Ten Seconds That Shook the World

1963 • 50 minutes

About this movie

This film is a factual and chronological account of the events preceding the atomic bombing of Hiroshima during World War II. It is a historical overview of the atomic process that began with the scientific developments of Einstein and Madame Curie, and Fermi's successful splitting of the atom. Due to the atomic threat posed by Nazi Germany, the United States government began its highly secretive Manhattan Project. The film discusses how the sites for atomic research, development, and testing were chosen. It hails the achievements of the scientists involved, and acknowledges the significant effect of the atomic bomb on peacetime projects and events of the atomic age. Originally produced as a television special and motion picture in 1963 by award-winning David Wolper, the film is part of the display at the National Atomic Museum of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in Albuquerque, New Mexico.