Miracle in Tonga (USPHS, 1965)

This film tells the story of a group of doctors who went to the South Pacific islands of Tonga to immunize people against smallpox, using an experimental vaccination device. The narrator, one of the doctors, gives a brief history of Tonga, explaining that the small population is peaceful, isolated, and has no history of smallpox. He then explains the new jet injection gun, operated by foot pedal, which is much cheaper and more efficient than standard vaccination methods.

Airborne Transmission of Tubercle Bacilli (USPHS, 1966)

This program illustrates by means of animation and live action the airborne transmission pattern of tubercle bacilli and the study used to verify this pattern. Measures effective for the control of TB infection are also presented. The mechanics involved in the airborne transmission of the tubercle bacilli are traced from the expiration of the bacilli by the tuberculosis patient, through the transmission of these bacilli in drops of mucus, and on to the subsequent inspiration of the nuclei, which are smaller than five microns in diameter, by a susceptible person.

Public Health in New York State (NY Division of Public Health Education, 1937)

This film shows the New York State Health Department's administrative organization, map of health districts, and work in maternity care, cancer, orthopedics, tuberculosis control, education, including audio-visual work, and sanitation, including areas of milk, drinking water, streams, and swimming pools. Produced by the New York Division of Public Health Education.

It's Up to You: Dengue - Yellow Fever Control (USPHS, 1945)

This film depicts a representative community campaign to control Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in order to prevent dengue and yellow fever. Shots include: breeding pond for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, other breeding places (water-holding containers), Aedes aegypti on a man's hand, Aedes aegypti larvae in water, emptying water from containers, fish in aquarium eating larvae, and publicity media encouraging mosquito eradication and control.

Don't Leave it All to the Experts (USPHS, 1969)

This U.S. Public Health Service film is aimed at the general public and discusses the need for citizen involvement in implementation of the Federal Clean Air Act of 1967. The message is narrated over shots of such major air pollution problem areas as traffic-clogged cities and smoke-stack industrial centers, as well a community meeting of citizens and "government experts." Citizens are urged to take an active part in the setting and carrying out of the standards for reduction of air pollution. There are also shots of patients hospitalized with respiratory problems.

Penicillin and other Antibiotics Produced by Microorganisms (US Navy, 1943)

This film depicts the preparation and use of penicillin for medical treatment and surgical procedures. A panel of military physicians is shown discussing cases, and patients are shown in hospital beds receiving treatment for open, healing wounds. The administration of intravenous antibiotics is presented.

This Is TB (USPHS, 1946)

This film describes tuberculosis, explains its causes, how it's spread, detected, and cured, with an emphasis on how to avoid contraction. Produced by the United States Public Health Service. Learn more about this film and search its transcript at NLM Digital Collections: http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/8700778A Learn more about the National Library of Medicine's historical audiovisuals program at: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/hmd/collections/films

Diet and Atherosclerotic Disease (US Public Health Service, 1969)

Dr. David Miller, Heart Disease & Stroke Control Program, Atlanta, Georgia moderates this debate where Dr. Jeremiah Stamler, Chicago Health Research Foundation, presents statistical data to implicate the relevance of diet in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic disease, and argues that alteration of the American dietary pattern is essential if we are to reverse our atherosclerotic epidemic. On the other side of the debate, Dr. Mark D.

Work of the Public Health Service (USPHS, 1936)

This film explains the history of the Public Health Service (PHS) beginning with the 1798 Act of Congress. Medical subjects include prevention of: smallpox, cholera, typhus fever, bubonic plague, yellow fever, trachoma, malaria, leprosy, and venereal disease. Prevention shown includes: maritime quarantine; insecticide spraying of people and baggage; health inspection of immigrants; rat extermination; inspection of drinking water on planes, trains, ships, and towns, especially during floods; and inspections of canneries and sea food.

Story of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (USPHS, 1968)

This presentation describes significant developments in the fight against Rocky Mountain spotted fever. The program begins with a description of efforts to determine the cause of the disease. Then studies on the biology and control of the tick are described. Efforts to destroy the tick on a limited scale by livestock dipping are detailed. The identification of the infectious agent in the body of the tick which led to the intensification of research and the development by Drs. Spensor and Parker of the spotted fever vaccine is discussed.

Tobacco or Health (PAHO/WHO, 1988)

Video focuses on the serious hazards of smoking, including how second-hand smoke affects those exposed to it. The move to ban smoking in public places is mentioned, as is regulation of cigarette advertisting and the trend towards banning smoking on airplanes. A series of short vignettes with people miming the grinding-out of a cigarette is shown. Yul Brynner's televised "Don't Smoke" plea recorded shortly before his death from lung cancer is shown.

The Innocent Party (Kansas State Board of Health, 1959)

This film addresses the problem of syphilis in teenagers. The opening scene depicts a couple of teenage boys meeting girls at a club in a city. It is implied that they have sex. One of the boys, Don, is later seen leaving a dance with his girlfriend, Betty. On their way home, he convinces her to have sex with him. She is visibly upset afterwards, and he appears to feel guilty. He soon notices a sore, and mentions it to the friend who went to the city with him. The friend advises him to just ignore it and let it go away on its own, but Don decides to see a doctor anyway.

It Takes Your Breath Away (British Medical Association, 1964)

The effect on the lungs of living in a polluted atmosphere is briefly shown on pathological specimens. Two patients are seen, one of whom had to change his job on account of reduced respiratory capacity due to bronchitis. This film uses very evocative footage of polluted city centres and inner city housing ; showing widespread burning of fossil fuels in industry and the home, as well as a hospital. The results are smutty deposits over everything.

A 50-50 Chance (USPHS, 1967)

The purpose of this presentation is to illustrate the problems and emotional crises faced by a family when the young mother contracts tetanus. This is achieved in a dramatized portrayal of her life and activities using a flashback technique. The program stresses the importance of immunization, which is virtually 100% effective. In this presentation the mother is shown critically ill in the acute stage of tetanus following a superficial skin scratch while gardening.