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Saving the Earth

1984 Short film
  • Documentary
  • NZ History

In this short film from 1984, Australian physician Helen Caldicott campaigns against nuclear weapons during a trip to Wellington. Helen and her husband William Caldicott were prominent figures in the anti-nuclear movement for decades. Filmmaker Gaylene Preston captures Caldicott addressing the Select Committee of Disarmament at Parliament, then making a rousing speech to fellow activists at Wellington Town Hall — before an earnest musical performance from the Topp Twins. The film was commissioned by New Zealand members of organisation Physicians For the Prevention of Nuclear War.