Released in 1955, The Atomic Man is a light bit of fluff that is full of easy humour, a bit of science-fiction and a decent helping of nuclear espionage. It is a film that draws on the fears of the time, yet does so in a manner that is both loose and tense, the two going hand-in-hand thanks to the character of reporter Mike Delaney as played by Gene Nelson. They say curiosity killed the cat, and that sums up Delaney perfectly as the man plays it by ear, going by his gut more often than not and when a story falls into his lap, he forgoes all else in order to pursue it.

It all begins with an injured man whom Delaney recognizes as a famous nuclear physicist. When interviewed, the man denies it and seems to be speaking gibberish. So it is, after ignoring his boss’s orders to cover a different story, that Delaney heads out to the Atomic Energies foundation where Dr. Rayner works and actually finds him there. With the evidence staring him in the face to prove otherwise, Delaney still thinks something is up and so investigates further, uncovering a body double, a bit of time travel, at least in a way and a plot to blow up the nuclear institute. All in a day’s work.

Originally called Timeslip when first released, it more aptly describes what happens in the movie to the good doctor than The Atomic Man does, though it does refer to Dr. Rayner specifically as played by Peter Arne. It is the only element of science fiction in the entire film and is discovered by reporter Delaney as he interviews Rayner. While talking to the Doc, something is simply not adding up. Finally, after playing around by recording said interview, it is found that Raynor, after being exposed to radiation for so long and having essentially died for seven and a half seconds, has slipped in time so that he is answering questions before they are asked. It is a very intriguing plot within the picture that takes up very little of it, and that in itself is a bit of a shame as the makers of this film could have wrung a little more out of it. Instead, the espionage part of the movie was played up more and while that did not ultimately hurt it, focusing more on the fantastical bits might have made for a stronger effort.

Overall, there was a lot to like, the first being the performances. Nelson was fun to watch and made for a solid leading man, the humour really playing and enhancing the man’s character. Opposite him is the wonderful Faith Domergue, who could dish it out just as much as Delaney could, and the chemistry between the two was yet another reason to let one’s self get lost in the story. Ken Hughes proved to be quite able behind the camera, and the man would create the perfect blend of lighthearted humour and suspense throughout the film until that thrilling finale where the villains are routed, the day is saved and Rayner is back in time with everyone else. An enjoyable little movie, perfect for whiling away the time when nothing else beckons.

3 out of 5