Building Bombs

Building Bombs is a 1989 drama film directed by Mark Mori that explores the aftermath of a nuclear accident that occurred in Georgia in 1958. The movie stars Jane Alexander as Dr. Alice Stewart, a British epidemiologist who discovers the link between radiation exposure and cancer.

The film begins with a recap of the accident, which involved a B-47 bomber carrying a nuclear weapon that collided with a fighter jet, resulting in the release of radioactive material. The government initially denied that there was any danger to the public, but as the true extent of the accident became known, residents of the nearby town of Waycross began to grow increasingly concerned about their health.

Dr. Stewart is brought in to investigate the situation, and she quickly realizes that the government is covering up the true extent of the danger. She teams up with local physician Dr. Spence (played by John Shea) to conduct a study of cancer rates in the area, and they find that the rate of certain types of cancer is significantly higher than in similar populations elsewhere.

As Dr. Stewart and Dr. Spence attempt to publish their findings, they are met with resistance from both the government and the nuclear industry, who are eager to sweep the issue under the rug. Dr. Stewart also faces personal challenges, as her dedication to her work puts her at odds with her husband (played by Donald Moffat) and her children.

The movie is a slow burn, with much of the drama stemming from the bureaucratic hurdles that Dr. Stewart and her team face as they try to get their research published. The performances are strong across the board, particularly Alexander's portrayal of a woman committed to speaking truth to power.

The film is also notable for its realistic depiction of the effects of radiation exposure, particularly the devastating toll it takes on children. There are several heartbreaking scenes of children suffering from cancer, and the filmmakers make it clear that the human cost of nuclear accidents is too high to be ignored.

Overall, Building Bombs is a powerful drama that offers a sobering look at the dangers of the nuclear industry. While the film is set in the late 1950s, its message remains relevant today, as the world continues to grapple with the risks of nuclear power and weapons. Alexander's performance as Dr. Stewart is particularly noteworthy, as she portrays a woman who refuses to let politics and bureaucracy stand in the way of her commitment to the truth.