Day One
Day One

TV Show spotlight

Day One

1993
TV Show
Ended
1 Season
English

Day One is a television news magazine produced by ABC News from 1993 to 1995, hosted by Forrest Sawyer and Diane Sawyer. One of its stories, titled "Smoke Screen", was an important report on the cigarette industry's manipulation of nicotine during the manufacturing process. The piece won a George Polk award, but also led to a lawsuit from Philip Morris that ended with a settlement and apology from ABC. The series also won a Peabody Award for its 1993 investigation titled "Scarred for Life" on female genital cutting.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Director: Joseph SargentGenres: Drama, War

Plot Summary

This television film depicts the first day of the atomic bomb's development and its subsequent use during World War II. It follows the scientists and politicians involved in the Manhattan Project, highlighting the moral and ethical dilemmas they faced as they raced against time to create this devastating weapon. The narrative culminates in the decision to drop the bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Critical Reception

Day One received generally positive reviews, with critics commending its historical accuracy and its thoughtful exploration of the complex issues surrounding the atomic bomb. While some found the pacing deliberate, the performances and the film's serious examination of a pivotal historical moment were widely praised.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its historical depth and portrayal of the moral quandaries of the Manhattan Project.

  • Lauded for its strong performances, particularly David Strathairn as J. Robert Oppenheimer.

  • Noted for its serious and respectful approach to a controversial and significant historical event.

Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this older made-for-television film is not readily available.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Made for Television Movie and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or a Special (David Strathairn).

Fun Fact

The film was based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book 'Day One: Before the Bomb' by Peter Wyden, which detailed the development of the atomic bomb and the decisions leading to its use.

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