B-52


1h 48m 2001

Brief Synopsis

The B-52 military plane was developed in 1947 as an extreme weapon in the fight for global hegemony and nuclear dominance. It was the first jet-propelled long-distance bomber that could be refuelled in flight, thus making it independent of overseas air bases. The plane was primarily built to transpo

Film Details

MPAA Rating
Genre
Documentary
Historical
Political
War
Release Date
2001

Technical Specs

Duration
1h 48m

Synopsis

The B-52 military plane was developed in 1947 as an extreme weapon in the fight for global hegemony and nuclear dominance. It was the first jet-propelled long-distance bomber that could be refuelled in flight, thus making it independent of overseas air bases. The plane was primarily built to transport atomic weapons. All stratospheric nuclear tests carried out by the United States in the 1950's used bombs dropped by B-52's. It was later used extensively in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War and more recently in the Kosovo Conflict. Today, 50 years after making its first appearance, it is still in service. The bomber is not only an accurate parable on the continuation of the Cold War beyond its historical end-date. It is also a perfect metaphor for the immeasurable power, technical capacity and productivity of a nation which ploughs the majority of the surplus generated by its economy, workforce and intellectual activity into its military machine.

Film Details

MPAA Rating
Genre
Documentary
Historical
Political
War
Release Date
2001

Technical Specs

Duration
1h 48m

Quotes

Trivia

Miscellaneous Notes

Released in United States December 5, 2001

Released in United States Winter December 5, 2001

Shown at Berlin International Film Festival (Forum) February 7-18, 2001.

color

rtg MPAA NONE

Released in United States December 5, 2001 (Film Forum; New York City)

Released in United States Winter December 5, 2001