On the Beach

The year is 1964, marking the end of a devastating nuclear war that ravaged the northern hemisphere. As a result, most of the world is in ruins, with survivors desperately trying to cope with the aftermath of radiation fallout.

The American nuclear submarine USS Sawfish navigates the mid-Pacific Ocean, heading towards Australia. The crew, led by Lt. Commander Dwight Towers, prepares for the possibility of finding survivors along the southern coast.

The Sawfish docks at the port of Melbourne, Australia, where the crew confronts the grim reality of their situation. They await the arrival of radioactive winds from the north, which could mean the end of life as they know it.

The Australian Government requests that Towers and his crew venture north to assess radiation levels and investigate a mysterious Morse code signal near San Diego. Towers is assigned Ensign Peter Holmes as a liaison for this critical mission.

Peter Holmes and his wife Mary host a party to uplift Towers, introducing him to Moira Davidson. In the midst of their gathering, Towers finds himself drawn to Moira, struggling to reconcile his burgeoning feelings with the pain of his lost family.

As Towers grapples with his grief, he confuses Moira for his late wife, Sharon, highlighting his inner turmoil. Moira offers to play the role of 'Sharon' to help Towers cope, but he ultimately refuses, knowing he must honor his past.

Without informing Moira, Towers leaves for the mission north. Moira learns of Towers' departure through her cousin Julian Osborn and feels the weight of impending loss as she realizes their time together may be limited.

The Sawfish makes its first stop at Point Barrow, Alaska, encountering increasingly dangerous radiation levels. This raises alarms for Towers and his crew, foreshadowing the grim fate awaiting them.

Upon reaching a deserted San Francisco, crew member Ralph Swain chooses to swim ashore, unable to bear the thought of dying far from home. Towers understands this desperation and bids Swain farewell, recognizing the futility of their mission.

Radio Officer Lt. Sunderstrom investigates the source of a Morse code signal in San Diego while wearing protective gear. He discovers that the signals are not from survivors, but rather a malfunctioning radio room due to a seagull's interference.

Resigned to their fate, the Sawfish crew returns to Melbourne, where Towers finds solace in Moira's company. However, tragedy looms as news arrives that many U.S. Navy personnel have succumbed to radiation.

Towers and Moira attend the Australian Grand Prix, where Osborn races against the odds, resulting in fatalities among the racers. Osborn ultimately wins the race, fulfilling a dream that contrasts sharply with the bleak reality surrounding them.

Towers and Moira embark on a long-awaited fishing trip, utilizing this time to deepen their connection amid the chaos. They share an intimate dinner while the sounds of revelers below foreshadow the impending doom.

Upon their return, Towers learns of Seaman Ackerman's radiation poisoning, marking the arrival of deadly radioactive winds in Melbourne. He contemplates the fate of both his crew and his relationship with Moira in this new reality.

Amidst the impending doom, Towers decides to lead his crew back to the sea. He has a heart-wrenching farewell with Moira, acknowledging their love but recognizing the necessity of separation as they face their grim fates.

In the aftermath of humanity's demise, the film concludes with haunting images of an empty, desolate Melbourne. The closing scene features a banner proclaiming 'There is still time...Brother', resonating with the lost hope of the characters.