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The Atomic Cafe (1982)

Not Rated | | Documentary, History | 29 October 1982 (Finland)
The Atomic Cafe Poster
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2:24 | Trailer

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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.

Directors:

Jayne Loader, Kevin Rafferty | 1 more credit »

Stars:

Paul Tibbets, Harry S. Truman, W.H.P. Blandy | See full cast & crew »
Reviews
2 wins & 1 nomination. See more awards »

Videos

See all 2 videos  »

Photos

See all 15 photos »
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Paul Tibbets Paul Tibbets ... Himself (archive footage)
Harry S. Truman ... Himself (archive footage) (as President Harry S Truman)
W.H.P. Blandy W.H.P. Blandy ... Himself - Commander of the Bikini Test (archive footage) (as Vice Admiral W.H.P. Blandy)
Brien McMahon Brien McMahon ... Himself (archive footage) (as Sen. Brian McMahon)
Lloyd Bentsen Lloyd Bentsen ... Himself (archive footage) (as Rep. Lloyd Bentsen)
Owen Brewster Owen Brewster ... Himself (archive footage) (as Sen. Owen Brewster)
Julius Rosenberg Julius Rosenberg ... Himself (archive footage)
Ethel Rosenberg Ethel Rosenberg ... Herself (archive footage)
Val Peterson Val Peterson ... Himself - Director of Civil Defense (archive footage) (as Gov. Val Peterson)
Lyndon Johnson ... Himself (archive footage) (as Sen. Lyndon B. Johnson)
Lewis Strauss Lewis Strauss ... Himself - Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission (archive footage) (as Lewis L. Strauss)
George Molan George Molan ... Himself (archive footage) (as Cpl. George Molan)
George Portell George Portell ... Himself (archive footage) (as Tech Sgt. George Portell)
Jerry Schneider Jerry Schneider ... Himself (archive footage)
Sergeant Weaver Sergeant Weaver ... Himself (archive footage)
See full cast »
Edit

Storyline

A compilation of 1960's films about what to do in case of a Nuclear attack and the effects of radiation, also footage of troop tests of the exposure to an atomic bomb. Written by Michael Edwards <medwards@gate.net>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

national film registry | army | victory in japan day | nuclear weapon | radiation victim | See All (51) »

Genres:

Documentary | History

Certificate:

Not Rated | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Details

Official Sites:

Up Close and Personal with Producer Jayne Loader

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

29 October 1982 (Finland) See more »

Also Known As:

Atomic Cafe See more »
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Box Office

Budget:

$300,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$4,098, 5 August 2018, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$22,293, 25 October 2018
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

Production Co:

The Archives Project See more »
Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White | Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The archival footage seen in the film is from 1940s and 1950s. See more »

Quotes

Army information film: When not close enough to be killed, the atomic bomb is one of the most beautiful sights in the world.
See more »

Connections

Referenced in Late Night with David Letterman: Episode #1.23 (1982) See more »

Soundtracks

When the Atom Bomb Fell
Written by Karl Victor Davis and Connecticut 'Harty' Taylor
Performed by Karl and Harty
Courtesy of CBS Records, Inc.
See more »

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User Reviews

 
shockingly entertaining
1 July 2002 | by alphabettysoup – See all my reviews

The fact that this is true makes this short film scary and worrying...but doesn't stop it from being very entertaining and funny. The pieces of real life propaganda are amazing and it's often hard to believe that it's all true.

However remember that all of the snipets of film are cut and pasted together with music added over the top, so everything you see isn't exactly as it seems... it's propaganda on propaganda...and highly entertaining. A must see for any one interested in American History, Propaganda, or just wanting a good sorry laugh.
10 of 10 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you? | Report this
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