56,552 --> 00:23:59,136 From military filmmakers. 459 00:23:59,147 --> 00:24:01,063 Film announcer: Five successful airdrops 460 00:24:01,140 --> 00:24:03,390 That saved the weapons research program 461 00:24:03,401 --> 00:24:06,226 Months of time, considerable money, 462 00:24:06,237 --> 00:24:07,811 And help los alamos prove 463 00:24:07,822 --> 00:24:12,241 The radical new idea of small atomic bombs. 464 00:24:12,318 --> 00:24:14,493 O'gorman: When they produced these for congressmen 465 00:24:14,704 --> 00:24:19,248 And for the president, produced them to reassure them, 466 00:24:19,325 --> 00:24:23,502 These were highly, highly risky affairs 467 00:24:23,579 --> 00:24:26,330 As well as very costly affairs, 468 00:24:26,340 --> 00:24:29,008 And, uh, both the atomic energy commission 469 00:24:29,084 --> 00:24:30,759 And the department of defense 470 00:24:30,836 --> 00:24:34,004 Wanted to reassure congress and the president himself 471 00:24:34,015 --> 00:24:36,515 That everything was under control. 472 00:24:36,601 --> 00:24:38,592 Hey, we got this. We got this. 473 00:24:38,603 --> 00:24:40,928 It's all under control. 474 00:24:40,938 --> 00:24:43,931 Narrator: But the nation is nervous, 475 00:24:43,941 --> 00:24:49,028 Locked in an atomic arms race with the soviet union; 476 00:24:49,104 --> 00:24:54,158 Living with a constant state of apocalyptic threat. 477 00:24:57,705 --> 00:25:01,949 The cold war is about to shift into overdrive. 478 00:25:01,959 --> 00:25:04,627 Hamilton: Operation ivy was a pivotal moment 479 00:25:04,703 --> 00:25:06,545 In the history of nuclear weapons 480 00:25:06,622 --> 00:25:09,131 And in the cold war itself. 481 00:25:09,208 --> 00:25:11,041 Narrator: The u.S. Prepares to test 482 00:25:11,052 --> 00:25:17,381 The world's first thermonuclear weapon--the h-bomb. 483 00:25:17,391 --> 00:25:19,716 Hamilton: The scale of magnitude here 484 00:25:19,727 --> 00:25:22,302 Is really hard to comprehend. 485 00:25:22,313 --> 00:25:23,971 Narrator: Atomic bombs are measured 486 00:25:23,981 --> 00:25:26,565 In thousands of tons of tnt. 487 00:25:26,642 --> 00:25:29,810 H-bombs, in millions. 488 00:25:29,820 --> 00:25:32,980 It's the subject of a fierce public battle... 489 00:25:32,990 --> 00:25:36,825 Whether such a monstrously powerful weapon is necessary 490 00:25:36,902 --> 00:25:38,869 Or even moral. 491 00:25:41,165 --> 00:25:46,159 [rumbling] 492 00:25:46,170 --> 00:25:52,466 But after October 31, 1952, there's no turning back. 493 00:25:54,428 --> 00:25:57,596 Elugelab island is completely destroyed. 494 00:25:57,673 --> 00:26:00,599 Film announcer: This is the largest fireball ever produced. 495 00:26:00,676 --> 00:26:02,101 At its maximum, it measures 496 00:26:02,177 --> 00:26:04,770 About three and one quarter miles in diameter. 497 00:26:04,847 --> 00:26:07,106 Compared to the skyline of new york, 498 00:26:07,182 --> 00:26:09,349 This means that with the empire state building 499 00:26:09,360 --> 00:26:10,609 As zero point, 500 00:26:10,820 --> 00:26:12,185 The fireball alone would engulf 501 00:26:12,196 --> 00:26:14,697 About one quarter of the island of manhattan. 502 00:26:14,773 --> 00:26:18,692 O'gorman: We were talking about a scale of destruction here 503 00:26:18,703 --> 00:26:22,371 That, uh, was absolutely unprecedented. 504 00:26:22,448 --> 00:26:27,376 Narrator: The blast force at ivy is 10.4 megatons, 505 00:26:27,453 --> 00:26:30,629 More than 500 times the destructive power 506 00:26:30,706 --> 00:26:33,090 Of the nagasaki bomb. 507 00:26:36,962 --> 00:26:39,379 A huge lookout mountain film team 508 00:26:39,390 --> 00:26:42,641 Captures the first h-bomb detonation. 509 00:26:42,852 --> 00:26:44,885 Hamilton: Lookout mountain produced a feature-length film 510 00:26:44,895 --> 00:26:46,645 About operation ivy, 511 00:26:46,731 --> 00:26:49,973 And this time, they even used an onscreen actor, reed hadley, 512 00:26:49,984 --> 00:26:53,068 Known from the television show racket squad. 513 00:26:53,145 --> 00:26:54,987 Reed hadley: It's been a pleasure to help bring you 514 00:26:55,064 --> 00:26:57,489 The story of operation ivy, 515 00:26:57,566 --> 00:27:00,075 The work of task force 132. 516 00:27:00,152 --> 00:27:02,494 Narrator: With so few cleared to see the film, 517 00:27:02,571 --> 00:27:06,165 The lookout mountain lab produces only three prints. 518 00:27:06,241 --> 00:27:08,667 Hamilton: It was screened for a very select audience, 519 00:27:08,878 --> 00:27:10,911 For eisenhower and for the cabinet, 520 00:27:10,921 --> 00:27:13,246 For members of the pentagon. 521 00:27:13,257 --> 00:27:15,924 And at that point, a lot of folks thought that film 522 00:27:16,001 --> 00:27:18,677 Would never be seen by another audience. 523 00:27:18,754 --> 00:27:21,680 O'gorman: Reports were that president eisenhower responded 524 00:27:21,757 --> 00:27:23,515 Very, very strongly to the film 525 00:27:23,592 --> 00:27:26,602 And said every american should see this film. 526 00:27:26,679 --> 00:27:28,937 Film announcer: Pt neutrons from the mike reaction... 527 00:27:29,014 --> 00:27:30,847 Narrator: But nobody can agree 528 00:27:30,858 --> 00:27:34,693 On how much the public should be allowed to see. 529 00:27:34,904 --> 00:27:36,612 Hamilton: A huge argument began 530 00:27:36,689 --> 00:27:38,772 Amongst multiple agencies within the u.S. Government, 531 00:27:38,783 --> 00:27:43,026 And for many months, there were debates back and forth. 532 00:27:43,037 --> 00:27:44,703 Narrator: For more than a year, 533 00:27:44,872 --> 00:27:47,039 The film is recut countless times 534 00:27:47,116 --> 00:27:49,375 In the lookout mountain edit rooms. 535 00:27:49,451 --> 00:27:51,451 O'gorman: The federal civil defense administration 536 00:27:51,462 --> 00:27:55,205 Wanted the american public to know as much as possible 537 00:27:55,216 --> 00:27:57,299 About the power of these bombs. 538 00:27:57,376 --> 00:27:59,718 The atomic energy commission, on the other hand, 539 00:27:59,795 --> 00:28:03,722 Wanted as little information about operation ivy 540 00:28:03,799 --> 00:28:08,394 Disseminated to the american public as possible. 541 00:28:08,470 --> 00:28:12,147 The department of defense was sort of somewhere in between. 542 00:28:12,224 --> 00:28:14,725 The eisenhower administration was thinking about this 543 00:28:14,735 --> 00:28:17,736 Not only from the perspective of domestic policy, 544 00:28:17,813 --> 00:28:19,571 But international policy. 545 00:28:19,648 --> 00:28:23,659 And so anything that might be released to the american public, 546 00:28:23,736 --> 00:28:25,736 They assumed, correctly, 547 00:28:25,746 --> 00:28:29,748 Was also going to be shown to the world. 548 00:28:29,875 --> 00:28:31,825 Announcer: H minus 5 minutes. 549 00:28:31,836 --> 00:28:33,410 The shockwave will not arrive 550 00:28:33,421 --> 00:28:35,746 For several minutes after zero-time. 551 00:28:35,756 --> 00:28:39,666 Keep firm footing until after the wave passes. 552 00:28:39,677 --> 00:28:40,917 Hamilton: The end result: 553 00:28:40,928 --> 00:28:43,503 A 20-minute version released to the public 554 00:28:43,514 --> 00:28:49,593 That had cut out huge parts of the actual bomb test itself. 555 00:28:49,603 --> 00:28:52,104 Hadley: I've been a member of firing parties before, 556 00:28:52,181 --> 00:28:54,014 But this was different somehow. 557 00:28:54,024 --> 00:28:56,099 Narrator: The new version plays on television 558 00:28:56,110 --> 00:29:00,529 And in movie theaters beginning in April 1954. 559 00:29:00,606 --> 00:29:02,114 Hadley: Oh, by the way, 560 00:29:02,191 --> 00:29:04,783 To help you understand this problem, 561 00:29:04,860 --> 00:29:06,452 These weathermen are covering... 562 00:29:06,528 --> 00:29:10,789 Narrator: Reviews pan the film, calling it overly theatrical, 563 00:29:10,866 --> 00:29:12,282 With science that's bewildering. 564 00:29:12,293 --> 00:29:14,618 Hadley: The ever-interesting history of neutrons... 565 00:29:14,628 --> 00:29:18,797 Hamilton: The shorter film ended up somewhat of a flop. 566 00:29:18,874 --> 00:29:22,468 It didn't make nearly as much sense as the longer version. 567 00:29:22,544 --> 00:29:24,211 All the work that lookout mountain had put 568 00:29:24,221 --> 00:29:26,129 Into carefully scripting an explanation 569 00:29:26,140 --> 00:29:28,215 Of this terrifying technology, 570 00:29:28,225 --> 00:29:30,550 A lot of it was largely lost. 571 00:29:30,561 --> 00:29:31,968 [rumbling] 572 00:29:31,979 --> 00:29:34,554 Narrator: What wasn't lost was the overwhelming sense 573 00:29:34,565 --> 00:29:38,066 Of a terrible threat that would never go away. 574 00:29:38,143 --> 00:29:40,393 The image of the h-bomb's mushroom cloud 575 00:29:40,404 --> 00:29:43,280 Would haunt the lives of generations. 576 00:29:45,984 --> 00:29:48,485 The dangerous standoff in the cold war 577 00:29:48,496 --> 00:29:52,998 Teeters on the threat of massive retaliation. 578 00:29:53,075 --> 00:29:57,753 Any aggression would be met with total annihilation. 579 00:29:57,830 --> 00:30:00,247 Mutual assured destruction-- 580 00:30:00,257 --> 00:30:01,998 Mad. 581 00:30:02,009 --> 00:30:05,252 Claire pia love: The idea was that each side 582 00:30:05,262 --> 00:30:07,179 Would build up their nuclear arsenal 583 00:30:07,256 --> 00:30:08,847 Till they reach a point 584 00:30:08,924 --> 00:30:11,258 Where they had enough to destroy the entire world. 585 00:30:11,268 --> 00:30:14,853 If one side enacted a first attack, 586 00:30:15,064 --> 00:30:18,765 The enemy would still have time to launch all of their missiles 587 00:30:18,776 --> 00:30:21,109 And destroy the first attacker. 588 00:30:21,186 --> 00:30:23,195 So, this was meant to deter any attack 589 00:30:23,272 --> 00:30:25,614 Because everyone would be destroyed. 590 00:30:25,691 --> 00:30:27,524 Narrator: It's a key reason both sides 591 00:30:27,535 --> 00:30:30,861 Put their nukes on public display. 592 00:30:30,871 --> 00:30:32,445 Hamilton: Deterrence only works 593 00:30:32,456 --> 00:30:35,874 When your opponent knows what you can do and you can prove it. 594 00:30:36,085 --> 00:30:37,617 So, the films of these tests 595 00:30:37,628 --> 00:30:41,463 Performed a central role in deterrence through proof. 596 00:30:43,876 --> 00:30:45,634 Narrator: It's a time of peace, 597 00:30:45,711 --> 00:30:50,630 Constantly haunted by the threat of nuclear war. 598 00:30:50,641 --> 00:30:53,642 Nuclear films have helped sow atomic anxiety 599 00:30:53,719 --> 00:30:56,803 Across the country. 600 00:30:56,814 --> 00:31:01,149 Now the government hopes they can also relieve it. 601 00:31:01,226 --> 00:31:04,895 Masco: In response to the soviet nuclear program, 602 00:31:04,905 --> 00:31:06,062 The united states creates 603 00:31:06,073 --> 00:31:08,907 The federal civil defense administration 604 00:31:09,034 --> 00:31:13,912 To do the work of both training and protecting american citizens 605 00:31:14,039 --> 00:31:17,824 From nuclear danger. 606 00:31:17,835 --> 00:31:19,409 [siren wailing] 607 00:31:19,420 --> 00:31:21,244 Film announcer: Only in practice now. 608 00:31:21,255 --> 00:31:23,422 A rehearsal, a training exercise. 609 00:31:23,498 --> 00:31:25,841 Narrator: The federal civil defense administration 610 00:31:25,918 --> 00:31:30,003 Launches a massive effort to manage public fear 611 00:31:30,014 --> 00:31:31,513 And promote the idea 612 00:31:31,590 --> 00:31:35,434 That a nuclear attack can be survived... 613 00:31:35,510 --> 00:31:38,687 If the american people are prepared. 614 00:31:38,764 --> 00:31:40,939 Masco: If one looks through the, the films 615 00:31:41,066 --> 00:31:42,441 And the written materials, 616 00:31:42,517 --> 00:31:44,601 One of the recurring refrains 617 00:31:44,612 --> 00:31:47,854 Is that a nuclear war could break out at any second. 618 00:31:47,865 --> 00:31:50,198 Film announcer: Enemy jet bombers carrying nuclear weapons 619 00:31:50,275 --> 00:31:52,025 Can sweep over a variety of routes 620 00:31:52,036 --> 00:31:56,613 And drop bombs on any important target in the united states. 621 00:31:56,624 --> 00:32:01,368 Masco: A crucial aspect of this was to create a productive fear, 622 00:32:01,378 --> 00:32:04,296 A kind of fear that mobilized in a military sense 623 00:32:04,373 --> 00:32:09,343 For a new kind of war, now known as cold war. 624 00:32:12,631 --> 00:32:13,889 [boom] 625 00:32:13,966 --> 00:32:17,300 Narrator: The fcda's message is a call to action. 626 00:32:17,311 --> 00:32:18,977 Film announcer: Civil defense will teach you 627 00:32:19,104 --> 00:32:22,981 How to take care of yourself, your family and neighbors. 628 00:32:23,192 --> 00:32:27,978 How to get official instructions and act according to plan. 629 00:32:27,988 --> 00:32:29,896 Love: You are afraid of the atomic bomb, 630 00:32:29,907 --> 00:32:31,398 But it's empowering. 631 00:32:31,408 --> 00:32:34,150 It motivates you to try and do something about the bomb. 632 00:32:34,161 --> 00:32:37,663 You can't lob your own bombs at the enemy, um, 633 00:32:37,739 --> 00:32:40,824 But you can protect yourself from the effects of these bombs 634 00:32:40,834 --> 00:32:42,909 So that once these attacks happen, 635 00:32:42,920 --> 00:32:44,494 If you follow the right procedures, 636 00:32:44,505 --> 00:32:48,924 You can come out and recreate society. 637 00:32:49,001 --> 00:32:51,009 Film announcer: First, you have to know what happens 638 00:32:51,095 --> 00:32:53,011 When an atomic bomb explodes. 639 00:32:53,138 --> 00:32:58,100 Narrator: Schools sign on early to participate in fcda programs. 640 00:33:01,146 --> 00:33:02,846 A teacher would be the inspiration 641 00:33:02,856 --> 00:33:06,024 For one of the fcda's first films, 642 00:33:06,235 --> 00:33:07,517 After describing drills 643 00:33:07,528 --> 00:33:10,362 For students to "duck and cover." 644 00:33:12,607 --> 00:33:15,442 Masco: Duck and cover is a transformational moment 645 00:33:15,452 --> 00:33:19,037 In which federal agencies are telling citizens 646 00:33:19,114 --> 00:33:21,448 That there is a new kind of danger, 647 00:33:21,458 --> 00:33:23,366 Literally an existential danger. 648 00:33:23,377 --> 00:33:25,452 ♪ deedle dum dum, deedle dum dum ♪ 649 00:33:25,462 --> 00:33:28,371 Jake hughes: They mix animations of this turtle 650 00:33:28,382 --> 00:33:30,549 Who's wearing a civil defense arm band 651 00:33:30,625 --> 00:33:33,293 And a air raid warden's tin helmet 652 00:33:33,303 --> 00:33:35,470 With live action footage of children. 653 00:33:35,547 --> 00:33:37,389 ♪ when danger threatens... ♪ 654 00:33:37,466 --> 00:33:38,974 Narrator: Duck and cover becomes 655 00:33:39,051 --> 00:33:43,311 One of the iconic propaganda films of the cold war... 656 00:33:43,388 --> 00:33:46,473 For all the wrong reasons. 657 00:33:46,483 --> 00:33:48,567 Love: Duck and cover is probably 658 00:33:48,643 --> 00:33:51,069 The most memorable symbol of civil defense, 659 00:33:51,280 --> 00:33:53,155 And it's because people laugh at it. 660 00:33:53,231 --> 00:33:57,075 But this film fails in being effective 661 00:33:57,152 --> 00:33:58,401 Because it's so laughable 662 00:33:58,412 --> 00:34:01,079 That people don't take the bomb seriously enough 663 00:34:01,290 --> 00:34:04,583 And enact duck and cover. 664 00:34:04,659 --> 00:34:06,251 Narrator: Few americans may believe 665 00:34:06,328 --> 00:34:10,080 They can survive an atomic attack. 666 00:34:10,090 --> 00:34:12,090 But in the east-west standoff, 667 00:34:12,259 --> 00:34:17,095 There's not much doubt about who the good guys are. 668 00:34:17,222 --> 00:34:19,589 Patriotism sells. 669 00:34:19,600 --> 00:34:25,103 Companies line up to cash in on the cold war. 670 00:34:25,314 --> 00:34:26,938 Film announcer: This is the town, 671 00:34:27,015 --> 00:34:31,109 A community with a civil defense plan to meet a major disaster. 672 00:34:31,186 --> 00:34:32,861 The time is anytime... 673 00:34:32,938 --> 00:34:35,113 Narrator: The federal civil defense administration 674 00:34:35,199 --> 00:34:37,365 Never has big budgets. 675 00:34:37,442 --> 00:34:38,858 During the cold war, 676 00:34:38,869 --> 00:34:41,119 Large organizations and industry groups 677 00:34:41,196 --> 00:34:43,455 Sponsor government films, 678 00:34:43,532 --> 00:34:45,198 To have their name or trade 679 00:34:45,209 --> 00:34:48,126 Associated with civil defense. 680 00:34:48,337 --> 00:34:51,379 It's a golden age for product placement. 681 00:34:51,456 --> 00:34:53,131 Hughes: You had a number of industries 682 00:34:53,217 --> 00:34:56,301 That saw a brand-new market opening up for their products, 683 00:34:56,378 --> 00:34:58,887 In the event of an atomic attack. 684 00:34:58,964 --> 00:35:02,298 Promoting different products that they make, 685 00:35:02,309 --> 00:35:04,384 But it's also going to promote 686 00:35:04,394 --> 00:35:08,221 Some very valuable advice on civil defense. 687 00:35:08,232 --> 00:35:09,397 Hamilton: In the civil defense film 688 00:35:09,474 --> 00:35:10,982 The house in the middle, 689 00:35:11,059 --> 00:35:13,309 You see three small houses exposed to nuclear blast 690 00:35:13,320 --> 00:35:16,238 With a variety of degrees of kemptness. 691 00:35:16,314 --> 00:35:18,657 One house has trash in the front yard, 692 00:35:18,733 --> 00:35:21,159 The house in the other end has a nice white picket fence 693 00:35:21,328 --> 00:35:22,994 And it's freshly painted. 694 00:35:23,071 --> 00:35:25,071 And the idea there is that it's meant to show 695 00:35:25,082 --> 00:35:28,083 How a house with trash is more likely to be susceptible 696 00:35:28,160 --> 00:35:30,669 To flames and fire from an atomic blast. 697 00:35:30,745 --> 00:35:32,495 Film announcer: A house that's neglected 698 00:35:32,506 --> 00:35:37,667 Is the house that may be doomed in the atomic age. 699 00:35:37,678 --> 00:35:40,253 I am going to show you how protective measures 700 00:35:40,264 --> 00:35:42,180 Can help guard your home 701 00:35:42,257 --> 00:35:45,267 Against the heat effects of an atomic explosion. 702 00:35:45,343 --> 00:35:47,769 Narrator: The fcda produces the film, 703 00:35:47,846 --> 00:35:51,022 Using images of the blast from lookout mountain. 704 00:35:51,099 --> 00:35:54,517 [dramatic film score] 705 00:35:54,528 --> 00:36:03,201 ♪ 706 00:36:03,278 --> 00:36:05,620 Film announcer: The dingy house on the left; 707 00:36:05,697 --> 00:36:08,206 The dirty and littered house on the right; 708 00:36:08,417 --> 00:36:10,950 Or the clean white house in the middle. 709 00:36:10,961 --> 00:36:12,878 It is your choice. 710 00:36:12,954 --> 00:36:14,537 Narrator: Sponsored by the national 711 00:36:14,548 --> 00:36:16,873 Clean up-paint up-fix up bureau 712 00:36:16,884 --> 00:36:20,710 Of the national paint, varnish and lacquer association. 713 00:36:20,721 --> 00:36:23,221 Hamilton: It's indicative of a lot of civil defense films. 714 00:36:23,298 --> 00:36:24,714 They're meant to encourage 715 00:36:24,725 --> 00:36:26,725 A certain way of living in the '50s 716 00:36:26,801 --> 00:36:28,476 As much as they are a certain way 717 00:36:28,553 --> 00:36:31,471 Of managing your fear in relationship to the bomb. 718 00:36:31,481 --> 00:36:33,556 Narrator: In many civil defense films, 719 00:36:33,567 --> 00:36:38,228 It's the american way of life that's under threat. 720 00:36:38,238 --> 00:36:40,739 ♪ 721 00:36:40,815 --> 00:36:44,242 So the fcda creates an elaborate portrait 722 00:36:44,319 --> 00:36:46,661 Of how the american dream will stand up 723 00:36:46,738 --> 00:36:49,572 Against a nuclear attack. 724 00:36:49,583 --> 00:36:51,249 Love: Operation cue is one 725 00:36:51,326 --> 00:36:53,826 Of the most interesting civil defense films produced. 726 00:36:53,837 --> 00:36:57,664 It is the one that tries the hardest to domesticate the bomb. 727 00:36:57,674 --> 00:36:59,999 Woman: Here at the nevada test site, 728 00:37:00,010 --> 00:37:02,919 I covered the story of operation cue, 729 00:37:02,930 --> 00:37:06,181 A program to test the effects of an atomic blast 730 00:37:06,258 --> 00:37:11,269 Upon the things we use in our everyday lives. 731 00:37:11,438 --> 00:37:14,356 Narrator: The film reflects many of the family stereotypes 732 00:37:14,432 --> 00:37:16,849 From television shows of the period. 733 00:37:16,860 --> 00:37:20,103 Love: Home is imperative to civil defense. 734 00:37:20,113 --> 00:37:23,439 If you bring these civil defense measures into your home 735 00:37:23,450 --> 00:37:25,283 And everyone follows their specific role 736 00:37:25,494 --> 00:37:26,952 That's assigned to them, 737 00:37:27,028 --> 00:37:29,788 Then you'll be able to survive the bomb. 738 00:37:29,864 --> 00:37:31,197 Film announcer: Turn off the burners 739 00:37:31,208 --> 00:37:34,200 Of your gas or electric stove. 740 00:37:34,211 --> 00:37:35,618 Disconnect any heating elements 741 00:37:35,629 --> 00:37:37,036 Such as electric irons, hot plates 742 00:37:37,047 --> 00:37:38,546 Or bathroom heaters. 743 00:37:38,623 --> 00:37:41,383 Narrator: Women play a central role in the fcda's vision 744 00:37:41,459 --> 00:37:45,220 For the survival of the american family. 745 00:37:45,297 --> 00:37:46,796 Love: In civil defense films, 746 00:37:46,807 --> 00:37:49,057 Domestication is really important 747 00:37:49,134 --> 00:37:50,642 In terms of gender 748 00:37:50,719 --> 00:37:53,219 Because the biggest way to domesticate the bomb 749 00:37:53,230 --> 00:37:55,388 Is to relate it to women. 750 00:37:55,399 --> 00:37:57,140 The woman's place is in the home, 751 00:37:57,150 --> 00:38:00,318 According to the 1950s stereotype. 752 00:38:00,395 --> 00:38:02,988 So, she's the one who's in control 753 00:38:03,064 --> 00:38:06,199 Of what takes place in the home when the blast occurs. 754 00:38:07,485 --> 00:38:09,152 Narrator: Sponsored by motorola, 755 00:38:09,162 --> 00:38:12,488 An entire film about a nuclear attack on new york city 756 00:38:12,499 --> 00:38:14,574 Takes place in the suburbs-- 757 00:38:14,584 --> 00:38:18,253 Mostly in one family's home. 758 00:38:18,330 --> 00:38:19,587 Love: In atomic attack, 759 00:38:19,664 --> 00:38:22,674 Mrs. Mitchell doesn't have a plan for civil defense 760 00:38:22,751 --> 00:38:24,342 And she suffers because of it. 761 00:38:24,511 --> 00:38:27,420 The bomb is not domesticated. 762 00:38:27,431 --> 00:38:31,674 Narrator: Her husband is killed at his office in manhattan. 763 00:38:31,685 --> 00:38:34,927 Her daughter suffers radiation sickness... 764 00:38:34,938 --> 00:38:37,930 Treated by a doctor played by a young walter matthau. 765 00:38:37,941 --> 00:38:40,358 Doctor: Well, mrs. Mitchell, she's going to need 766 00:38:40,444 --> 00:38:42,268 A long course of treatment. 767 00:38:42,279 --> 00:38:43,686 In plain english, 768 00:38:43,697 --> 00:38:46,364 She took in a lot of particles resulting from the bomb. 769 00:38:46,441 --> 00:38:49,284 Love: Atomic attack is a really interesting counter example 770 00:38:49,361 --> 00:38:50,452 To operation cue 771 00:38:50,528 --> 00:38:52,704 Of a woman not playing her role 772 00:38:52,781 --> 00:38:57,283 And seeing her family fall apart around her because of it. 773 00:38:57,294 --> 00:39:00,620 Narrator: But in the end, mrs. Mitchell, her daughters 774 00:39:00,630 --> 00:39:04,874 And her home in the suburbs survive. 775 00:39:04,885 --> 00:39:09,962 The message: The american way of life is indestructible. 776 00:39:09,973 --> 00:39:12,307 Literally. 777 00:39:12,384 --> 00:39:16,219 Masco: In operation cue, one of the chief projects 778 00:39:16,229 --> 00:39:20,398 Was to distribute, uh, a variety of different housing styles, 779 00:39:20,475 --> 00:39:24,152 Populate that with contemporary appliances... 780 00:39:24,229 --> 00:39:26,396 With mannequins dressed and posed 781 00:39:26,406 --> 00:39:30,408 In, uh, kind of moments of everyday home life. 782 00:39:30,494 --> 00:39:32,902 And to connect those different 783 00:39:32,913 --> 00:39:36,331 Utilities, commodities and clothing 784 00:39:36,408 --> 00:39:38,166 To particular manufacturers, 785 00:39:38,243 --> 00:39:43,463 Some of whom wanted to advertise their projects as bomb-proof. 786 00:39:46,835 --> 00:39:49,427 Narrator: For films like operation cue, 787 00:39:49,638 --> 00:39:54,507 Mock homes, whole cities and fake forests 788 00:39:54,518 --> 00:39:57,093 Are erected in the nevada desert 789 00:39:57,104 --> 00:40:00,513 To see how different kinds of materials and constructions 790 00:40:00,524 --> 00:40:04,442 Would be impacted by an atomic attack. 791 00:40:04,519 --> 00:40:08,446 [rumbling] 792 00:40:08,523 --> 00:40:11,607 It produces some of the most memorable images 793 00:40:11,618 --> 00:40:14,452 From the atomic tests. 794 00:40:14,579 --> 00:40:16,454 [boom] 795 00:40:16,531 --> 00:40:26,798 ♪ 796 00:40:26,875 --> 00:40:28,967 Masco: The problem is that the destructive power 797 00:40:29,043 --> 00:40:31,043 Of the weapons is so vast-- 798 00:40:31,054 --> 00:40:35,056 Instruments that can destroy cities with single devices. 799 00:40:35,133 --> 00:40:37,633 The technical capacities of nuclear warfare 800 00:40:37,644 --> 00:40:42,138 Outstrips the protective powers of civil defense. 801 00:40:42,149 --> 00:40:44,566 Narrator: The message of survival 802 00:40:44,642 --> 00:40:47,727 Doesn't match the images. 803 00:40:47,737 --> 00:40:52,740 The public isn't buying it. 804 00:40:52,817 --> 00:40:54,492 By the late 1950s, 805 00:40:54,569 --> 00:40:58,488 The fcda starts pulling earlier films from distribution 806 00:40:58,498 --> 00:41:02,492 When the information proves too unrealistic 807 00:41:02,502 --> 00:41:04,502 Or just downright misleading. 808 00:41:04,579 --> 00:41:06,671 Film announcer: The majority of people exposed to radiation 809 00:41:06,748 --> 00:41:08,506 Recovered completely, 810 00:41:08,592 --> 00:41:10,175 Including a large percentage of those 811 00:41:10,251 --> 00:41:14,512 Who suffered serious radiation sickness. 812 00:41:14,589 --> 00:41:16,848 Today they lead normal lives. 813 00:41:16,925 --> 00:41:20,477 They bear children. Their children are normal. 814 00:41:22,931 --> 00:41:29,527 Narrator: So the fcda tries a new tack--bomb shelters. 815 00:41:29,604 --> 00:41:31,112 Love: So, if everyone's prepared, 816 00:41:31,189 --> 00:41:34,949 If they go into their bomb shelters, they'll survive. 817 00:41:35,026 --> 00:41:37,527 Narrator: Bomb shelters represent the perfect marriage 818 00:41:37,537 --> 00:41:38,536 Of civil defense 819 00:41:38,622 --> 00:41:40,780 And public relations. 820 00:41:40,790 --> 00:41:42,031 Hughes: Walt builds 821 00:41:42,042 --> 00:41:43,791 A family fallout shelter 822 00:41:43,868 --> 00:41:46,544 Was a film that was released 823 00:41:46,621 --> 00:41:50,882 Instructing people to create block-style shelters 824 00:41:50,959 --> 00:41:53,551 To protect themselves and their families from fallout. 825 00:41:53,762 --> 00:41:55,053 Narrator: Brought to you 826 00:41:55,129 --> 00:41:57,630 By the national concrete masonry association. 827 00:41:57,641 --> 00:42:00,633 Walt: This shelter is a real good idea. 828 00:42:00,644 --> 00:42:03,135 If we should ever have a nuclear war, 829 00:42:03,146 --> 00:42:04,637 We could get a heavy fallout 830 00:42:04,773 --> 00:42:07,982 Even though we were not anywheres near the target area. 831 00:42:08,059 --> 00:42:12,487 Thick, heavy walls and ceiling protect against radiation. 832 00:42:12,564 --> 00:42:14,063 The thicker the better. 833 00:42:14,074 --> 00:42:16,816 Concrete blocks therefore are very well suited 834 00:42:16,826 --> 00:42:19,569 For this type of construction. 835 00:42:19,579 --> 00:42:21,654 Narrator: The idea captures the imagination 836 00:42:21,665 --> 00:42:23,581 Of the entire country. 837 00:42:23,658 --> 00:42:27,835 A poll in the late '50s finds more than 40% of the country 838 00:42:27,912 --> 00:42:30,922 Is considering building a shelter. 839 00:42:30,999 --> 00:42:33,749 But the polls don't tell the whole story. 840 00:42:33,760 --> 00:42:35,593 Love: People said they supported it, 841 00:42:35,670 --> 00:42:38,421 But they supported it if the government paid for it. 842 00:42:38,431 --> 00:42:41,507 The government didn't want to pay for it. 843 00:42:41,518 --> 00:42:43,601 Narrator: In the end, civil defense films 844 00:42:43,678 --> 00:42:46,938 Get a lot of families talking about building shelters, 845 00:42:47,015 --> 00:42:50,775 But few follow through. 846 00:42:50,852 --> 00:42:54,937 At best, they offer a grim vision of survival-- 847 00:42:54,948 --> 00:42:59,033 Little more than a chance to sit out the apocalypse above. 848 00:43:01,446 --> 00:43:03,371 Love: As a whole, the civil defense films 849 00:43:03,448 --> 00:43:06,708 Had a neutral effect on the american public. 850 00:43:06,784 --> 00:43:08,618 They don't seem to have instilled confidence 851 00:43:08,628 --> 00:43:11,120 Or motivated people to actually build shelters 852 00:43:11,131 --> 00:43:14,790 Or participate in evacuations or stock up on food. 853 00:43:14,801 --> 00:43:17,710 But it's important to try to understand 854 00:43:17,721 --> 00:43:21,055 The way people processed that information. 855 00:43:22,050 --> 00:43:23,641 Narrator: In 1958, 856 00:43:23,852 --> 00:43:25,217 The fcda evolves 857 00:43:25,228 --> 00:43:28,730 Into the office of civil and defense mobilization. 858 00:43:30,317 --> 00:43:32,400 More films follow. 859 00:43:32,477 --> 00:43:34,727 But the images of nuclear explosions 860 00:43:34,738 --> 00:43:38,406 Make survival seem patently absurd. 861 00:43:40,410 --> 00:43:42,410 October 1963. 862 00:43:42,487 --> 00:43:44,820 Just a month before he's assassinated, 863 00:43:44,831 --> 00:43:48,666 Jfk signs the limited nuclear test ban treaty, 864 00:43:48,743 --> 00:43:52,337 Ending all atmospheric detonations. 865 00:43:52,413 --> 00:43:56,174 The last pictures of an american above-ground nuclear explosion 866 00:43:56,250 --> 00:43:58,676 Are taken in a final series of tests 867 00:43:58,753 --> 00:44:02,513 At johnston island in 1962. 868 00:44:02,590 --> 00:44:07,143 The era of nuclear filmmaking comes to an end. 869 00:44:10,357 --> 00:44:13,599 After shifting its focus to vietnam for a few years, 870 00:44:13,610 --> 00:44:19,271 Lookout mountain closes its doors for good in 1969. 871 00:44:19,282 --> 00:44:22,700 For decades, films from the early days of the cold war 872 00:44:22,777 --> 00:44:27,863 Are locked away, classified, lost or forgotten. 873 00:44:27,874 --> 00:44:31,125 Now, as many are being declassified, 874 00:44:31,202 --> 00:44:34,620 An epic project is under way to find and analyze 875 00:44:34,631 --> 00:44:37,715 The only images of nuclear explosions 876 00:44:37,842 --> 00:44:40,218 We hope we'll ever have. 877 00:44:44,724 --> 00:44:47,883 The u.S. Conducted its last nuclear test of any kind 878 00:44:47,894 --> 00:44:54,065 Underground on September 23, 1992. 879 00:44:54,142 --> 00:44:57,143 With the cold war over, the clinton administration 880 00:44:57,153 --> 00:45:00,238 Begins releasing nuclear test films to the public 881 00:45:00,314 --> 00:45:03,482 That had been classified top secret for decades. 882 00:45:03,493 --> 00:45:04,826 Hamilton: The only reason why we know 883 00:45:04,902 --> 00:45:06,652 About the existence of lookout mountain 884 00:45:06,663 --> 00:45:08,746 And why we have access to these images 885 00:45:08,823 --> 00:45:14,752 Is because of a declassification process that began in the '90s. 886 00:45:14,879 --> 00:45:16,328 Narrator: For half a century and more, 887 00:45:16,339 --> 00:45:20,082 Some of the most technical eg&g films sat idle 888 00:45:20,093 --> 00:45:23,761 In cans and boxes, in vaults and basements, 889 00:45:23,838 --> 00:45:25,513 Many never opened 890 00:45:25,590 --> 00:45:29,308 After the one or two times they were originally played. 891 00:45:32,897 --> 00:45:34,772 Until today. 892 00:45:34,849 --> 00:45:38,017 A team at lawrence livermore national laboratory 893 00:45:38,027 --> 00:45:43,614 Is re-analyzing the scientific films of the era. 894 00:45:43,691 --> 00:45:45,616 Jim moye: It's an amazing body of history. 895 00:45:45,693 --> 00:45:47,618 The scientific photography is amazing. 896 00:45:47,695 --> 00:45:51,697 I mean, they were really forward-thinking about it. 897 00:45:51,708 --> 00:45:52,957 It should be preserved 898 00:45:53,034 --> 00:45:55,293 Even if it wasn't going to be re-analyzed. 899 00:45:55,369 --> 00:45:58,788 The cool thing to me is how much information is there 900 00:45:58,798 --> 00:46:00,706 That can be re-analyzed 901 00:46:00,717 --> 00:46:05,303 And is valuable to scientists all over. 902 00:46:05,379 --> 00:46:07,546 Spriggs: The value of these scientific films 903 00:46:07,557 --> 00:46:08,964 Is almost priceless. 904 00:46:08,975 --> 00:46:11,884 These films represent the only test data 905 00:46:11,895 --> 00:46:13,469 That we're ever gonna have 906 00:46:13,480 --> 00:46:16,397 Of nuclear weapons detonated in the atmosphere. 907 00:46:16,474 --> 00:46:18,816 We cannot increase this data because the united states 908 00:46:19,027 --> 00:46:22,228 Is never gonna do another atmospheric test. 909 00:46:22,238 --> 00:46:26,398 We did 210 atmospheric shots, and this is it. 910 00:46:26,409 --> 00:46:29,827 Narrator: Analyzing the images with 1950s technology 911 00:46:29,913 --> 00:46:31,829 Was no easy task. 912 00:46:31,956 --> 00:46:34,832 Spriggs: In the '50s when they started analyzing these films, 913 00:46:34,918 --> 00:46:39,837 Uh, they had to do everything basically manually. 914 00:46:39,923 --> 00:46:44,842 Narrator: The process was labor-intensive in the extreme. 915 00:46:45,011 --> 00:46:47,169 The results, they're now learning, 916 00:46:47,180 --> 00:46:49,255 Were not very reliable. 917 00:46:49,265 --> 00:46:51,849 Spriggs: This image would be shined onto this grid, 918 00:46:51,935 --> 00:46:53,017 And then somebody would sit there 919 00:46:53,094 --> 00:46:55,010 And actually try to read it. 920 00:46:55,021 --> 00:46:57,596 Moye: They had to position the film, the frame 921 00:46:57,607 --> 00:47:00,858 On the grid manually, each frame, 922 00:47:00,944 --> 00:47:06,021 And they had to use that grid to measure the fireball. 923 00:47:06,032 --> 00:47:08,616 Hundreds of people 924 00:47:08,693 --> 00:47:12,695 For just months, days, years, to analyze all of this. 925 00:47:12,705 --> 00:47:14,622 Spriggs: And so there was a large potential 926 00:47:14,699 --> 00:47:16,374 For human error. 927 00:47:16,450 --> 00:47:19,869 Narrator: With some film running at 2,400 frames per second, 928 00:47:19,879 --> 00:47:22,880 It could take hundreds of analysts an entire day 929 00:47:23,007 --> 00:47:25,708 To study two seconds of film. 930 00:47:28,546 --> 00:47:32,214 Today, with specialized software and supercomputers, 931 00:47:32,225 --> 00:47:36,227 The process is exponentially faster and more accurate. 932 00:47:36,304 --> 00:47:39,555 Moye: We can automate the process of analyzing the films. 933 00:47:39,566 --> 00:47:41,482 So, running a program, it can go through a film 934 00:47:41,559 --> 00:47:47,563 Of thousands of frames in minutes instead of days. 935 00:47:47,574 --> 00:47:50,733 Narrator: For scientists re-analyzing the films, 936 00:47:50,743 --> 00:47:53,152 The most accurate calculation of yield 937 00:47:53,162 --> 00:47:56,405 Is still their primary focus... 938 00:47:56,416 --> 00:47:59,250 A chilling assessment of a destructive power 939 00:47:59,327 --> 00:48:04,171 We hope we'll only see on these films. 940 00:48:04,248 --> 00:48:06,173 Moye: Eg&g did an amazing job 941 00:48:06,250 --> 00:48:10,011 Capturing that scientific record in the '50s, '60s, 942 00:48:10,087 --> 00:48:12,171 And we're hopefully restoring it 943 00:48:12,181 --> 00:48:14,932 For generations maybe 200 years out 944 00:48:15,059 --> 00:48:20,679 Who can look at this and not only get scientific information, 945 00:48:20,690 --> 00:48:25,860 But they can know the history firsthand. 946 00:48:25,937 --> 00:48:27,945 Narrator: The war that would never be fought 947 00:48:28,022 --> 00:48:29,355 Would become the story 948 00:48:29,365 --> 00:48:32,950 Dominating the second half of the 20th century. 949 00:48:33,119 --> 00:48:37,955 The arms race and the cold war cast a constant shadow of threat 950 00:48:38,032 --> 00:48:42,460 Over both sides of the conflict for decades. 951 00:48:42,536 --> 00:48:44,203 Hamilton: Films of nuclear explosions, 952 00:48:44,213 --> 00:48:45,880 Photographs of nuclear explosions, 953 00:48:45,957 --> 00:48:48,049 The iconography of this 954 00:48:48,125 --> 00:48:50,301 Played such a role in the science 955 00:48:50,378 --> 00:48:51,969 And the policy around the bomb 956 00:48:52,180 --> 00:48:55,973 That they are now also part of our popular culture as well. 957 00:48:56,100 --> 00:48:57,967 Love: They're an important part of our history. 958 00:48:57,977 --> 00:49:01,979 They teach us about the way the government wanted us 959 00:49:02,056 --> 00:49:06,984 To view safety and to view something that was terrifying. 960 00:49:07,153 --> 00:49:09,820 [roaring] 961 00:49:09,897 --> 00:49:12,990 Narrator: Nuclear weapons haven't gone away. 962 00:49:13,067 --> 00:49:15,567 The threat remains. 963 00:49:15,578 --> 00:49:18,996 But the atomic anxiety in a new century doesn't compare 964 00:49:19,073 --> 00:49:23,000 To the overwhelming terror of the cold war... 965 00:49:23,077 --> 00:49:25,753 Yet. 966 00:49:25,830 --> 00:49:29,840 But nuclear weapons will always be headline news. 967 00:49:29,917 --> 00:49:31,834 Man: We believe that it is imperative 968 00:49:31,844 --> 00:49:35,587 That we be prepared for every disaster. 969 00:49:35,598 --> 00:49:40,351 And in today's world, that includes a nuclear attack. 970 00:49:40,428 --> 00:49:43,020 Narrator: Even before a cold-war-style false alarm 971 00:49:43,097 --> 00:49:44,939 Of a missile attack, 972 00:49:45,016 --> 00:49:49,435 Hawaii started a new generation on civil defense. 973 00:49:49,445 --> 00:49:51,028 Hughes: Hawaii is now testing 974 00:49:51,239 --> 00:49:53,439 Their nuclear civil defense sirens 975 00:49:53,449 --> 00:49:56,742 In answer to the, uh, north korea threat. 976 00:49:58,955 --> 00:50:02,039 Narrator: The islands adapted their tsunami warning siren... 977 00:50:02,208 --> 00:50:03,782 [siren wailing] 978 00:50:03,793 --> 00:50:06,043 Announcer: This is a test of the attack warning signal. 979 00:50:06,120 --> 00:50:07,953 Narrator: ...With a new alert tone, 980 00:50:07,964 --> 00:50:10,756 Signifying an imminent attack. 981 00:50:14,220 --> 00:50:17,972 Love: Now with the nuclear tensions ratcheting up again, 982 00:50:18,049 --> 00:50:19,214 It will be really interesting 983 00:50:19,225 --> 00:50:21,308 To see if the language of civil defense 984 00:50:21,385 --> 00:50:23,060 Begins to come out again 985 00:50:23,146 --> 00:50:25,637 And if it's different from what it was in the 1950s and '60s 986 00:50:25,648 --> 00:50:28,057 Or if there's new twists, um, 987 00:50:28,067 --> 00:50:32,570 To account for the things we know about those weapons now. 988 00:50:32,646 --> 00:50:35,072 Narrator: The terrifying threat of nuclear weapons 989 00:50:35,283 --> 00:50:38,567 Still hangs over the planet. 990 00:50:38,578 --> 00:50:44,081 Images of mushroom clouds are burned in to our imagination. 991 00:50:44,158 --> 00:50:46,083 We built the bomb. 992 00:50:46,160 --> 00:50:48,085 [rumbling] 993 00:50:48,296 --> 00:51:00,097 The films of the atomic age will never let us forget it.