“The Beginning Or The End“ (1947) - Manhattan Project Atomic Age Docu-Drama

A fascinating docudrama detailing the research, development and deployment of the first atomic bomb, as well as the bombing of Hiroshima - produced JUST after the events it portrays. Told from the perspective of a film recovered from a time capsule several hundred years into the future, the story is narrated by Robert Oppenheimer (Hume Cronyn) and Major General Leslie Groves (Brian Donlevy) beginning with the Nazis stated goal of developing an atomic bomb. Along with Britain and Canada, the U.S. reacts by beginning its own atomic program. The major developments are all presented: Fermi’s successful atomic chain reaction; building the huge complex at Oak Ridge, Tennessee; the production of the first supply of plutonium; the testing in the Nevada desert; and finally the dropping of the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Actually filmed at Los Alamos, New Mexico labs and in Hollywood. First released on February 19th, 1947. For education, entertainment, enlightenment and inspiration. BECOME A &