The filming site of a notorious John Wayne linked to a spike in cancer cases of its crew is the focus of a new documentary aiming to spotlight the nearby affected community's struggles.
Zack Budryk reports for The Hill.
In short:
- The 1956 film "The Conqueror" was shot near a nuclear test site, presumably resulting in high cancer rates among the cast and crew.
- A new documentary, "The Conqueror: Hollywood Fallout," explores the impact of nuclear tests on the local community in St. George, Utah and their fight for federal compensation.
- The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), which offered support to affected individuals, recently expired, prompting renewed advocacy efforts.
Key quote:
“What started as a lark about this terrible movie became something else as I was researching about atomic testing.”
— Will Nunez, director of "The Conqueror: Hollywood Fallout."
Why this matters:
This documentary sheds light on the lasting health impacts of nuclear testing on communities, with emphasis on the importance of government accountability and support for those affected by radiation exposure. Read more: Years after mining stops, uranium's legacy lingers on Native land.
