On the Beach

It's 1964 and World War III has broken out with an arsenal of nuclear missiles launched from both sides.  This will mean the end of the human race on earth because of the resulting radioactive fallout.  So says the 1959 film On the Beach starring Gregory Peck and Ava Gardner.

In the film, the deadly radioactivity has not yet reached Australia.  The USS Sawfish, a submarine captained by Dwight Lionel Towers (Peck) arrives in Melbourne.  He and his crew are the only Americans left alive.

They and the Australians have a few weeks or months to live.  Dwight, through contacts with the local navy, meets Moira (Gardner), an unattached attractive Aussie.

Dwight and Moira spend a lot of time together while waiting for the inevitable.  Finally, as the end is in sight, Dwight's crew votes to return to America for their final days. 

Dwight asks Moira to meet him at the naval base.  When she arrives, they talk for the last time.  

Moira:  You're not going.  You're staying.

Dwight:  No.  

Moira:  You're staying.

Dwight:  We're going.  

Moira:  But...the Sawfish?  

Dwight:  Just across the bay...at the fuel depot.  The men kinda wanted to get home.  I can't explain it.  

Moira:  So I suppose it's time to say it's been nice Dwight Lionel.  It's been everything.  Oh, Dwight.  I'm so frightened.  

Dwight:  I know.  I'm so sorry for so many things.  I love you, Moira.  I love you.  I love you.

The following morning, Moira drives to a point on the coast where she can see the Sawfish before it submerges.  We can also see Dwight on the submarine's bridge before he has to go below.  And before he goes below, he looks up at the sun one last time.  In the background is the music of Waltzing Matilda, Australia's best known ballad.  How romantic!