If You Love This Planet

If You Love This Planet is a documentary film that discusses the dangers of nuclear weapons and the catastrophic consequences that a nuclear war would bring upon humanity. The film is directed and produced by Terre Nash, with Helen Caldicott serving as the main subject of the film, providing insights and commentary on the topic.

The movie starts with Helen Caldicott, a physician and anti-nuclear activist, speaking at a symposium in Toronto in 1981. She talks about the immediate and long-term effects of a nuclear war, including the devastating impact on the environment, human health, and the very existence of human life on the planet. Caldicott's speech is interspersed with footage of nuclear bomb tests, mushroom clouds, and images of nuclear destruction.

The film then delves into the history of nuclear weapons, discussing the scientific advancements that led to their creation, as well as the political and military strategies that drove the arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Leading scientists, policymakers, and military officials appear in the film, including Vannevar Bush and Winston Churchill, offering their perspectives on the development and use of nuclear weapons.

Caldicott emphasizes throughout the documentary that there is no such thing as a winnable nuclear war, and that the only way to prevent a nuclear catastrophe is to eliminate nuclear weapons altogether. She argues that the world's leaders must recognize the severity of the threat and take decisive action to disarm.

The film also explores the resistance to nuclear disarmament, including the propaganda campaigns that have been used to justify the possession and use of nuclear weapons. Caldicott exposes the lies and myths that have been perpetuated by the nuclear industry, military officials, and politicians about the supposed benefits of nuclear deterrence and the tactical advantages of nuclear weapons.

One of the most striking elements of the film is the footage of the aftermath of the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The images of the devastated cities, the injured and dying victims, and the nuclear shadows of people and objects are harrowing, and serve as a stark reminder of the potential horrors of nuclear war.

Throughout the film, Caldicott's message is clear: if we love this planet and want to ensure a future for ourselves and generations to come, we must take action to eliminate the threat of nuclear weapons. The film ends with a call to action, urging viewers to get involved in the anti-nuclear movement and demand that their leaders prioritize disarmament.

If You Love This Planet is a powerful and thought-provoking film that shines a light on one of the most pressing issues of our time. Through Helen Caldicott's passionate advocacy and the use of archival footage and expert testimony, the film makes a compelling case for nuclear disarmament and serves as a rallying cry for all those who care about the fate of our planet.