The Day Tomorrow Began is a 1967 film on the CP-1, the first atomic pile that lead to the development of the atomic bomb and the beginning of the atomic age. The film uses interviews and images of the actual people and places that worked to create the first sustained atomic reaction on 2 December 1942 at CP-1 at the University of Chicago. The film opens with shots of aspects of nuclear power and nuclear reactions, as well as an aerial shot of a nuclear reactor facility (01:29). An aerial shot of University of Chicago 02:20) in 1942 shows viewers where the location of CP-1 is, behind a vine-covered football field. Dr. John Wheeler of Princeton University (03:04) recounts his experience being part of the team that developed the first atomic bomb. University of Columbia’s Leo Szilard (03:45) also part of the team, as is Ernest Lawrence, inventor of cyclotron (04:25). The task was to make a block of uranium big enough to have enough U-235 to release atomic energy. The creation of plutonium (05:40) to substitute for U-235 proves to be a major step forward for the project. Dr. Glenn Seaborg talks about weighing first sample of plutonium (06:33). To many, the idea of creating an atomic bomb out of newly manufactured element seemed absurd. At Columbia, Princeton, and Chicago, efforts are made to suspend plutonium. It appears the efforts are falling behind as Nazis take control of Czechoslovakia’s uranium ore reserves (08:21) and Norway’s heavy water facility (08:25); however, the bombing of the Norwegian plant buys the U.S. more time. At Columbia, scientists make graphite blocks to use in splitting atoms (09:15). British scientists (09:57) find that as little as 25 pounds of U-235 can make a bomb. The bombing of Pearl Harbor (10:09) happens, leading to more crash programs and the militarization of the operation. Scientists continue tests (12:25), and a breakthrough happens when Frank Spedding (13:32) of Iowa State develops a new technique for producing uranium. The Du Pont company joins the group to help develop a plant to develop uranium: Dr. Crawford H. Greenewalt of the Du Pont Company explains the company’s joining the mission (14:11). Finally, a full-scale attempt at a sustained reaction is made. Illustrations (15:58) and actual photographs of the progression (17:00) are used to portray the creation of a round pile with uranium in middle, complete with an explanation of how the reaction will be controlled (17:44). Dr. Herbert Anderson of the University of Chicago (19:23) explains how his group worked in shifts to build the pile. Dr. Leona Libby of the University of Chicago recounts how she couldn’t help with the actual construction because Dr. Walter Zinn was worried about swearing in front of her. Dr. Norman Hilberry of the University of Arizona talks about his role in the construction. On 2 December 1942, the scientists begin the test, pulling out the control rods to initiate the reaction. The scientists talk about the initial reactions and the ensuing increase in reactions, which announced that they had the technology to create the first atomic bomb. The film concludes with footage of U.S. troops in the Pacific (23:39), the Enola Gay and crew (23:49) preparing for takeoff, the dropping of the bomb and its detonation (24:15), and some modern plutonium-producing reactors.

We encourage viewers to add comments and, especially, to provide additional information about our videos by adding a comment! See something interesting? Tell people what it is and what they can see by writing something for example: “01:00:12:00 — President Roosevelt is seen meeting with Winston Churchill at the Quebec Conference.”

This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com