The film opens with a nuclear explosion and then explains that although the West wanted to get rid of nuclear weapons after 1945 they were unable to do so. We are told that an offer was made to the USSR to scrap all bombs but the USSR declined because it wanted nuclear supremacy. The action then shifts to anti nuclear protesters who air their views. From here, the film then charts Soviet influence and military build up since 1945. Animations show the spread of Soviet control in Eastern Europe. The Berlin Airlift is featured. Then events in Hungary in 1956, Czechoslovakia in 1968, Poland in 1981 and the building of the Berlin Wall are all shown as examples of Soviet repression. Finally, the film shows Soviet development of nuclear weapons.
Context
At the time of this film there was much debate in Britain as to whether Britain should keep its nuclear weapons. One major political party favoured unilateral nuclear disarmament. This film was produced against that background. It aimed to set out the reasons why Britain had the weapons and the reasons why it should keep them.
Interesting or important points about the film
This is a fascinating example of a British government propaganda film, from a relatively late time. The tone is also interesting. The film appears to be instructional and rather patronising compared to some of the livelier WW2 films. History is clearly used here to justify the argument in favour of Britain’s nuclear weapons There is no real question of a balanced view here.