bombersflyup On the Beach is a dull soap opera of a film.Peck gives a stock standard lead performance, offering nothing. Donna Anderson needed to be given more screen time as she was the standout. People on horseback carrying suitcases to work, is a first. The destruction derby Grand Prix was amusing, with car flips and explosions. As for the story, it fails to show any of the real horror of the situation with hostility and death or the passion of those wanting to experience life and instead gives us "The Days of Our Lives."

John Brooks The film does a good job developing the premise with a wide array of characters, each with their own intrigues pertaining to the plot - that of the end of the world. Through this apocalyptic narrative, each character reveals a different set of aspirations, preoccupying thoughts, and fears. The film does very well at sustaining an enjoyable framework for just about the whole 'first act', but the problem isn't nearly the take-off but rather the landing. It seems the film will end about 3, possibly 4 times, and all the tension it builds resolves, and yet it keeps going on, before deciding to end with an abrupt conclusion. It's too long for what it is, and the extra footage isn't necessary at all. It seems the whole tension/structural aspect has been over-managed, over-done. The apparent inherent logic seems to be one way, and then we're given an encore, and then another...and it only works against it. There's a lot of good in this film - good acting, entertaining content, somewhat interesting intrigues with their philosophical implications and romances...but it's just about half an hour too long.

thejcowboy22 This Fictional post-nuclear war movie makes you think, wonder and reflect throughout the film with out showing carnage. Director Stanley Kramer takes you along for the enviable end in a calming way. The relationships between characters has that magic chemistry essential in a human tragedy. Moira (Ava Gardner) and Captain Towers (Gregory Peck) give you the illusion that they were always together romantically despite our submarine Captain had a family back in New London, Conecticut prior to the apocalypse in the Northern hemisphere. Even the Admiral and Hosgood have this special bond during the film. The Empty Golden Gate Bridge is the reminder that all is not right with the world and the borrowed time remaining is coming to a close. Showing the empty streets of a major city stays in the mind.You the viewer come to the realization how precious life can be.This is enhanced by the reactions of the Submarine crew as they viewed post-war San Francisco threw a telescope. As the movie moves along you tend to forget that tomorrow's days grow short. Fred Astaire in a dramatic role as scientist/race car driver portrays his character with dignity despite a few drinks. The editing is also unique with angle and shadow. Sottle mini plots during the film. The high brow waiter in the club who tries to level the picture on the wall. The footsteps of town hall with the crowds thinning by films end. I've personally watched this film many times hoping for a different ending but there's still time Brother!

LeonLouisRicci Nuclear War and the End of the World. Now there is a Depressing Thought. But there is Absolutely No Reason to make a Depressing (read detaching) Movie. The Point Can be Made with Drama and Dread, Chilling and Disturbing Images, and Thoughtful Dialog about the Why's and the Whatevers. But this is Certainly one that is Shallow and Dull with only a Modicum of Resonance and Even Less Intellect.Philosophy about Nuclear War and Humanities Propensity to Destroy is Almost Absent and in its Place We have Philosophies about Marital Infidelity and Suicide by way of a Kevorkian Escape from Pain. A Totally Misplaced Engagement. We are Dealing with Global Annihilation and the End of Human Existence, not Someone Deciding to Pull the Plug because of Cancer.There is so much to Consider in this Cold War Scenario and it is All Reduced to Soap Opera. This is one of the Most Overrated Movies of All Time that Attempts to be Meaningful about its Subject (a noble effort) and be Oh So Important. But why make it so Interpersonal. Sure Everybody has Someone They Care About and Everyone is Special. But this is a Global Scenario, not some sort of Last Backyard Barbecue of the Fifties.