What Is The Beginning or the End About?
The premise of The Beginning or the End in 377 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a stark, newsreel‑style opening the film presents a world on the brink of a scientific revolution, where the discovery of atomic energy is treated as a forbidden door that could reshape humanity. The narrative frames this breakthrough against the backdrop of a global war, hinting at the soaring aspirations and looming dread that accompany such power. Through a blend of dramatized reenactments and authentic archival footage, the mood is both reverent and unsettling, inviting viewers to contemplate the cost of knowledge before the story truly unfolds.
At the heart of the endeavor stands Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer, a physicist whose measured awe for the atom is matched by a quiet warning about its dangers. He works alongside a cadre of brilliant but uneasy minds, including Matt Cochran, a young scientist thrust into the project’s inner circle, and Lieutenant Colonel Jeff Nixon, the military officer tasked with translating laboratory triumphs into strategic realities. Overseeing the sprawling enterprise is General Leslie Groves, whose decisive, bureaucratic drive pulls together scientists, industry leaders, and the armed forces. Their interactions reveal a fragile alliance built on urgency, secrecy, and the ever‑present tension between curiosity and responsibility.
The political arena adds an equally weighty layer of intrigue. Presidents and policymakers, first Franklin D. Roosevelt and later Harry S. Truman, allocate unprecedented resources, turning the scientific quest into a national priority. Within the corridors of power, figures such as Jean O’Leary and the Cochran family illustrate the personal stakes that accompany the monumental effort, reminding us that behind every technical milestone lie intimate lives reshaped by secrecy and moral doubt. The film delicately balances these high‑level decisions with the quieter, human moments that echo throughout the laboratory halls.
Stylistically, the movie weaves together period newsreels, meticulous set pieces, and stark documentary aesthetics, creating a contemplative atmosphere that feels both historic and immediate. The tone is one of sober wonder, inviting the audience to linger on the paradox of a breakthrough that promises both salvation and annihilation. By focusing on the collaborative spirit, the ethical quandaries, and the lingering question of how humanity ought to wield such unprecedented power, the story sets the stage for a profound exploration of ambition, responsibility, and the shadows cast by a discovery that changed the course of history.
What Happens in The Beginning or the End?
The complete story of The Beginning or the End, from the first scene to the last, in 672 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 13 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
An opening newsreel-style sequence sets the tone, presenting atomic energy as a watershed discovery with the gravity to reshape history and even a California time capsule destined to be opened in 2446. Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer Hume Cronyn speaks with a measured reverence for the breakthrough, praising the power of atomic energy while quietly warning that its dangers must be faced. In the shadows of war, American scientists like Matt Cochran Tom Drake, guided by Dr. Enrico Fermi Joseph Calleia and Dr. Marré Victor Francen, have effectively split the atom and, in doing so, have arguably edged ahead of Germany in the race for a weapon with the potential to end the conflict. The project gains momentum as they brief Albert Einstein on their progress, and a sense of urgent purpose travels up the chain to President Franklin D. Roosevelt Godfrey Tearle, who seconds the extraordinary push toward a wartime breakthrough.
As the United States mobilizes for total war, Roosevelt authorizes a sweeping investment—up to two billion dollars—to advance the Manhattan Project. By December 1942, at the University of Chicago, a pivotal moment arrives: a controlled nuclear chain reaction occurs under the watchful eyes of observers like Lieutenant Colonel Jeff Nixon Robert Walker and a cadre of international experts. General Leslie Groves Brian Donlevy is tasked with uniting scientists, industrial partners, and the defense establishment into a single, formidable effort. In Washington and across laboratories, bureaucratic corridors hum with the sense that history is bending toward a single, terrifying goal. On the military side, General Thomas F. Farrell Henry O’Neill and administrator K.T. Keller John Litel help steer the project through the labyrinth of wartime politics and logistics. The war rages on the Pacific front, and the administration—now under President Harry S. Truman after Roosevelt’s death—continues to back the program, pushing the scientists to accelerate their work.
The narrative then moves to the desert laboratories and the Los Alamos campus, where the project migrates as the work intensifies. Cochran and Nixon are thrust into the core operation: assembling a working atomic device and plotting its delivery to the front lines. The mission unfolds against a backdrop of perilous secrecy, relentless weather, and the constant push-pull between scientific curiosity and battlefield necessity. The film makes real the human dimension of this grand enterprise, threading in close colleagues, families, and the toll of secrecy on daily life. Jean O’Leary Audrey Totter and the Cochran family landscape the emotional stakes, while the crew—led by figures like Capt. William S. Parsons Warner Anderson and others—faces the practical and moral burdens of their assignment.
Tension crescendos as Cochran is exposed to radioactive material during the bomb’s final preparation, a grim reminder of the personal cost behind monumental discoveries. The moment arrives when the Enola Gay drops the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, a turning point that reverberates through every facet of global politics and personal life. In the aftermath, Nixon returns home to deliver the unimaginable news to Cochran’s wife, Anne Cochran Beverly Tyler and to the broader family circle, a stark reminder of the human price paid in service of a wartime goal.
Throughout its running time, the film keeps a careful, contemplative balance between technical triumph and moral consequence. The narrative foregrounds the collaborative effort of scientists, military leaders, and civilians who contributed—often under extreme pressure—to the creation of a device with the power to end a war and redefine the nature of warfare itself. The drama does not flinch from the complexities and ambiguities of invention in wartime, presenting a textured portrait of ambition, responsibility, and the long shadow cast by a decision that forever altered history. A subtle undercurrent of tension—exemplified by the presence of a Nazi Officer Jerry Schumacher—reminds viewers that the stakes extended beyond American shores, shaping the global balance in ways that would continue to unfold long after the war’s immediate end. The conclusion circles back to the film’s opening frame—a reckoning with memory, science, and the enduring question of how humanity should wield great power.
The Beginning or the End Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Newsreel prologue and time capsule premise” to “Nixon informs Cochran's wife back home”. 11 events name a place, across 9 locations.
- 1
Newsreel prologue and time capsule premise
A newsreel-style prelude presents the film as part of a package about atomic energy. It notes that the atomic bomb is sealed in a time capsule buried in California, to be opened in 2446. The sequence frames the rest of the story as a documentary-style account of scientific power and its consequences.
When:2446 Where:California
- 2
Oppenheimer praises and warns about atomic energy
Physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer extols the discovery of atomic energy as a milestone in science. He also warns of the tremendous danger if the power is misused. His stance sets up the film's moral tension between scientific achievement and potential catastrophe.
- 3
Einstein assists in briefing Roosevelt
Albert Einstein helps frame the briefing to the President about the monumental discovery. The scene underscores the alliance between theoretical breakthroughs and wartime urgency. It signals the government's growing interest in pursuing a nuclear program.
When:early 1940s Where:White House
- 4
Cochran informs Roosevelt about the discovery
A team including Matt Cochran and other leading physicists informs the President that a monumental scientific breakthrough has been achieved. They outline the potential military applications and stress the wartime urgency driving the effort.
When:1941-1942 Where:White House
- 5
Roosevelt authorizes funding for the Manhattan Project
In 1941, Roosevelt approves up to two billion dollars for the Manhattan Project. The financial commitment underpins the rapid mobilization of scientists and industry. This funding catalyzes the wartime nuclear program.
When:1941 Where:Washington, D.C.
- 6
First nuclear chain reaction achieved at the University of Chicago
In December 1942, scientists achieve the first controlled chain reaction beneath a stadium at the University of Chicago. Lieutenant Colonel Jeff Nixon and international observers witness the milestone, which demonstrates the feasibility of a fission-based weapon. The success validates the core scientific concept behind the project.
When:December 1942 Where:University of Chicago
- 7
Nixon is assigned to General Groves
Lieutenant Colonel Jeff Nixon is assigned to General Leslie Groves, the project chief overseeing the effort. Nixon's role becomes essential for coordinating researchers, engineers, and military components. The assignment links military oversight with scientific teams.
When:1942
- 8
Groves consolidates the project across communities
Groves leads an effort to consolidate scientists, industry, and defense into a cohesive development program. He works to overcome bureaucratic obstacles and keeps momentum toward weapon production. This centralized leadership is crucial for rapid progress.
When:1942-1943
- 9
Roosevelt dies; Truman takes office and Manhattan Project moves to Los Alamos
In 1945, President Roosevelt dies and Harry S. Truman assumes office. Truman continues support for the project, which is relocated to Los Alamos, New Mexico. The move concentrates the effort in a single, specialized site for weapon development.
When:1945 Where:Los Alamos, New Mexico
- 10
Truman authorizes use of atomic bomb against Japan
Facing stiff resistance in the Pacific War, Truman orders the use of the atomic bomb against Japan in July 1945. The decision accelerates the war toward its conclusion and marks the onset of a new era in military technology. It puts the weapon from the lab into imminent combat use.
When:July 1945 Where:Pacific Theater, Japan
Show the other 4 events of The Beginning or the End Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Cochran and Nixon escort the bomb to Tinian
Cochran and Nixon join the crew transporting the bomb to Tinian Island for final assembly. The mission highlights the logistical scale and urgency of preparing the weapon for deployment. It marks a transition from development to operational readiness.
When:August 1945 Where:Tinian
- 12
Cochran is exposed to radiation and dies
While assembling the device, Cochran comes into contact with radioactive material and dies. His death underscores the fierce human costs hidden within the scientific race. The tragedy personalizes the broader narrative of wartime technological pursuit.
When:August 1945 Where:Tinian
- 13
The Enola Gay drops the bomb on Hiroshima
On August 6, 1945, the Enola Gay drops an atomic bomb on Hiroshima. The bombing demonstrates the weapon's extraordinary destructive power and drives the world toward the war's end. It also triggers a moral and humanitarian reckoning that shapes postwar discourse.
When:August 6, 1945 Where:Hiroshima, Japan
- 14
Nixon informs Cochran's wife back home
Nixon returns home to break the news of Cochran's death to Cochran's wife. The moment personalizes the war, juxtaposing scientific achievement with personal tragedy. It emphasizes the human cost behind the monumental scientific endeavor.
When:August 1945 Where:Cochran's home
Who Are the Main Characters in The Beginning or the End?
14 characters, among them Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer (Hume Cronyn), Matt Cochran (Tom Drake) and Dr. Enrico Fermi (Joseph Calleia): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer (Hume Cronyn)
Played by Hume Cronyn
A leading physicist who both applauds atomic energy and warns of its dangers. He embodies the tension between scientific curiosity and ethical responsibility, guiding discussions about how the discovery should be used.
- 🧠 Scientist
- ⚖️ Ethical Dilemma
- 🗣️ Thought Leader
- MC
Matt Cochran (Tom Drake)
Played by Tom Drake
A dedicated Manhattan Project scientist working under Fermi and Marré. He is committed to the mission, but exposure to radioactive material leads to his death, underscoring the personal risks involved.
- 🧑🔬 Scientist
- 💔 Personal Sacrifice
- DE
Dr. Enrico Fermi (Joseph Calleia)
Played by Joseph Calleia
A key physicist guiding the team and accelerating the project; his leadership helps achieve the first chain reaction. He embodies practical genius and collaborative spirit.
- 🧪 Physicist
- 🧭 Collabortion
- DM
Dr. Marré (Victor Francen)
Played by Victor Francen
Senior researcher collaborating with Cochran, contributing to the theoretical and experimental work. He navigates technical challenges and the moral implications of the bomb project.
- 🧪 Theorist
- 🧭 Collaboration
-
Dr. Chisholm (Richard Haydn)
Played by Richard Haydn
An international expert on the project who participates in the collaboration; provides theoretical perspective and contributes to debates.
- 🧠 Theoretical Expert
- 🌐 International
- DV
Dr. Vannevar Bush (Jonathan Hale)
Played by Jonathan Hale
Advisor overseeing the integration of science, industry, and government; acts as a bridge between researchers and national policy.
- 🧭 Policy Liaison
- 🧠 Scientist
-
Gen. Thomas F. Farrell (Henry O'Neill)
Played by Henry O'Neill
A military general coordinating the project at the highest level, balancing security concerns with scientific goals.
- 🛡️ Military Lead
- 🗺️ Strategic
-
President Franklin D. Roosevelt (Godfrey Tearle)
Played by Godfrey Tearle
The wartime president who authorizes substantial funding and sets priorities for the Manhattan Project.
- 🎖️ Leadership
- 🧭 Policy
- MG
Maj. Gen. Leslie R. Groves (Brian Donlevy)
Played by Brian Donlevy
Project head who unites scientists, industry, and defense; known for his pragmatic, relentless drive.
- 🧭 Leadership
- 🧱 Project Management
- CJ
Col. Jeff Nixon (Robert Walker)
Played by Robert Walker
Colonel assigned to Groves, supervising operations and accompanying the bomb transport crew.
- 🧭 Military Role
- 🗺️ Field Operations
- JO
Jean O'Leary (Audrey Totter)
Played by Audrey Totter
A civilian connected to Cochran, representing the personal stakes and home-front perspective of wartime science.
- 👥 Civilian Perspective
- 💬 Personal
- CW
Capt. William S. Parsons (Warner Anderson)
Played by Warner Anderson
Navy officer overseeing aspects of the bomb's assembly and deployment during the project.
- ⚓ Military Engineer
- 🧩 Assembly
- AC
Anne Cochran (Beverly Tyler)
Played by Beverly Tyler
Wife of Cochran, illustrating the emotional cost and human impact of wartime scientific work.
- ❤️ Family
- 🕊️ Personal
- W(
Waitress (Ellen Ross)
Played by Ellen Ross
A minor character whose presence humanizes everyday life amid the extraordinary scientific effort.
- ☕ Everyday Life
- 🧍♀️ Minor Character
Where and When Is The Beginning or the End Set?
The Beginning or the End is set in Chicago, Los Alamos, Tinian, Hiroshima and California (1941–1945). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1941–1945
Set during World War II, the story spans the period from U.S. entry into the war in 1941 through the intensification of the Manhattan Project in 1942 and its culmination in 1945. The film traces government funding and presidential decisions, the development of the first reactor on a university campus, and the shift from scientific discovery to military deployment. It ends with the bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945 and the immediate personal impact on families.
Where
Chicago, Los Alamos, Tinian, Hiroshima, California
The film traverses key sites of the Manhattan Project: the University of Chicago where the first chain reaction occurred, the remote laboratories of Los Alamos, and the transport route to Tinian for the final weapon. It also depicts the mission that culminates in the bombing of Hiroshima and the personal toll on families back home in California. These locations anchor the story in a wartime landscape of secrecy, innovation, and consequence.
- 🗺️ War-era locations
- 🧪 Atomic science
- 🧭 Historical timeline
- 🌆 1940s America
What Are the Themes of The Beginning or the End?
4 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Ethics, Power & Destruction and Leadership.
-
01
Ethics
Atomic energy is celebrated for its scientific achievement, yet the film repeatedly raises questions about its moral implications. Oppenheimer voices the warning that incredible power must be tempered by responsibility. The narrative treats innovation as a dual-edged force that can save lives or destroy them.
-
02
Power & Destruction
The discovery accelerates into a weapon of unprecedented destructive potential. The project’s leaders grapple with how to wield this power, knowing it could end wars or reignite them. The bomb’s deployment on Hiroshima marks a turning point in history and in personal lives.
-
03
Leadership
The story centers on the challenge of coordinating scientists, military leaders, and government officials. Groves and Nixon drive a sprawling, multi-institution effort, balancing secrecy with urgency. The film highlights how decisive leadership can accelerate progress while amplifying risks.
-
04
Science & Progress
The narrative tracks the collaborative rush of theory, experimentation, and engineering. It underscores how ideas from Fermi, Marré, Chisholm, and others converge to achieve a landmark scientific breakthrough. The work reflects both the exhilaration of discovery and the heavy burden of its potential consequences.
What Kind of Film Is The Beginning or the End?
Tense in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Tense
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A sobering and tension-filled historical drama that chronicles the grave moral and scientific journey behind the atomic bomb, creating a heavy, contemplative atmosphere of world-altering responsibility.
- somber
- urgent
- contemplative
- moral conflict
- historical weight
- tragic
- atomic bomb
- manhattan project
- world war ii
- scientific ethics
Content notes: war violence, radiation exposure, mass death, nuclear devastation.
Quiz
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