Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

appalachiablue

(44,056 posts)
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 08:03 PM 16 hrs ago

'Duck and Cover,' Nuclear Attack Civil Defence Film 1952; Lewis Black Comedy Gold


Original TV advert film (1 min). Air Raid drill. 1952 U.S. Defense film, "Duck and Cover," 'Burt the Turtle' teaches schoolchildren how to protect against a nuclear attack. (More below).
--------
"Duck and Cover" is a method of personal protection against the effects of a nuclear explosion. Ducking and covering is useful in offering a degree of protection to persons located outside the radius of the nuclear fireball but still within sufficient range of the nuclear explosion that standing upright and uncovered is likely to cause serious injury or death..Methods similar, but not identical, to Duck and Cover are also taught as the response to other sudden destructive events such as an earthquake or tornado...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duck_and_cover


Comedy by Lewis Black: Nuclear Holocaust.
5 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
'Duck and Cover,' Nuclear Attack Civil Defence Film 1952; Lewis Black Comedy Gold (Original Post) appalachiablue 16 hrs ago OP
It became famous in 1982 because of its inclusion in "The Atomic Cafe." mahatmakanejeeves 16 hrs ago #1
Thanks, I didn't know about this film.. appalachiablue 16 hrs ago #2
It's on Tubi for free. Totally recommended. mahatmakanejeeves 16 hrs ago #3
Good to know, thanks again! appalachiablue 16 hrs ago #4
Based on the Atomic Cafe trailers, the govt presented a reassuring picture of the deadly appalachiablue 14 hrs ago #5

mahatmakanejeeves

(70,020 posts)
1. It became famous in 1982 because of its inclusion in "The Atomic Cafe."
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 08:12 PM
16 hrs ago
The Atomic Cafe

The Atomic Cafe is a 1982 American documentary film directed by Kevin Rafferty, Jayne Loader and Pierce Rafferty. It is a compilation of clips from newsreels, military training films, and other footage produced in the United States early in the Cold War on the subject of nuclear warfare. Without any narration, the footage is edited and presented in a manner to demonstrate how misinformation and propaganda was used by the U.S. government and popular culture to ease fears about nuclear weapons among the American public.

{snip}


The Atomic Cafe (1982) TRAILER

MyCenterMovie

11 Likes
2,537 Views
2016 Aug 11
Trailer for The Atomic Cafe.

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.

Studio: Independent
Release: March 17, 1982
Director: Jayne Loader, Kevin Rafferty
Writer: Unknown Or Not Available
Cast: Unknown Or Not Available
...more

MyCenterMovie
1.03K subscribers


The Atomic Cafe (1982) – Re-Release Trailer

Kino Lorber

705 Likes
72,798 Views
2018 Jul 16
This documentary cult classic returns to theaters in a sparkling 4K digital restoration created by IndieCollect starting August 1 at Film Forum in New York.

Armageddon has never been so darkly funny as in The Atomic Cafe. This 1982 cult classic juxtaposes Cold War history, propaganda, music and culture, seamlessly crafted from government-produced educational and training films, newsreels and advertisements. Taken together, these sources cheerily instruct the public on how to live in the Atomic Age, how to survive a nuclear attack (!) ... and how to fight and win a nuclear war. As a U.S. Army training film advises, "Viewed from a safe distance, the atomic bomb is one of the most beautiful sights ever seen by man." Returning to theaters in a sparkling 4K digital restoration created by IndieCollect, The Atomic Cafe is an absurdist blast from the past that would be downright laughable if it weren’t so eerily relevant to our fake news present.
Ask
Get answers, explore topics, and more

Ask questions

Kino Lorber
94.9K subscribers

appalachiablue

(44,056 posts)
5. Based on the Atomic Cafe trailers, the govt presented a reassuring picture of the deadly
Wed Apr 8, 2026, 10:14 PM
14 hrs ago

hazards in line with their positive propaganda message about our security and safety, as intended. The tone of dark humor in some of the film is effective.

Like many I'm relieved yesterday is over. I haven't been so tense since my childhood during the Cuban Missle Crisis of 1962 and later 9/11.

The 1980s era when Atomic Cafe was released seems relatively mild now compared to the problems of today. Take care and keep the faith.

FYI, looks interesting:

Fahrenheit 11/9" - This Is How Fascism Starts - Michael Moore
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100221159198

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»American History»'Duck and Cover,' Nuclear...