Medicine on Screen The National Library of Medicine

Nurse-Patient Interaction (Los Angeles : The University, 1976)

This training video employs a particular method to encourage nurse trainees to reflect on their responses to how patients and co-workers present themselves, verbally, physically, and emotionally. Based on psychologist Norman Kagan’s affect-stimulus technique, the camera takes the perspective of a trainee nurse who is presented with a series of different people who speak directly to the camera. The viewer is put into the situation of the trainee nurse, and is invited to respond to and reflect upon the different, sometimes difficult, interpersonal situations he or she encounters.

Native Food (US Navy, 1945)

Humorous animated film warning soldiers (marines) against eating native food while in the field. Produced by Hugh Harman Productions for the United States Navy. Learn more about this film and search its transcript at NLM Digital Collections: http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/9301319A Learn more about the National Library of Medicine's historical audiovisuals program at: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/hmd/collections/films

Man Alive! (United Productions of America, 1952)

In animated cartoons, an analogy is made between a man with a badly functioning car and a man with physical symptoms which could indicate the presence of a neoplasm. The various stages of denial are illustrated. Unprofessional advice is heard, and quick fix remedies are tried. The car owner finally goes to a good garage and pays heavily to have his car repaired, a bill which would have been small if he had taken his car in at the first sign of trouble. The man decides not to make the same mistake with his body that he made with his car.

LSD: Insight or Insanity (Max Miller, 1968)

The life of the typical teen in the late 1960s is presented, with rebellion and experimentation in clothes, hair, and extracurricular activities discussed, along with peer pressure and the effect it can have on teens. The dangers of drugs, and LSD in particular, are described, with doctors, scientists, and geneticists discussing the possible effects of LSD on the body, including chromosomal damage that can affect future generations. The impact on fetal development in animals given LSD is shown.

Let My People Live (National Tuberculosis Association, 1938)

This film dramatizes the dangers of neglecting the treatment of tuberculosis through the story of a African-American family where the superstitious mother, who depends on cures rather than the doctor, succumbs to the disease. When her two children also develop the disease they are saved by modern medical care. Musical background to the story consists of Negro spirituals sung by the Tuskegee Choir. Produced by the National Tuberculosis Association.

Leprosy in India [Silent] (Albert Victoria Hospital, Calcutta, c1930)

Manifestations of leprosy from beginning to end stages are shown in this silent film. Images are interspersed with title slides in German, informing the viewer that he/she is seeing cases of nerve damage, skin damage, loss of extremities, and other effects of the disease. People are shown receiving injections, washing, and exercising as part of their treatment. Produced by the Albert Victoria Hospital.

Know for Sure (Research Council of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for USPHS, 1941)

This educational film uses dramatizations of three cases to teach about the dangers, prevention, and cure of syphilis. In the first segment, an Italian shopkeeper named Tony is thrilled about the birth of his first child, but when the boy is born dead and the doctor inquires about Tony’s sexual health, Tony realizes he’s infected with syphilis that has been passed on to his wife and child. He and his wife get treatment and plan to have more children. In the two other segments, young men have unprotected sex, one with a woman he "picks up" and one with a prostitute.

John B. Calhoun Film 7.1 [edited], (NIMH, 1970-1972)

This film is a trimmed version of a longer set of stitched-together reels that contain remarks by and interviews with National Institute of Mental Health scientist John B. Calhoun, as well as extensive footage of the thousands of mice Calhoun studied over many years. In Mouse City, Calhoun provided his research subjects food, water, bedding, protection from predators--all that they needed except adequate space. The results were destructive and dramatic.

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.