Duck and Cover (1952)

As the scene unfolds, we're introduced to a mischievous monkey perched on a tree, grinning ear to ear. He dangles a lit firecracker from a fishing pole, precariously positioned above the head of an unsuspecting turtle. As the realization of imminent danger dawns, the turtle hastily retreats into the safety of his shell, narrowly escaping the fiery explosion. This seemingly whimsical animation is the preamble to a riveting narrative about surviving the unthinkable - an atomic attack. The canvas changes from animated fauna to a picture-perfect, all-American family indulging in a tranquil picnic. The serenity of the scene is broken by the voice-over narration that interweaves through the storyline. The voice, both instructive and comforting, explains the crucial steps needed to increase one's chances of surviving an atomic blast. "Duck and Cover" (1952) is a compelling blend of animation and live-action footage designed to engage and educate school-aged children of the early 1950s. The short film immerses the viewers in a world where the threat of atomic destruction looms large, but survival is possible with knowledge and preparedness. It’s a visual journey that combines the innocence of childhood with the harsh realities of the world, creating a memorable and impactful cinematic piece.

Duck and Cover is an animation movie featuring Robert Middleton and directed by Anthony Rizzo.

Duck and Cover is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Plex and Plex Player and it's also available on History Vault.