ON THE BEACH (1959)

After a global nuclear war in 1964, humanity faces extinction. Finding haven in Australia, an American submarine delivers a few survivors to the southern hemisphere, where Australia alone remains a place of life.  But with the nuclear aftermath on the move, it's only a matter of months before Australia too falls prey to the effects of nuclear destruction. With time against them, several Australians and the remaining U.S. survivors do their best to pass their time and achieve their dreams. Meanwhile, echoes of the holocaust come back to haunt several characters along the way to their inevitable death.

This film could be compared to "Def Con 4". This film features suspense and romance. Gregory Peck and Ava Gardner are touching as ill fated lovers. Anthony Perkins, as an Australian naval officer, delivers an uncharacteristically sympathetic performance. Fred Astaire scores big as an Australia-based man with a love of race cars.

The cast includes: Gregory Peck, Ava Gardner, Fred Astaire, Anthony Perkins, and Donna Anderson.

Directed by: Stanley Kramer.

The On The Beach Review