The Trials of J. Robert Oppenheimer | Full Documentary | AMERICAN EXPERIENCE | PBS

The dramatized trial of Dr. J.R. Oppenheimer begins, questioning his loyalty and connections to Communist organizations. Narration sets the scene of a tense courtroom in Washington, D.C., with detailed accounts of the allegations against him, including ties to Communist Party members.

Oppenheimer is accused due to family connections with Communist Party members. His wife and brother are named, and the narrative explores the fear of Communist infiltration during the Cold War. The media and public react with shock as Oppenheimer's previously trusted status is questioned.

The script delves into Oppenheimer's early years, highlighting his precocious intelligence and sheltered upbringing. It covers his academic achievements, including his time at Harvard and later at Cambridge, where he faced personal and academic struggles, ultimately leading him to Göttingen, Germany, to study quantum physics.

Oppenheimer's time at Göttingen is marked by significant academic contributions to quantum physics. He publishes numerous papers and gains confidence. Returning to America, he becomes a professor at Cal Tech and Berkeley, where he struggles initially but eventually transforms into a charismatic and influential lecturer.

The narrative covers Oppenheimer's personal life, including his tumultuous relationships with Jean Tatlock and Kitty Harrison, both former Communists. His evolving political views during the Great Depression lead to his involvement with left-wing causes, though he never officially joins the Communist Party.

Oppenheimer's appointment as the director of the Los Alamos Laboratory for the Manhattan Project is detailed. His leadership qualities, despite lacking prior administrative experience, impress General Leslie Groves. The project is fraught with security concerns, given Oppenheimer's past associations.

The script highlights the controversial conversation between Oppenheimer and Haakon Chevalier about passing information to the Soviets. Oppenheimer's delayed report of the incident raises suspicion, and his subsequent attempts to protect his friend complicate the matter, leading to severe scrutiny.

Oppenheimer's struggles with personal and professional pressures are evident as the security concerns intensify. His relationships suffer, and his health deteriorates. Despite the challenges, he remains dedicated to the Manhattan Project, navigating complex security protocols and dealing with constant surveillance.

Jean Tatlock's suicide profoundly affects Oppenheimer, compounding his emotional and psychological struggles. The FBI's surveillance and suspicion of Tatlock's potential espionage activities add to the pressure on Oppenheimer, who faces accusations related to his association with her.

The script explores the intense scrutiny Oppenheimer faces regarding his security clearance. General Groves ultimately supports him, but the ongoing suspicion from other officials and agencies creates a challenging environment. Oppenheimer's health and relationships continue to suffer under the weight of these pressures.

Despite the personal and professional challenges, Oppenheimer leads significant scientific advancements at Los Alamos. The narrative covers the technical difficulties and the relentless work to develop the atomic bomb, culminating in the successful Trinity test in July 1945.

The successful Trinity test leads to the deployment of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The narrative explores Oppenheimer's mixed feelings about the bomb's use, his reflections on its destructive power, and the subsequent impact on his mental state and public perception.

Post-war, Oppenheimer's role shifts to advocating for international control of atomic energy. His efforts face resistance amid growing US-Soviet tensions. The script details the political landscape, Oppenheimer's increasing disillusionment with both US and Soviet policies, and his eventual sidelining from key advisory roles.

Oppenheimer's fame as the 'father of the A-bomb' contrasts with the FBI's continuous surveillance due to his past Communist associations. The narrative highlights his advisory roles, his shift in focus to ethical concerns about nuclear weapons, and his ongoing battle with political forces.

The script delves into the Red Scare's impact on Oppenheimer's career. As US-Soviet tensions escalate, so does the fear of Communism within the US. Oppenheimer's testimony before Congress and clashes with figures like Lewis Strauss mark the beginning of his downfall.

Oppenheimer's opposition to the hydrogen bomb development leads to significant conflict with proponents like Edward Teller. The narrative details the scientific and ethical debates, the unanimous decision of the General Advisory Committee against the bomb, and President Truman's subsequent disregard for their recommendation.

The successful test of the hydrogen bomb marks a turning point. Oppenheimer's views are increasingly sidelined, and the arms race intensifies. The narrative covers the implications of this development, including the destructive potential of the bomb and the geopolitical tensions it exacerbates.

Oppenheimer's efforts to moderate the arms race through public advocacy and strategic discussions contrast with the prevailing sentiment favoring military buildup. The script explores his public statements, the internal conflicts within the US administration, and the broader implications for national and global security.

Oppenheimer's security hearing becomes a public spectacle, driven by political agendas and personal vendettas. The narrative details the biased proceedings, the strategic moves by figures like Lewis Strauss, and the eventual revocation of Oppenheimer's security clearance, marking a significant personal and professional defeat.

The hearing's outcome devastates Oppenheimer, leading to his complete marginalization from government roles. The script highlights his personal struggles, the toll on his mental health, and the ongoing suspicion and surveillance that hound him despite his past contributions.

Oppenheimer's later years are marked by a sense of loss and defeat. Despite receiving the Fermi Award as a form of official apology, he remains a shadow of his former self. The narrative explores his reflections on his life, his diminished role in scientific and public life, and his lingering impact on the nuclear debate.