SYNOPSIS...

An all out nuclear war takes place. A U.S. sub, at sea at the time, travels to Australia which has been temporarily spared from radiation.

The captain of the ship becomes romantically involved with a local woman. When radio signals from America are received, the sub commander and his men investigate, in search of survivors. It turns out to be nothing. The sub returns to Australia.

As the radiation approaches Australia, residents prepare to take suicide pills. The sub captain, with his crew, takes his sub back out into the ocean and sinks it.

Review:

Director Stanley Kramer's ON THE BEACH is a classic look at the after effects of a nuclear war.

Gregory Peck, under Kramer's firm direction, is authoritative. yet humane, as the commander of the U.S. submarine, Swordfish. His big build and wonderful speaking voice serve his character well.

Ava Gardner (Earthquake) is touching as an alcoholic local woman that Peck becomes involved with in Australia. Then in her prime, with captivating, exotic looks and a ripe figure, it's easy to see why she was considered one of the most beautiful women in the world at the time.

Anthony Perkins (Psycho) is affecting as an Australian naval officer assigned to Peck's sub. His Australian accent is good and his character more sympathetic (and less violent) than MOST of his screen roles.

Fred Astaire (Top Hat) scores big in a dramatic turn as an Australian-based man with a love of race cars. When he takes part in a risky auto race, the viewer wants him to win as much as he does. Daniel Fapp delivers the "in your face" photography for the auto race sequence, with great results. This is my favorite scene in the film.

Director of Photography, Giuseppe Rotunno, delivers sharp, almost documentary imagery. The fact that the film was shot in black and white contributes to its "this is really happening" feel.

The Music, by Ernest Gold, is proud and sad. The traditional Australian song, "Waltzing Matilda" (Music by Marie Cowan, Lyrics by A.B. Patterson), becomes a recurring theme for the film, taking on a haunting quality that stays with you long after the film is over.

ON THE BEACH should be highly watchable for most Sci-Fi viewers. Fans of Peck, Perkins, Astaire, and/or Gardner will be in their element. ON THE BEACH is worth putting on the screen.