Summary:Instructions for schoolchildren on what action to take in the event of nuclear attack.
Description:The film opens with the song "Duck and Cover" accompanying a brief cartoon featuring Bert the Turtle ("a very careful fella") who knows exactly what to do at any hint of danger. After the film credits have been read out by the commentator, the film goes on to explain in broad terms what happens when a nuclear weapon explodes and shows examples of children taking appropriate action at the first sign of a flash - diving under desks in school, dropping to the ground outside with coats over heads etc. The commentary warns that there are two types of attack, with and without warning, and shows children making their orderly way to a school shelter in the event of the first, and more examples of ducking and covering in the event of the second (which can happen "any time of the year, day or night") - Tony, for instance, is caught cycling to his Cub Scout meeting and dives behind a low wall ("Attaboy, Tony!"). Tony waits patiently until an adult civil defence worker tells him he can move.
Alternative Title:
Colour:B&W
Digitised:Yes
Object_Number:USA 118
Sound:Sound
Access Conditions:IWM
Featured Period:1945-1989
Production Date:1953-1953
Production Country:American
Production Details:Safety Commission of the National Education Association (Production sponsor)
Federal Civil Defense Administration (Production sponsor)
Archer Productions (Production Company)
Personalities, Units and Organisations:
Keywords:
Physical Characteristics:Colour format: B&W
Sound format: Sound
Soundtrack language: English
Title language: English
Technical Details:16mm
Number of items/reels/tapes: 1
Footage: 330 ft; Running time: 9 mins
