The Atomic Cafe

Mar 17, 1982

1h 26m

★ 7.3

A hot spot in a cold war.

Overview

A disturbing collection of 1940s and 1950s United States government-issued propaganda films designed to reassure Americans that the atomic bomb was not a threat to their safety.

Genres

Documentary

History

Production Companies

The Archives Project

The Atomic Cafe Trailers

Cast

Self (archive footage)

Harry S. Truman

Self (archive footage)

Lyndon B. Johnson

Self (archive footage)

Nikita Khrushchev

Self (archive footage)

Lewis Strauss

Self (archive footage)

Julius Rosenberg

Self (archive footage)

Ethel Rosenberg

Self (archive footage)

Paul Tibbets

Self (archive footage)

Lloyd Bentsen

An account of the last two centuries of the Anthropocene, the Age of Man. How human beings have progressed so much in such a short time through war and the selfish interests of a few, belligerent politicians and captains of industry, damaging the welfare of the majority of mankind, impoverishing the weakest, greedily devouring the limited resources of the Earth.

7.7

Hiroshima Mon Amour

Jun 10, 1959

The deep conversation between a Japanese architect and a French actress forms the basis of this celebrated French film, considered one of the vanguard productions of the French New Wave. Set in Hiroshima after the end of World War II, the couple -- lovers turned friends -- recount, over many hours, previous romances and life experiences. The two intertwine their stories about the past with pondering the devastation wrought by the atomic bomb dropped on the city.

7.2

Helvetica

Sep 12, 2007

Helvetica is a feature-length independent film about typography, graphic design and global visual culture. It looks at the proliferation of one typeface (which will celebrate its 50th birthday in 2007) as part of a larger conversation about the way type affects our lives. The film is an exploration of urban spaces in major cities and the type that inhabits them, and a fluid discussion with renowned designers about their work, the creative process, and the choices and aesthetics behind their use of type.

8.4

The Occupation of the American Mind

Jan 19, 2016

Over the past few years, Israel's ongoing military occupation of Palestinian territory and repeated invasions of the Gaza strip have triggered a fierce backlash against Israeli policies virtually everywhere in the world—except the United States. This documentary takes an eye-opening look at this critical exception, zeroing in on pro-Israel public relations efforts within the U.S.

0.0

Protection In The Nuclear Age

Jan 1, 1978

An exploration of the reality of potential nuclear attacks on the United States with an emphasis that survival is possible. It outlines key strategies for protection during a nuclear emergency, including recognizing warning signals, taking immediate cover, and understanding the effects of a nuclear explosion. The film stresses the importance of preparation, including knowing evacuation routes and creating a family protection plan. It also highlights the significance of mass, distance, and time as defenses against radiation, and encourages citizens to stay informed and ready in the event of a crisis.

9.0

Intervision Song Contest - schlager i kalla krigets skugga

May 7, 2022

Documentary about the Intervision Song Contest in general and the 1980 edition in particular. Focuses on Finland's participation and the shipyard strikes in Gdansk at the time.

6.2

Tunisian Victory

Mar 23, 1944

Documentary made by the U.S. Army Signal Corps after the North African campaign.

6.5

K-19: The Widowmaker

Jul 19, 2002

When Russia's first nuclear submarine malfunctions on its maiden voyage, the crew must race to save the ship and prevent a nuclear disaster.

10.0

The Neutron Bomb

Oct 6, 2022

We've all heard of the atomic bomb, but in the late 1950s, an idea was conceived of a bomb which would maximize damage to people, but minimize damage to buildings and vital infrastructure: perfect for an occupying army. This is the story of a man and his bomb: a melding of world events and scientific discovery inspire the neutron bomb, one of the most hated nuclear weapons ever invented.

7.7

Oppenheimer After Trinity

Apr 22, 2023

This captivating documentary on J. Robert Oppenheimer, the architect of the atomic bomb, explores his journey before the historic test and reveals the burden he carried after. De-classified documents, rare film footage and exclusive interviews, including Oppenheimer's grandson, show an intimate exploration of the burden Oppenheimer carried and the profound global impact still being debated today.

7.4

The Right Stuff

Oct 20, 1983

At the dawn of the Space Race, seven test pilots set out to become the first American astronauts to enter space. However, the road to making history brings momentous challenges.

7.0

The World's Biggest Bomb Revealed

Jul 12, 2011

National Geographic 2011 Documentary on the World's Biggest Bomb (UK).

6.5

Inside Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer

Jul 15, 2023

A look behind the scenes of Christopher Nolan's film "Oppenheimer" about an American scientist and his role in the development of the atomic bomb.

8.0

Firing Line with William F. Buckley Jr: Ronald Reagan

Invalid Date

The wish was father to the thought: instead of asking Mr. Reagan conventionally worded questions about his candidacy, as he had done Messrs. A discussion full of substance-on topics ranging from Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia, to the way government bonds should be issued, to the still-ongoing energy crisis, to the still-high unemployment-but also a delicious dress rehearsal.

7.2

Trinity and Beyond: The Atomic Bomb Movie

Sep 29, 1995

"Trinity and Beyond" is an unsettling yet visually fascinating documentary presenting the history of nuclear weapons development and testing between 1945-1963. Narrated by William Shatner and featuring an original score performed by the Moscow Symphony Orchestra, this award-winning documentary reveals previously unreleased and classified government footage from several countries.

7.5

Empire of the Sun

Dec 9, 1987

Jamie Graham, a privileged English boy, is living in Shanghai when the Japanese invade and force all foreigners into prison camps. Jamie is captured with an American sailor, who looks out for him while they are in the camp together. Even though he is separated from his parents and in a hostile environment, Jamie maintains his dignity and youthful spirit, providing a beacon of hope for the others held captive with him.

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8.0

Soviet Tajikistan: International Youth Day

Oct 16, 1929

Events that took place in the capital of the Tajik SSR, the city of Dushanbe in 1929.

0.0

RINO – Příběh špiona

Sep 29, 2016

Documentary portrait of Karel Köcher, supposedly the most important communist agent to infiltrate the CIA.

No Image Available

4.0

X-Rated: The Ads They Couldn't Show

Mar 10, 2005

Every year, thousands of commercials are made that never reach our TV screens, deemed too shocking to see. In order to make it onto the screen, they must clear all manner of obstacles, from fussy clients to obsessive regulators and restrictive rights issues. X-Rated takes a look at these outlawed pieces of advertising, revealing the most explicit, controversial and shocking ads never seen. These are ads that break all manner of taboos, from sex, violence, blasphemy, homosexuality, animal cruelty, rapping pensioners, swearing children, suicidal toys and naked athletes to Kylie in her undies on a bucking bronco. Amongst the contributors are advertising executives, producers and censors. The programme also takes a look at the embarrassing world of western celebrities in Japanese ads.

0.0

From Harlem with Love

Apr 23, 2014

Tensions between the USSR and the United States were high in 1959, with the seemingly constant threat of nuclear war. Then some unlikely ambassadors stepped forward to clear all that away: the Harlem Globetrotters. From Harlem With Love is the story of how a group of barnstorming basketball players traveled to the heart of the Soviet Union at the height of the Cold War and bridged a cultural gap many thought would stand forever.