National Tuberculosis Association

A doctor explains to his children the dangers of tuberculosis, what it is and how to prevent against contracting it.

Aimed at African Americans and shot at Tuskegee University, this film instructs viewers in the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis by focusing on a pair of sympathetic siblings, George and Mary, whose lives are altered by the disease. Starring Rex Ingram as Dr. Gordon, the film suggests that organized religion is an important defensive location in this particular community, and warns of the dangers of the previous generation’s superstitions and its fear of medicine. The Health Department prominently featured the film at the 1939 World’s Fair. Directed by Edgar Ulmer.

Produced in both English and Spanish, the film focuses on the Lopez family, now motherless because of tuberculosis. When Consuelo, the daughter of the family, begins to manifest symptoms, she prays fervently, though a “wise padre,” as the credits would have this character, advises her to seek medical attention.

Young man of "Everytown" has an oral hemorrhage which subsequent examination and tests show was caused by tuberculosis. He goes to sanitarium for treatment and extensive bed rest. Epidemiological investigation reveals source of infection was lip contact with his fiancée. The importance of occupational therapy and aptitude tests is demonstrated during the patient's recovery and rehabilitation. Scenes include: sputum and blood samples, enlarged tubercle bacilli, tuberculin test, X-ray, pneumothorax surgery, and patient drafting in occupational therapy.

This 1936 documentary was made in cooperation with the National Tuberculosis Association to travel throughout the United States and portray efforts to combat tuberculosis and show gains that had been made against the disease since the early 1900s.

A short documentary about cigarette smoking and health, designed to give young people a wholly new way of looking at cigarette smoking and its health hazards.