DEFEAT TUBERCULOSIS (1942 version) [Main Title]

In explaining that tuberculosis can be cured if treated early enough, the film appeals for awareness of the real nature of the 'threat' of the disease.

An introductory sequence looks back to the hopeless condition of the 19th century 'consumptive' and outlines the general improvement since Koch's discovery of the disease's cause; a dramatised story of two sisters points the contemporary moral. 'Betty' is told by her employer to see a doctor as she is 'run down'; since their mother had died of TB, Betty is scared but is persuaded by 'Joan'; the Doctor, explaining that tuberculosis is infectious not hereditary, sends both for X-rays, and in fact it is Joan who is found to have the disease. The film follows Joan's treatment at a modern sanatorium: the infected lung is rested by collapsing it, while the patient is given fresh air, rest, proper diet etc; the film also shows treatment of children, and the commentary explains Government provisions to pay for treatment of poor patients. Closing commentary and titles repeat the lessons of the film.

35mm