The Beginning or the End Poster

The Beginning or the End 1947

★ 6.111 votes112 min📅 1947-02-19

"Behind a forbidden door is a terrifying secret!"

Norman Taurog's gripping docudrama *The Beginning or the End (1947)* pulls back the curtain on one of humanity's most pivotal moments, blending historical events with cinematic drama.

Director: Norman Taurog

Cast

Brian Donlevy
Brian Donlevy
Maj. Gen. Leslie R. Groves
Robert Walker
Robert Walker
Col. Jeff Nixon
Tom Drake
Tom Drake
Matt Cochran
Beverly Tyler
Beverly Tyler
Anne Cochran
Hume Cronyn
Hume Cronyn
Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer
Audrey Totter
Audrey Totter
Jean O'Leary
Hurd Hatfield
Hurd Hatfield
Dr. John Wyatt
Joseph Calleia
Joseph Calleia
Dr. Enrico Fermi
Godfrey Tearle
Godfrey Tearle
President Franklin D. Roosevelt
Victor Francen
Victor Francen
Dr. Marre

Frequently Asked Questions

What is *The Beginning or the End* (1947) about?

*The Beginning or the End* takes audiences inside the high-stakes development of the atomic bomb, from the secretive work of the Manhattan Project to the tragic aftermath of Hiroshima. The film weaves together scientific breakthroughs, political pressures, and human stories to paint a vivid portrait of a defining moment in history.

Who directed *The Beginning or the End*?

The film was directed by Norman Taurog, a celebrated filmmaker known for his ability to balance drama with historical gravitas.

Who stars in *The Beginning or the End*?

The cast features Brian Donlevy, Robert Walker, Tom Drake, Beverly Tyler, Hume Cronyn, and Audrey Totter, each bringing depth to this pivotal story.

Is *The Beginning or the End* (1947) worth watching?

While it lacks an IMDb rating, *The Beginning or the End* remains a compelling watch for fans of historical dramas and documentaries. Its blend of factual reporting and dramatic storytelling offers a unique perspective on a world-changing event, making it a film that educates as much as it entertains.

How long is *The Beginning or the End*?

The runtime is 112 minutes, giving audiences just enough time to absorb its weighty themes without losing momentum.

🎥 Trailer

About The Beginning or the End (1947) — The Manhattan Project and Hiroshima Revealed

Norman Taurog's gripping docudrama *The Beginning or the End (1947)* pulls back the curtain on one of humanity's most pivotal moments, blending historical events with cinematic drama. This film traces the intense journey behind the creation and deployment of the first atomic bomb, culminating in the devastating bombing of Hiroshima. With a tone both solemn and suspenseful, the narrative explores the moral weight and scientific urgency that shaped this era-defining decision. Brian Donlevy leads a stellar cast, grounding the film in reality while Hume Cronyn and Audrey Totter deliver standout performances that add emotional depth to the political and scientific stakes.

The atmosphere is tense and reflective, mirroring the gravity of the subject matter. As the narrative unfolds, viewers are immersed in the ethical dilemmas and human consequences that followed the Manhattan Project. *The Beginning or the End* isn't just a retelling—it's a haunting reflection on power, responsibility, and the irreversible choices that changed the world.