On the Beach

1959

On the Beach

Critics Consensus

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76%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 21

69%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 4,358
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Movie Info

Although there'd been doomsday dramas before it, Stanley Kramer's On the Beach was considered the first important entry in this genre when originally released in 1959. Based on the novel by Nevil Shute, the film is set in the future (1964) when virtually all life on earth has been exterminated by the radioactive residue of a nuclear holocaust. Only Australia has been spared, but it's only a matter of time before everyone Down Under also succumbs to radiation poisoning. With only a short time left on earth, the Australian population reacts in different ways: some go on a nonstop binge of revelry, while others eagerly consume the suicide pills being issued by the government. When the possibility arises that rains have washed the atmosphere clean in the Northern hemisphere, a submarine commander (Gregory Peck) and his men head to San Diego, where faint radio signals have been emanating. The movie's all-star cast includes: Peck as the stalwart sub captain, Ava Gardner as his emotionally disturbed lover, Fred Astaire as a guilt-wracked nuclear scientist, and Anthony Perkins and Donna Anderson as the just starting out in life married couple.~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Cast

Gregory Peck
as Cmdr. Dwight Lionel Towers
Ava Gardner
as Moira Davidson
Fred Astaire
as Julian Osborne
Anthony Perkins
as Lt. Peter Holmes
Donna Anderson
as Mary Holmes
John Tate
as Adm. Bridie
Lola Brooks
as Lt. Hosgood
John Meillon
as Swain
Lou Vernon
as Davidson
Guy Doleman
as Farrel
Ken Wayne
as Benson
Richard Meikle
as Davis
Harp McGuire
as Sundstrom
Jim Barrett
as Chrysler
Basil Buller Murphy
as Sir Douglas Froude
Keith Eden
as Dr. Fletcher
John Royle
as Senior Officer
Frank Gatliff
as Radio Officer
Paddy Moran
as Portman
John Casson
as Salvation Army Captain
Kevin Brennan
as Dr. King
C. Harding Brown
as Dykers
Grant Taylor
as Morgan
Peter Williams
as Prof. Jorgenson
Harvey Adams
as Sykes
Stuart Finch
as Jones
Joe McCormick
as Ackerman
Audine Leith
as Betty
Jerry Ian Seals
as Fogarty
Carey Paul Peck
as Boy
Katherine Hill
as Jennifer Holmes
Peter O'Shaughnessy
as Jorgenson Associate
Rita Pauncefort
as Elderly Woman at Holmes Party
Elwyn Peers
as Jewellery Salesman
Gerry Duggan
Mayne Lynton
as Cadogan
Collins Hilton
as Stevens
Cyril Gardner
as Official
Brian James
as Warren
Ronald Fortt
as Williams
Paddy Fitzallen
as Trumpeter
Richard Webb
John Chapin Morgan
Paul Maloney
Colin Crane
Peter Ashton
Jack Boyer
Joe Jenkins
Mario Vecci
Hugh Wills
Lucian Endicott
Ken Baumgartner
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Critic Reviews for On the Beach

All Critics (21) | Top Critics (3) | Fresh (16) | Rotten (5)

View All Critic Reviews (21)

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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