Race for the Bomb facts for kids
Race for the Bomb (which in French is called La Course à la bombe) is a TV show from 1987. It's a miniseries, meaning it has a few parts, and it tells the story of the Manhattan Project. This was a secret project that led to the creation of the atomic bomb. The series also shows how the idea for even more powerful weapons came about and how the "arms race" began. The show was directed by Allan Eastman and Jean-François Delassus.
The show was made by companies from different countries working together. A Canadian company, Ronald Cohen Productions, worked with a French company, Société Philippe Dussart. They also worked with Jadran film from Zagreb, which was in former Yugoslavia. In Canada, the show was seen on CBC Television in English and Télévision de Radio-Canada in French. In France, it aired on TF1. Many actors from former Yugoslavia also played roles in the series.
About the Story
This TV series explores many important parts of how the atomic bomb was created. It looks at the science behind it, the political decisions made, and the personal stories of the people involved.
Main Characters and Actors
The show features a talented cast playing real historical figures. Here are some of the main actors and who they played:
- Tom Rack played Robert Oppenheimer. He was a very important scientist who led the team building the atomic bomb.
- Maury Chaykin played Leslie Groves. He was the military general in charge of the Manhattan Project.
- Miki Manojlović played Edward Teller. He was another scientist who worked on the atomic bomb project.
- Jean-Paul Muel played Leo Szilard. He was a scientist who helped realize the potential for a nuclear chain reaction.
- Michael Ironside played Werner Heisenberg. He was a German scientist involved in their own nuclear research during World War II.
- Leslie Nielsen played Lewis Strauss. He was an important government official involved with atomic energy.
Awards and Recognition
The show was recognized for its quality. Jean-Paul Muel was nominated for a Gemini Award for Best Actor. The Gemini Awards are important awards for Canadian television. The French version of the series was also nominated for a Prix Gémeaux for Best Miniseries.
