Medicine in the Tropics (Firestone Plantations Company, 1957)

This film produced by the Firestone Plantations Company recounts efforts by the government of Liberia, the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, and the Liberian Institute of the American Foundation for Tropical Medicine to improve the health and nutritional status of Liberian citizens, particularly those working on rubber plantations. The program notes that a healthy work force is necessary both for the betterment of Liberia and for the economic success of companies operating rubber, coffee, and other plantations in the country.

Dance, Little Children (Kansas State Board of Health, 1965)

Chronicles an outbreak of syphilis among teens in the fictional town of Oakdale. A girl, Lynn, has a few dates with a wealthy boy, Hal, then goes to see her family doctor when she develops a rash. Though the doctor considers syphilis, he doesn't test Lynn initially, thinking it can't be true. The role of the state and local public health departments in tracking down contacts of infected people and testing them is shown. The primary state health investigator is shown confidentially interviewing the teens.

Health for All--All for Health (World Health Organization, 1988)

Video focuses on the role of the World Health Organization (WHO) in combating disease, beginning with an overview of how disease has afflicted and shaped human civilization. It mentions the unsuccessful effort to stamp out malaria, and WHO's successful campaign to eradicate smallpox. The 1978 Declaration of Alma-Ata, which set a goal of health for all by the year 2000, is discussed, along with WHO's vision of community-based cadres of health care workers delivering primary care to underserved populations.

Sins of the Fathers (Canadian Motion Picture Productions, 1948)

A dramatized story about a town where illegal activities are allowed to thrive, some of the politicians are dishonest, and a doctor and couple of colleagues try to help townspeople see that public health measures, especially those that might control syphilis, are necessary. Two of the most influential men in town oppose clean-up and public health efforts until their young adult children contract syphilis. Spliced into the dramatic film are segments of other educational films, including animated segments, that describe the symptoms and risks of syphilis.

MS and D Footage on DBS Mumps Vaccine Testing (Merck and NIH, 1967)

Contains footage produced by Merck Sharp and Dohme (known as Merck and Company in the United States) of the United States Division of Biologics Standards (DBS) conducting testing of the world's first mumps vaccine, which MSD developed. Learn more about this film and search its transcript at NLM Digital Collections: http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/101631749.

Plagues and Politics (United States Public Health Service, 1998)

This video traces the changes and growth of the United States Public Health Service from its authorization by John Adams in 1798 as the Marine Hospital Service to its reorganization in the 1970s. Still photographs and film clips are presented along with a detailed narrative history.

Medical Service for Industry (Standard Oil, 1954)

This film, produced by Standard Oil Company of New Jersey, explains the corporation's approach to company-provided medical services for employees in its hundreds of locations around the world. Because climate, culture, and type and prevalence of disease vary so widely, tailored approaches are called for. The Standard Oil program is described as a four-point effort: preventive, constructive, educative, and curative medicine.

Case History of Lucy X (National Tuberculosis Association, 1945)

Lucy, whose mother died of tuberculosis and who has been living and working on her aunt’s farm, is found to have advanced tuberculosis. She is fearful of the sanatorium, since her mother died in one. The local Tuberculosis Association swings into action to persuade her that the sanatorium is the best course for her, and Lucy is helped by capable doctors, sympathetic nurses, rest, and nutritious food. While there, she recovers her health, makes a close friend, gets her high school diploma, and plans a career in fashion design. She is eventually cured of the disease and released.

How Can Syphilis Be Prevented? [Silent] (USPHS, 1944)

This film emphasizes the necessity of the early diagnosis of syphilis, its clinical manifestations, and modes of treatment by reputable sources. It points out the danger of improper treatment by quacks. This film presents methods for prevention of syphilis, blood-testing to determine if infection has occurred, and treatment for a diagnosed infection. It recommends that a blood test for syphilis take place at every routine medical exam, and that pregnant women be tested so that transmission of the disease to the unborn child can be avoided.

Malaria (USPHS, 1944)

This filmograph is designed to impart general information regarding malaria, its cause, transmission, and prevention. In a series of still images, this film describes the danger posed by malaria and its transmission by mosquitoes. A family is stricken with the disease, and a doctor comes to examine them and provide treatment. A health officer later visits to advise the family on ways to prevent future infections. Additionally, the community must take steps to eliminate the mosquitoes. Produced by the United States Public Health Service.

Syphilis: A Motion Picture Clinic (USPHS, 1937)

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/8601394A Learn more about the National Library of Medicine's historical audiovisuals program at: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/hmd/collections/films

The Fight Against the Communicable Diseases (USPHS, 1950)

This film describes the organization and activities of the Communicable Disease Center at Atlanta, Georgia, its relationship with other U.S. Public Health Service activities, and its services to local and state health departments. The film also includes scenes of: patients with encephalitis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ringworm, diarrhea, murine typhus, malaria, influenza, polio, and the equipment and methods of fly control. Produced by United States Public Health Service.

Under Pressure (La. Association for Mental Health, 1963)

Shows the pressures under which members of a large city police department work daily, and stresses the importance of handling any situation that may occur during a policeman's regular patrol routine. This police training film was produced by The Louisiana Association for Mental Health and filmed in Cleveland, Ohio with assistance from the city’s police department. It tells the story of four policemen and the pressures they face in their work on a daily basis.