Oppenheimer: The Father of the Atomic Bomb

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[edit] General Information

Biography Documentary hosted by John Carson, published by BBC in 1980 - English narration

[edit] Cover

[edit] Information

"A tale of political intrigue and personal ambition...one of the more puzzling and indeed astonishing stories of contemporary American history." -- The New York Times Sam Waterston stars in this critically acclaimed, BAFTA award-winning and Emmy and Golden Globe nominated seven-part mini-series that delves into the enigma that was J. Robert Oppenheimer, the American physicist often referred to as "the father of the atomic bomb." This gripping dramatization explores at length the extraordinary complexity of the scientist's thinking and the dilemma he faced. This series weaves together intrigue, political tension, and personal struggles to create a truly compelling narrative. When the news spread in the USA at the end of the 1930s that Germany had achieved resounding success in nuclear fission, this fueled fears of the Nazis building a new nuclear superweapon. The USA is about to enter World War II and the government is pushing for the development of the first atomic bomb. Led by the brilliant physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, the world's scientific elite is working feverishly in a specially built, sealed-off camp in Los Alamos at enormous expense on the top-secret Manhattan Project. In 1945, despite the surrender of Germany and the imminent surrender of Japan, the USA decided to demonstrate their power. Nagasaki and Hiroshima are leveled in a nuclear hellfire. J. Robert Oppenheimer had won the race and, as the father of the atomic bomb, rose to become one of the most influential scientists in the post-war US government. But his emerging critical stance on weapons of mass destruction and his left-leaning past put him in the FBI's crosshairs during the anti-Communist McCarthy era and eventually suspected of being a Russian agent. A decade later, in an extraordinary act of political rehabilitation, he would be given with the highest honor in his field, the Enrico Fermi Award by President Johnson. Were the Americans trying to placate an uneasy conscience? This gripping series unfolds a large piece of contemporary history based on the life story of J. Robert Oppenheimer, one of the developers of the atomic bomb for the USA. In addition to the historical facts and developments, the personal emotions and motives of the important actors are becoming clear. We experience young Oppenheimer's enthusiasm for physics and its possibilities, his legitimate desire to stop the absolutely unscrupulous German fascism, his naivety – following horror after the mass murders in Japan – and we experience how the savior of the free West became a victim of anti-freedom McCarthyism. In time, as Oppenheimer begins to realise the scale of the weapon he has helped develop, he becomes increasingly ambivalent, and even hostile, about its eventual use. Oppenheimer's greatest tragedy was that he wasn't able to save the future from his own invention. "Oppenheimer" shines a light on significant ethical questions surrounding scientific advancements and their impact on society. It prompts viewers to reflect on themes such as power, responsibility, and the consequences of one's actions. Intriguing, thought-provoking, and superbly acted, "Oppenheimer" is a must-watch for history enthusiasts, fans of character-driven dramas, and anyone seeking a captivating exploration of one man's journey through a tumultuous era. Written by Peter Prince ; Directed by Barry Davis ; A BBC TV Production in association with WGBH Boston

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1938: Robert Oppenheimer, physics professor at Berkeley, California, is heavily - and not always happily - involved with his students, politics and scientific work, when the discovery of nuclear fission and the appearance of Kitty Harrison combine to change the course of his life. Oppenheimer's work brings him into contact with a series of communist organizations. The discovery that Germany has been conducting experiments with atomic fission raises fears in America about the development of a potent new weapon.

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1942: With America now fully involved in the war, Oppenheimer has given up teaching and is engaged in the race against Germany to produce an atomic bomb. He was introduced to an important man: General Leslie Groves. He leads the "Manhattan" project, which aims to develop a nuclear weapon. But is Oppenheimer also trustworthy? FBI officials are keeping notes on him, fearing he might pose a security risk. Undeterred, Groves makes Oppenheimer the director of a planned super laboratory.

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1943: Oppenheimer is now Director of Los Alamos atomic bomb laboratory. Despite enormous initial difficulties, he managed within a short time to gather highly qualified scientists around him. The team also includes Edward Teller and Ernest Lawrence. But his past Communist associations alert the FBI. Under the eyes of security agents, "Oppie" seeks out his former girlfriend, Jean Tatlock, who threatens to commit suicide. Jean is a member of the Communist Party. For the FBI officials, this – certainly very private – visit by a secret messenger is highly suspicious.

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In Summer 1944, spies broke into Professor von Weizsaecker's office in Strasbourg and reported to America that the miracle weapons announced by Goebbels could by no means be atomic bombs. Nevertheless, Oppenheimer promoted the projects in Los Alamos with feverish haste. The race against the Germans to produce an atomic weapon continues apace. Oppenheimer, his security problems behind him for the time being, is now facing difficulties with his staff and with the development of the bomb itself. But the Brit James Tuck has a really brilliant idea - which will soon be put into practice. While scientists debate how and if the bomb would be used, President Truman is unaware of its existence.

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May 1945: The first atomic bomb is detonated at the test site in the New Mexico desert - a gruesome dress rehearsal for the bombing of two Japanese cities. Oppenheimer is called to discuss with the Secretary of War the use of the nearly completed atomic bomb. But does he share his colleagues' misgivings? The looming collapse of Hitler's Germany does not fit in at all with Oppenheimer's boss, Leslie Groves. He drives his people on - but soon there is little left of Germany worth dropping a bomb. By May, the war in Europe is over but the fight against Japan continues. That's why the horror falls on Japan: On August 6, 1945, an atomic bomb destroyed the prosperous Hiroshima, three days later another wiped out Nagasaki.

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1949: The end of October, Edward Teller wants to win over the old team for the further development of the atomic bomb, the hydrogen bomb. Following his success as father of the atom tomb, Oppenheimer is now a top government adviser with the Atomic Energy Commission. He is striving to establish nuclear weapons control so that the events of Japan will not be repeated. Meanwhile, Republican Joe McCarthy has launched a veritable witch hunt: Myriad of people are suspected of being communists, and the Oppenheimer family, with their left-wing connections, number among the first targets. Oppenheimer is now in the firing line – as a "threat to America's security".

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December 1953: After the exposure of the nuclear spy Klaus Fuchs, Oppenheimer is suspected of being a Soviet agent, and the President has cancelled his security clearance until his case is fully investigated. He has to answer to the Personnel Security Board. The physicist is accused of delaying the construction of the H-bomb to the detriment of the United States. Oppenheimer has to choose between resignation or facing a security hearing. In 1954 he was expelled from the circle of those responsible for nuclear power. Years later, a gratification for one of the most tragic figures of this century: in 1963 Oppenheimer received the Enrico Fermi Award.

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[edit] Technical Specs

Video Codec: x264 CABAC High@L4
Video Bitrate: 2 099 Kbps
Video Resolution: 766x576
Display Aspect Ratio: 4:3
Frames Per Second: 25.000 fps
Audio Codec: AC3
Audio Bitrate: 192 kb/s CBR 48000 Hz
Audio Streams: 2
Audio Languages: english
RunTime Per Part: 56 min 47 s - 1 h 8 min
Number Of Parts: 7
Part Size: 990 MB - 1.08 GB
Source: DVD (Thanks to AdSlager@a.b.boneless)
Encoded by: DocFreak08