On the Beach (1959) 7.3
The residents of Australia after a global nuclear war must come to terms with the fact that all life will be destroyed in a matter of months. Director:Stanley Kramer |
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On the Beach (1959) 7.3
The residents of Australia after a global nuclear war must come to terms with the fact that all life will be destroyed in a matter of months. Director:Stanley Kramer |
|
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| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Gregory Peck | ... | ||
| Ava Gardner | ... | ||
| Fred Astaire | ... | ||
| Anthony Perkins | ... | ||
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Donna Anderson | ... | |
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John Tate | ... | |
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Harp McGuire | ... | |
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Lola Brooks | ... | |
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Ken Wayne | ... | |
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Guy Doleman | ... | |
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Richard Meikle | ... | |
| John Meillon | ... | ||
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Joe McCormick | ... | |
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Lou Vernon | ... | |
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Kevin Brennan | ... | |
In 1964, atomic war wipes out humanity in the northern hemisphere; one American submarine finds temporary safe haven in Australia, where life-as-usual covers growing despair. In denial about the loss of his wife and children in the holocaust, American Captain Towers meets careworn but gorgeous Moira Davidson, who begins to fall for him. The sub returns after reconnaissance a month (or less) before the end; will Towers and Moira find comfort with each other? Written by Rod Crawford <puffinus@u.washington.edu>
On The Beach was made in 1959 and it's still a fantastic movie some 46 years later. As great as all the performances are, the photography and the script are as out-standing.
The only drawback to this black & white classic is the hauntingly depressing nature of the film. Death is never easy to explore and it's done here tastefully, gritty, and realistically. Gregory Peck shines in this controversial role. Ava Gardner gives her finest performance. Fred Astaire is incredible in this serious role. However, the film was stolen by the pre-Psycho Anthoney Perkins and newcomer Donna Anderson as a doomed young couple with a new baby. The ending of On The Beach is one of the most depressing in screen history, still this is a must see for any fan of any of the actors or the legendary Stanly Kramer.