Bombs Away!: How To Survive a Nuclear Attack - U.S. Civil Defense Propaganda Films

As the Cold War raged, America and Russia developed huge arsenals of atomic weapons, poised to reduce one another to cinders. The Federal Civil Defense Administration produced films to teach patriotic citizens how to survive a nuclear attack. With over a half century of history elapsed since their creation, these films are a comically chilling testament to a world which teetered on the edge of mass destruction.

ATOMIC ALERT: This 1951 Encyclopedia of Britannica production warns about the dangers of nuclear war and the almost certainty of a future attack. It goes on to detail the responsibility of the average family to know how to protect themselves when a atomic attack occurs, and goes on to demonstrate the procedures that can maximize the chances for survival.

MISSOURI'S OPERATION SURVIVAL: The Governor and Director of Civil Defense for the State of Missouri show the steps their commonwealth has taken to ensure the survival of as many citizens as possible. They explain the responsibilities of citizens to gather medical supplies, canned foods, and establish a home shelter to confront a terrifying new danger that faces those who make it through the initial blast - nuclear fallout!

ON A QUIET STREET: This film demonstrates that there is a fallout shelter to fit every basement and budget, and if John Q. Public needs either plans or instructions, Uncle Sam is there to help. According to this production, a nuclear attack would be a fine opportunity to catch up with family time and reading.

YOU CAN BEAT THE A-BOMB: This 1950 RKO short subject is loaded with horrific mis-information, by today's scientific standards. An actor dressed as a military man dispels "old wives tales" for concerned citizenry. We learn that it's perfectly safe to look directly at a nuclear blast, the effects of radiation dissipate shortly after an atomic blast and much more!