Watch Operation Cue

Operation Cue is a documentary film that was produced by the United States government in 1955. The movie chronicles the events of Operation Cue, which was a series of nuclear weapons tests that were conducted under the auspices of the Civil Defense Administration. The movie begins by introducing the audience to the world of atomic power and its potential for both good and bad. The narrator explains that while atomic energy can be used to power cities and make people's lives easier, it can also be used to destroy entire populations. The film then segues into a discussion of the Cold War and the tensions that existed between the United States and the Soviet Union. The narrator explains that both countries possessed atomic weapons and that the possibility of a nuclear war was a real and terrifying prospect.

In order to prepare for a nuclear attack, the United States government developed a civil defense program that was designed to protect citizens in the event of a nuclear blast. The movie highlights the various measures that were taken to protect people, such as the construction of fallout shelters and the distribution of radiation detection devices.

The primary focus of the movie, however, is the series of nuclear weapons tests that were conducted as part of Operation Cue. The movie provides a detailed account of the planning and execution of the tests, as well as the various experiments that were conducted during them.

The first test that is shown in the movie is a "ground zero" test, in which a nuclear weapon is detonated on the ground. The movie shows the massive explosion that results, as well as the shockwave and heat that follows. The audience is also shown the effects of the blast on various structures, including houses and cars. The movie explains that the purpose of this test was to determine the effects of a nuclear blast on a city.

The next test that is shown is an underground test, in which a nuclear weapon is detonated beneath the surface of the earth. This test was designed to determine the effects of a nuclear blast on underground structures, such as tunnels and bunkers. The movie shows footage of the explosion, as well as the crater that was created as a result.

Throughout the movie, the various aspects of the tests are explained in detail, including the scientific experiments that were conducted to study the effects of the blasts. The audience is shown how scientists used various instruments to collect data on the explosions, including radiation levels and shockwave intensity.

The movie also highlights the role of civil defense personnel in the tests. The audience is shown the various tasks that were assigned to civil defense workers, such as setting up equipment and monitoring radiation levels. The movie emphasizes the importance of civil defense in protecting citizens in the event of a nuclear attack.

In addition to the tests themselves, the movie also discusses the aftermath of a nuclear blast. The audience is shown the effects of radiation on the body, as well as the steps that can be taken to minimize exposure. The movie emphasizes the importance of preparing for a nuclear attack and taking steps to protect oneself and one's family.

Overall, Operation Cue is a fascinating look at the early days of the Cold War and the efforts that were made to prepare for a possible nuclear attack. The movie provides an in-depth look at the planning and execution of the tests, as well as the various experiments that were conducted to study the effects of nuclear weapons. While the movie is certainly dated in some respects, it remains a valuable historical document that sheds light on an important period in American history.