DIPHTHERIA V [Main Title]

Second World War British Ministry of Information newsreel trailer reminding parents of the benefits of having their children immunised against diphtheria.

The film opens with a group of young children playing "blind man's bluff" in a field. The blind-folded boy stands alone from the group with the other children try to keep out of his reach whilst attempting to touch him. The commentary warns "Careful you'll get caught. Whose going to be the unlucky one? Is it Johnny?" A young boy stands with his fingers-crossed. "Or Pat?" A young girl caught by the blind-folded boy. "Well you escaped this time Johnny, will you always be so lucky?" Johnny is seen bouncing a ball as he walks along a street. "Will you escape diphtheria for instance?" Johnny is then seen ill in bed. "Oh it may catch you at play or in the street. It's no good keeping your fingers-crossed against diphtheria". The commentary then asks about Pat and the young girl is seen receiving her inoculation from a female doctor. "She escaped because her mother has previously had her immunised. As you can see it is safe, simple and free. By this means nearly 6 million children have already been protected, but there are still just under 4 million unprotected. Last year alone many thousands of children were saved from diphtheria and many were saved from dying from it". "What is it to be?" After another shot of Johnny in bed, the commentary continues "Are you going to let your child run the risk? Or will you see that he get the protection of immunisation?" The film ends with the caption "PROTECT YOUR CHILD APPLY TO COUNCIL OFFICES, SCHOOL OR WELFARE CENTRE"

35mm