ATOMIC ATTACK was / is a segment of the Motorola TV Hour. It opens with a typical American family of the period, going about their daily routines. While mom's in the basement getting the laundry going, a huge explosion is heard. Then, sirens.
The different reactions of the two daughters are very interesting. Barbara (Patricia Bruder) falls to pieces, while her younger sister, Ginny (the wonderful Patricia McCormack) is wildly exuberant. An impossibly young / thin Walter Matthau arrives as Dr. Spinelli, and tries to determine if Barbara has been exposed to radiation.
Most of the action is conveyed through grim radio reports. Those unaccustomed to the more melodramatic acting style of the 1950's may smile a bit. When Nancy (Virginia Gerry) stops by, her near-lunacy is a wonder to behold!
A pacifistic scientist shows up, and a moral dilemma is introduced. In spite of the theatrics, AA remains effective. It plays like a sitcom (think: FATHER KNOWS BEST) gone horribly wrong! Unfortunately, its message is always relevant...
The different reactions of the two daughters are very interesting. Barbara (Patricia Bruder) falls to pieces, while her younger sister, Ginny (the wonderful Patricia McCormack) is wildly exuberant. An impossibly young / thin Walter Matthau arrives as Dr. Spinelli, and tries to determine if Barbara has been exposed to radiation.
Most of the action is conveyed through grim radio reports. Those unaccustomed to the more melodramatic acting style of the 1950's may smile a bit. When Nancy (Virginia Gerry) stops by, her near-lunacy is a wonder to behold!
A pacifistic scientist shows up, and a moral dilemma is introduced. In spite of the theatrics, AA remains effective. It plays like a sitcom (think: FATHER KNOWS BEST) gone horribly wrong! Unfortunately, its message is always relevant...