Angry Boy (National Association for Mental Health, 1951)

This film examines child psychology through the story of a boy named Tommy Randall who has behavioral issues and has been caught stealing in school. The principal suggests to Tommy's mother, Mrs. Randall, that she send him to counseling. She reluctantly agrees, and she, too, speaks with a social worker about their home life. The counseling sessions are enjoyable and helpful for Tommy. The therapist and social worker suspect that Tommy's mother and his home life are the cause of his troubles. Mrs.

Palmour Street (Georgia Department of Public Health, 1950)

This film shows events in the family life of rural African-American families living on Palmour Street in Gainesville, Georgia. It illustrates basic concepts of mental health as they relate to family life and highlights some of the ways that parents influence the mental and emotional development of their children. Also addressed are the challenges for a household in which both parents work outside the home. Shots include: a health clinic waiting room, people dancing on the front porch, pea-shelling, communal outdoor clothes-washing with washboards and tubs, and other scenes.

Survival Stresses (US Air Force, 1961)

Presented as a film within a film, an Air Force officer gives a lecture to a class of fliers about survival skills, using a combination live action-animated film to illustrate the workings of the body and its reactions to difficult situations. Discusses major physiological and psychological stresses that may be encountered in a survival situation in the Arctic, in the desert, in the tropics, and on water. Describes methods of detecting, understanding, and combating such stresses as hunger, thirst, cold, fatigue, and fear. Shows how to recognize and avoid dehydration.

Narcosynthesis (Bishop Clarkson Memorial Hospital, 1944)

Under light narcosis produced by ultra-short-acting barbiturates, patients re-experience emotions associated with psychic trauma and become more amenable to suggestion. The four examples are: 1) the effect of simple suggestion in choreic movements; 2) the effect of reassurance and suggestion in hysteria with hemiporesis; 3) the production of emotional responsiveness in a schizophrenic-like state; and 4) a severe case of major hysteria in an 11-year-old girl.

Rights of Age (Mental Health Film Board, 1966)

This film, about protective services for the aging, dramatizes the story of one recluse who, like many older people, attempts to be self-sufficient long after she is able. Not until she becomes physically disabled does the community have an opportunity to extend to her the various benefits now available for the aged. Twenty or 30 other older individuals are examined in the film, all in need of physical, psychological, or legal assistance.

Introduction to Combat Fatigue (US Navy, 1944)

This formerly restricted film was intended to be shown to patients suffering from combat fatigue. A medical officer/narrator explains the nature of fear and how it helps the body and mind cope with threatening situations. Profiling a soldier named Edwards, the narrator explains how combat fatigue begins, grows, and finally incapacitates the soldier. Aboard a ship headed for the combat zone, Edwards feels excitement and tension. In the combat zone, he behaves as expected -- he leaves his ship, wades ashore, penetrates a jungle area, and fires at the enemy. He is afraid but not cowardly.

Man to Man (Mental Health Film Board, 1954)

Warm sympathy and human understanding are powerful instruments in helping mental health patients; this is the inherent message of this film. This documentary is focused primarily on the relationship between two people: an elderly man who cannot feed himself and will not respond when approached, and a psychiatric aide (attendant) who refused to be discouraged even though help for the patient seems hopeless. Genuine suspense is achieved as the aide, with infinite patience and honest compassion, wins the confidence of the patient.

Psychiatric Procedures in the Combat Area (US Army, 1944)

The psychiatric impact of war on soldiers is addressed, and the U.S. military's approach to helping affected soldiers is described. There are battle scenes, men awaiting evacuation from the front, and a rehabilitation center where the soldiers relax, exercise, and are reconditioned with battle training. Psychiatrists interview the men. A chronic anxiety case is shown, as well as an hysterical amnesia patient. The need for men to actively participate in their own recovery is stressed. At the end, recovered patients are shown at a neuro-psychiatric clearing station.

Convulsive Shock Therapy in Affective Psychoses (Bishop Clarkson Memorial Hospital, 1943)

This film depicts patients who have been successfully treated for severe depression and manic states with convulsive shock therapy, showing their behavior prior to and following treatment. Patients range in age from 42 to 58 and are in varying states of depression, some suicidal and some with self-mutilating tendencies. The after-scenes show the patients’ improved moods and well-being. The film also shows the effects of metrazol and electroshock convulsions in curarized patients.

Full Circle (Mental Health Film Board, 1973)

This film dramatizes the benefits of group therapy in the psychiatric ward of a hospital. Patients discuss their problems with each other and with hospital staff. A large portion of the film focuses on a young woman who is having difficulty obtaining and keeping her job after her discharge from the hospital. Through additional group therapy and private discussions with her therapist, she finds ways to cope with her anxiety.

Involuntary Hospitalization of the Psychiatric Patient: Should it be Abolished? (USPHS, 1969)

This film presents a panel discussion between Jules H. Masserman, M.D., Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry, Northwestern University Medical School, and Thomas S. Szasz, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry, State University of New York. Harold Visotsky, M.D., Chairman, Department of Psychiatry at Northwestern University Medical School, acts as moderator. Dr. Masserman contends that there are certain clinical situations in which an individual must be hospitalized against his will for psychiatric reasons, whereas Dr.

The Cry for Help (Louisiana Association for Mental Health, 1962)

This film depicts several situations in which police must contend with suicides or suicide attempts. The situations include those who attempt suicide while in jail, a young man in college who uses a rifle, a young woman living at home using pills, a middle-aged man who contemplates using a handgun when he finds out he has a severe health problem, and another woman who slashes her wrists. Produced by the Louisiana Association for Mental Health with support from the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health.

Suicide, The Unheard Cry (United States. Department of the Army, 1968)

he purpose of this program is to familiarize viewers with the behavior of suicidal individuals, emphasizing that prevention is possible if the signs of a potential suicide are recognized. The film presents five stories of individuals in the Army who show such signs and eventually take their own lives. In each case portrayed, the person displays a characteristic pattern of change in behavior, providing clues as to a desperate mindset. These clues include the inability to cope with family and work problems, depression, overreaction, lack of appetite, insomnia, and other behaviors.

Farewell to Childhood (Mental Health Film Board, 1951)

Produced by the North Carolina Board of Health and sponsored by the New York-based Mental Health Film Board, this film focuses on "the trials of adolescence," in particular the experiences of a girl named Susan who feels misunderstood by her parents and others. She chafes against their rules, and is also deeply disappointed when she doesn't get the part in the school play that she was expecting. She feels lonely and unimportant. A sympathetic adult from school helps her talk through her concerns, encouraging Susan to try to understand her parents' need to protect her.

The Steps of Age (Mental Health Film Board, 1950)

Describes the challenges of aging as seen through the eyes of a woman, Mrs. Potter, whose husband becomes listless and unhappy following his forced retirement at age 65. She worries about him and knows that his lack of engagement is not emotionally healthy. When he dies after a few years of retirement, she gives up her home and goes to live with her daughter's family, which also presents challenges. The woman reflects on how to manage these life changes, and how to continue to live a rewarding, engaged life.