Many civil defense films address the problem of
fallout radiation, the lingering side-effect of an enemy attack with nuclear
weapons which would have forced millions of citizens across the United States
to seek shelter for an undetermined length of time. The vast majority of these films, however,
focus on the physical dangers of radiation and the science behind stopping its
harmful effects. Government filmmakers
devoted precious little screen time to the host of other problems likely to
arise from confining large segments of a population into the cramped quarters
of a public fallout shelter. The few
films which demonstrate how life in a public fallout shelter would look are
quick to explain that emotional outbursts and uncooperative attitudes can be
solved with bureaucratic procedures and calm discussions. Three Reactions to Shelter Life, released in
1964 by the Office of Civil Defense, offers an exception. By presenting the negative experiences of
three shelterees, the film highlights the mental suffering likely to occur even
when the occupants of a public fallout shelter remain physically safe. Interestingly, Three Reactions to Shelter
Life leaves each scenario unsolved, suggesting there can be no easy answers to
the problems of human interaction.
In the first segment presented, illiterate handyman
Charlie Kerry seeks public shelter in the affluent neighborhood where he
works. Stress of his missing mother and
sister, combined with jabs from other occupants about his intellectual inferiority, finally breaks Charlie who begins to harass women and pick fights. He is forcibly restrained by the shelter
manager as the screen fades to black.
The second segment introduces Mary Dennis, a spinster and bookkeeper who
manages supplies for her public shelter.
Ms. Dennis brings petty jealousies into the shelter with her, continually
arguing with other women. Unable to
comprehend the severity of the situation, she makes plans with people known to
have perished in the attack. Her friend (who
can be seen spreading anti-government theories in Occupying a Public Shelter)
tries to keep her calm. Growing
increasingly annoyed with her fellow occupants Ms. Dennis steals a checkerboard
and assaults a young child who offers her candy. When confronted, she suffers a breakdown and
her segment ends as she cries out for her home.
The third and final segment of the film features
Arnold Sweeter, a business man in a heartbreaking position. Sweeter has taken shelter in an industrial
basement near his office, however, the whereabouts of his wife Evelyn and son
Robert are unknown. Understandably
distraught, Sweeter frequently checks in with the shelter manager to seek
updates on survivors in other buildings across the town. He is comforted by a woman who strictly warns
him against venturing outside to find his family. The same actress can also be seen in
Information Programs Within Public Shelters and Occupying a Public Shelter,
portraying in both instances a mother separated from her children. Unable to stand the pressure of not knowing
their fate, Sweeter sneaks out to search for Evelyn and Robert. Shortly after his exit, word arrives that
they are safe in a public shelter across town. The
film concludes by explaining how, with proper instruction, most shelter
occupants will remain calm and docile.
Incorporating scenes from many other Office of Civil Defense films, the
narrator reiterates how some citizens may react negatively to the confines of a
public shelter. Reviewing the three
scenarios presented, the audience, likely comprised of trainee shelter
managers, is asked how they would handle each instance to achieve a better
outcome.
Three Reactions to Shelter Life may be viewed in its entirety HERE.