"ATOMIC ENERGY CAN BE A BLESSING" 1952 NUCLEAR MEDICINE FILM with FRED MACMURRAY 72102

About

Created by The Christophers, a Christian inspirational group that was founded in 1945 by Father James Keller, "Atomic Energy Can Be a Blessing" dates to 1952. The film stars Father Keller and actor Fred MacMurray (most famous for his role as Dad on "Leave it to Beaver"), and features footage of atomic experiments including medical uses that Keller describes as "gifts from God". The point of the film is that the energy of the atom can be used for good, and in fact it can be a blessing in such fields as industry, agriculture and medicine. The Christophers went on to make two other atomic era films: "Atomic Energy As A Force For Good" and "From Star to Star" -- also starring celebrities.

The film shows early footage of research work being conducted at the Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York, the Hanford Works in Washington State, and the Bellsville, Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory in New York, Oak Ridge Laboratory in Tennessee, Argonne Laboratory in Chicago, UCLA, Los Alamos, New Mexico and New Brunswick, New Jersey as well as Ohio.

The film explores the dual nature of atomic energy, presenting it as both a destructive force and a potential blessing. Fred McMurray introduces the topic, and he, along with Father James Keller, discusses the potential for atomic energy to benefit humanity. Father Keller shares a story emphasizing the importance of showcasing atomic energy's positive uses. Hal Gibney, the film's guide, explains the production of radioactive materials and their beneficial applications, including cancer treatment. The text highlights various atomic energy projects across the United States, detailing experiments with plants and animals to improve agriculture and nutrition. It discusses the future benefits of atomic energy, the role of individuals in promoting its peaceful use, and shares the story of a teacher inspiring students to pursue careers in atomic energy. The movie concludes with a call for more people to join the field and a message of hope, encouraging the view of atomic energy as a blessing.

00:00: Introduction to atomic energy as both a blessing and a destructive force.

0:31 - 0:50: Fred McMurray introduces the topic, showing the dual nature of atomic energy.

0:50 - 1:41: Fred McMurray and Father James Keller discuss the potential of atomic energy for good and the inspiration behind making films about it.

1:41 - 2:28: Father Keller shares a story about the importance of showing atomic energy as a force for good.

2:28 - 3:27: Introduction to the film's guide, Hal Gibney, who explains the production of radioactive materials and their beneficial uses.

3:27 - 4:15: Example of atomic energy in cancer treatment, specifically for thyroid cancer.

4:15 - 5:29: Overview of various atomic energy projects across the United States, highlighting their contributions to medicine, agriculture, and industry.

5:29 - 6:56: Detailed look at experiments with plants and animals using atomic energy to improve agriculture and nutrition.

6:56 - 8:22: Discussion of the potential future benefits of atomic energy in various fields, emphasizing its constructive uses.

Human-made No record of this work says a model made it. What this means.

Archive

Internet Archive, in Ephemeral films

Licence or status

The Internet Archive states none for this item.

Who can watch

The archive gives no rating. Invisible Network shows it to Teens profiles and older, judged from its collection and subjects. How films are placed