The
vast majority of civil defense films were products of government agencies,
though this wasnt always the case. A handful
of early films, such as You Can Beat the A Bomb and Pattern for Survival, were
released by private companies prior to the formation of any cohesive central
authority on atomic civil defense. This
changed with Executive Order 10186 which established the Federal Civil Defense
Administration in December of 1950. Just
two months later, the F.C.D.A. announced the creation of nine films designed to
address the threat of an enemy attack using unconventional weapons. These particular films, all based upon instructional
booklets already in circulation, would be the first to enjoy the full backing
of the United States government. In April of 1951, Survival Under Atomic Attack became the initial government civil
defense film. With famed broadcast
journalist Edward R. Murrow narrating some of the earliest atomic protection
advice offered to the American public, the film brings the pamphlet of the same
name to life.(1)
Recognizing
that the average American audience in 1951 likely knew very little about the
atomic bomb, the writers of Survival Under Atomic Attack explain several topics
in just under nine minutes. Murrow
begins by describing the primary dangers of an atomic detonation, blast, heat
and radiation. He makes several
references to Hiroshima and Nagasaki to stress that, despite exposure to
radioactive fallout, Japanese survivors continue to lead normal lives. Murrow further adds that, should the United
States be subjected to a Soviet attack, evacuation of target areas is
unfeasible. Residents of large cities
must remain to keep up vital war production and keep roads clear for emergency
services. This point is discussed in
detail in the 1952 film Our Cities Must Fight.
Instead of evacuating, citizens should concentrate on clearing flammable
debris from their homes and preparing a well-stocked shelter in the sturdiest
room of their home. The film wraps up with three simulated attacks, instructing the viewer on what to do when the siren sounds in different situations. Closing blinds, unplugging appliances, filling water buckets, and seeking shelter are the steps recommended. If caught by surprise at home or in the open, the only option is to crouch towards the ground and shield vital body parts.
Survival Under Atomic Attack was introduced with great fanfare. Several months after its release, The American Journal of Nursing described the film as "the best introduction to the subject (atomic warfare) yet produced."(2) Civil defense leaders and civic groups across the country requested copies for use in presentations and recruitment meetings. Within nine months of its release, over 4,000 16mm prints were sold, which the F.C.D.A. heralded as an industry record.(3) Eager to spread the film's message, the State of California released That They May Live in the summer of 1951, which used still frames from the motion picture and text from the pamphlet to create a slideshow for school-aged children.(4) In spite of all its influence, however, the film would not enjoy favorable longevity. By 1956, Survival Under Atomic Attack was removed from lists of films which were available for rent or purchase through government catalogs. The following year, it was officially deemed obsolete. Citing changing methods of warfare and protection, F.C.D.A. officials recalled all government copies of the film and encouraged any private owners to cease screenings.
Survival Under Atomic Attack may be viewed in its entirety HERE.
References:
(1) Annual Report for 1951.
United States Government Printing Office, 1952. 15.
(2) Survival Under Atomic Attack. The American
Journal of Nursing, Vol. 151 Iss. 11.
Nov. 1951.
(3) Annual Report for 1951.
United States Government Printing Office, 1952. 14-15.
(4) "Around the State in Civil
Defense." The Los Angeles Sentinel.
7 June, 1951. p. A8.