Poster for On the Beach

On the Beach

1959, Sci-fi, 2h 13m

23 Reviews 2,500+ Ratings

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On the Beach Photos

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Movie Info

After World War III, Australia is the only remaining haven for mankind. However, wind currents carrying lingering radiation all but condemn those on the continent to the same fate suffered by the rest of the world. When the survivors receive a strange signal from San Diego, Cmdr. Dwight Towers (Gregory Peck) must undertake a mission with Lt. Peter Holmes (Anthony Perkins) to see if there is hope for humanity -- leaving behind Moira (Ava Gardner) and Mary (Donna Anderson), the women they love.
  • Genre:
    Sci-fi
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Stanley Kramer
  • Producer:
    Stanley Kramer
  • Writer:
    John Paxton
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     original
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Runtime:
  • Distributor:
    United Artists

Cast & Crew

Gregory Peck
Gregory Peck
Cmdr. Dwight Lionel Towers
Ava Gardner
Ava Gardner
Moira Davidson
Fred Astaire
Fred Astaire
Julian Osborne
Anthony Perkins
Anthony Perkins
Lt. Peter Holmes
Donna Anderson
Donna Anderson
Mary Holmes
John Tate
John Tate
Adm. Bridie
Lola Brooks
Lola Brooks
Lt. Hosgood
John Meillon
John Meillon
Ralph Swain
Lou Vernon
Lou Vernon
Bill Davidson
Guy Doleman
Guy Doleman
Lt. Cmdr. Farrel
Harp McGuire
Harp McGuire
Lt. Sunderstrom
Stanley Kramer
Stanley Kramer
Director
Stanley Kramer
Stanley Kramer
Producer
John Paxton
John Paxton
Screenwriter
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Critic Reviews for On the Beach

All Critics (23) | Top Critics (3) | Fresh (18) | Rotten (5)
Full Review… Dave Kehr Chicago Reader Full Review… Geoff Andrew Time Out Full Review… Bosley Crowther New York Times Full Review… Roger Moore Movie Nation Full Review… Nicholas Bell IONCINEMA.com Full Review… Clyde Gilmour Maclean's Magazine Full Review… Felix Vasquez Jr. Cinema Crazed Full Review… Tim Brayton Antagony & Ecstasy Full Review… Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews Full Review… Jake Euker F5 (Wichita, KS) Full Review… Christopher Null Filmcritic.com Full Review… Robert Roten Laramie Movie Scope
View All Critic Reviews (23)

Audience Reviews for On the Beach

  • Jun 29, 2013
    Most certainly my fav Kramer film, this almost forgotten cautionary tale of the last days of suicidal humanity has its drawbacks ... but that might sum up humanity, no? Overall, the spirit to find the best of us while fully submerged in the worst drives this tale that looks at the ragtag few remaining survivors facing certain extinction at the end of the world. Peck et al lend undeserved honor to the race and Fred Astaire proves he didn't only need to be dancing to be worth attention. Ernest Gold's score, variations on "Waltzin' Matilda", will leave you soaked in an bittersweet Australian stew for days to come. Have plenty of Coopers Pale Ale on hand.
    Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
  • Jun 29, 2012
    Powerful film -- bleak but necessary and important.
    Kyle M Super Reviewer
  • Jun 22, 2012
    A spooky Cold War classic about those MAD years, when the complete ruination of the world through nuclear war seemed a real possibility. Once again, Gregory Peck carries a film with his performance - I'm starting to think he's one of the all-time best - and it's the humanity of these characters and their attempt to retain hope when all seems lost. It's a pushing to the extreme of a feeling in that was in the air at the time, but it also seems unfortunately easy to relate to. An important and uncomfortable film to see.
    Daniel P Super Reviewer
  • Sep 05, 2010
    This movie has a lot of stars, and it's a pretty intense drama, I liked it.
    Aj V Super Reviewer
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