I just watched the DVD of "The Atomic Cafe" this morning.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Two thumbs up. Two thumbs way up.

I saw at it the movie theeayter when it came out, back in 1982. The film was made by some people living in Arlington County, Virginia. They'd go down to the National Archives on their bicycles or the Metro and search for archival footage to use.

Totally great movie.

I'm turning it back into the Alexandria Library in a few minutes. I don't think that the Arlington County Library has a copy. That hardly makes sense.

The Atomic Cafe

The Atomic Cafe is a 1982 American documentary film produced and directed by Jayne Loader, Kevin Rafferty and Pierce Rafferty.

In 2016, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".
....

Synopsis

The film covers the beginnings of the era of nuclear warfare, created from a broad range of archival material from the 1940s, 1950s and early 1960s including newsreel clips, television news footage, U.S. government-produced films (including military training films), advertisements, television and radio programs. News footage reflected the prevailing understanding of the media and public.

Though the topic of atomic holocaust is a grave matter, The Atomic Cafe approaches it with black humor. Much of the humor derives from the modern audience's reaction to the old training films, such as the Duck and Cover film shown in schools. A quote to illustrate what can be perceived as black humor, culled from the movie: "Viewed from a safe distance, the atomic bomb is one of the most beautiful sights ever seen by man," a U.S. Army training film declares.

Also see:

National Film Registry makes a 2016 list for the ages including 'East of Eden,' 'The Birds,' more

[FrankfurtCat]

1. I remember it, but I never saw it...

...I'll have to find it and watch it.

[hunter]

2. My father-in-law was a bomb-test guinea pig.

He got to witness an atomic bomb test up close from a hole in the ground. Just as soon as possible they all got to march around amidst overturned tanks and crumpled vehicles with burning tires.

Sadly, many of his fellow soldiers died too soon because of this.

He remembers the filmmakers, but I haven't been able to find that particular film. Maybe it had something in it the military didn't want people to see.

I remember duck-and-cover. We'd crouch down under our desks with our butts facing the window. I'd imagine my butt full of shattered glass.

Later I actually did get some shrapnel in my ass playing with homemade explosives. My brother told my mom I'd fallen into the prickly pears.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

3. The footage is all public domain, AFAIK.

They got it at the National Archives.

[sl8]

4. Thanks for the recommendation.

Sounds like it's right up my alley.

Also, it seems to be on Youtube.