Radiation
The
development of the atomic bomb and its use in World War II raised concerns
about its consequences. During the 1950's, Americans viewed nuclear energy
in its destructive context as a weapon instead of an efficient energy source.
Until the 1950's, Americans did not view radiation exposure as an immediate
threat because nuclear testing was performed in the Pacific Ocean. In fact,
initial nuclear testing fascinated the attention of Americans. The first series
of atomic tests occurred at the Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands. The
first test, Test Able, was conducted in 1946 with much media attention. A
picture of Rita Hayworth was stenciled on the bomb and live radio wanted to
wire ships to transmit the blast. Despite the build up, the first test proved
to be a let down, dampening fears of the atomic bomb.
After the tests at Bikini, the effects of radiation captured the public's attention. In 1948, a physician named David Bradley, published No Place to Hide, emphasizing the dangers of radiation. No Place to Hide became a national best seller, and radiation became a salient issue. In 1950, fears of Soviet advancement in nuclear development prompted the American government to bring atomic testing to a domestic site. The government chose the Las Vegas-Tonopah bombing and gunnery range in Nevada. The fear nuclear fallout intensified, but the government tried to alleviate fears concerning fallout.
Science fiction films capitalized upon the fear of radiation by creating radiation-spawned creatures. Often, these creatures embodied the fear and guilt of America. Most of these creatures are reptiles born out of a radioactive source, and they threaten people urban areas. The quintessential radiation film is Them! (1954), where giant ants mutated from a radiation source murder people in New Mexico. Another science fiction film explores the consequences of radiation. Fiend Without a Face (1958) features an alien that thrives off of nuclear power. This alien is invisible and grows stronger as it approaches a nuclear power source. Like radiation, an invisible killer, the fiend without a face terrorizes human beings.
