Duck and Cover reel by Castle Films

Access and use

Location of collection:
George Mason University
2400 Fenwick Library
Special Collections Research Center
Fenwick Library MS2FL
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA 22030
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Mieko Palazzo
Phone: (703) 993-2220
Fax: (703) 993-2669
Restrictions:

There are no access restrictions.

Terms of access:

The copyright and related rights status of this collection have not been evaluated (See http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/CNE/1.0/)

Preferred citation:

Duck and Cover reel by Castle Films, C0505, Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries.

Summary

Extent:
.25 Linear Feet 1 reel and box.
Creator:
Castle Films, inc
Abstract:
Duck and Cover reel film and original box, created by Castle Films for the Federal Civil Defense Administration in 1951.
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

Duck and Cover reel by Castle Films, C0505, Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries.

Background

Scope and content:

Duck and Cover reel film and original box, created by Castle Films for the Federal Civil Defense Administration in 1951. The box is designed in red, blue, and white with the text "An Official Federal Defense Film/ Duck and Cover/ Castle Films" on the front.

Biographical / historical:

On August 29, 1949 the Soviet Union successfully tested its first atomic bomb. The weapon was similar in design and explosive power to the United States' "Fat Man" plutonium bomb detonated over Nagasaki, Japan four years earlier. The Soviets did not make any public statement about this development, but American intelligence agencies discovered evidence that was consistent with an explosion. It was formally announced on September 23 by United States President Harry S. Truman and confirmed the next day by the Soviet government. In only four years the U.S. monopoly on atomic weapons was over, and the country began an arms race with the Soviet Union.

Throughout the Cold War the U.S. government promoted the idea that nuclear war was survivable for those who took the proper precautions and had knowledge of how to protect themselves. The 1951 film Duck and Cover was created by the Federal Civil Defense Administration to teach school children how to protect themselves from a nuclear blast. The film's main character Bert the Turtle shows children how to hide under their desks and cover their heads to protect themselves from the effects of a bomb. You can view the film here.

Acquisition information:
Donated by Matt Donizetti in 2012.
Processing information:

Processing and finding aid completed by Amanda Brent in June 2022. Bob Vay contributed to the Historical Information.

Physical / technical requirements:

The Special Collections Research Center does not have the equipment necessary to play reel-to-reel tapes. Additional time and money may be required to digitize this material for access.

Physical location:
R 72, C 3, S 5
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard