When we think of post-apocalyptic films, we imagine wastelands and tribal fighting, with films like Mad Max 2 coming to the fore. Australia is also the main location of On the Beach, based on the novel by Nevil Shute.
Gregory Peck (Cape Fear) is the commander of a US submarine that has managed to survive the effects of global nuclear annihilation, surfacing near the coast of Australia. The land down under hasn’t seen the effects of the radiation cloud slowly heading their way – yet. While ashore, he takes in the hospitality of a Lt. Commander (Anthony Perkins) and starts and relationship with a rather lovely alcoholic (Ava Gardner, Tam Lin). Tensions rise as the characters try to accept their imminent fate.
On the Beach is essentially a love story; a widowed man (Peck’s family were in the US when the bomb went off and are presumed dead) falls for a troubled woman, knowing that it won’t go anywhere as neither have much time left. Similarly, Perkins’ family guy is so distraught at the thought of his wife dying and leaving their infant child while he’s at sea that he arranges to get some suicide pills. It’s bleak stuff but has moments of great beauty and serenity. An out-of-character Fred Astaire, playing a scientist who knows all too well what’s going on, is another standout. Particularly when he restores a sportscar to enter a race for his last hurrah.
There are no marauding barbarians or mutant insects in High Noon director Stanley Kramer’s film, but the horror of nuclear war is the most terrifying threat of all. As the folk in Melbourne attempt to live life as normally as possible, the spectre of the oncoming radiation storm is palpable. Visions of them queuing for suicide pills are as traumatic as any proper ‘horror’ film.
Imprint’s Blu-ray release brings the best out of the black and white image, from the luscious locations to the haunting, deserted streets of the final moments. It’s also packed with more bonus features than you’d think are necessary. Alongside the commentaries and behind-the-scenes footage, etc. are Kim Newman waxing lyrical on the film and apocalypse cinema and Kat Ellinger’s impressive video essay on the film and the very human horror it represents. The limited-edition release also includes a bonus disc with Lawrence Johnston’s feature-length documentary Fallout, which covers the book and film in great length.
As a film that depicts the horror that the world can do to itself, On the Beach is perhaps even more relevant than ever.
On the Beach is out now from Imprint.
