Made during WWII in 1945, this United States Navy training film looks at Combat Fatigue Irritability, or shell shock, now known as PTSD. It stars Hollywood movie star Gene Kelly in the role of Lucas. This is a very rare film, the type of which was, like John Huston's landmark "Let There Be Light", not widely shown due to the effects it could have on morale. Most likely it was only shown to those suffering from combat fatigue, and those who were working to help alleviate it. Oversimplistic in its approach, compared to what we know today, the film provides a fascinating glimpse into how PTSD was perceived in the 1940s, and how primitive the psychological tools were that the "greatest generation" had at their disposal.
At mark 01:00, we have Navy men in resting rooms and also in sickbays. At mark 02:40, we have an interview between the fireman of the USS Montana, named Lucas, who survived the sinking of the ship, and his doctor, Dr. Bush. Lucas complains to him about being fed up, says no one knows what it feels like to be a fireman except a fireman. He complains of having burning feelings and his hands shaking. At mark 5:15, Dr Bush advises him to fight against his fear and conquer it.
At mark 6:20, we have Lucas and his friend talking about their fears and things bothering them. At mark 9:50, we have all the men in a discussion with Dr Bush, all putting down how they feel. The doctor advises them on their conditions, their fears. They talk about their 30 day leave which they had. Lucas explains his trip as been lousy.
At mark 11:57, we see his leave. Lucas alighting from a train, his people were waiting, his parents and fiancé. He was welcomed back from the military with a great lunch. They had some great discussions, where he was been treated as been a stranger. His family were just asking questions about his military life which led to frustration for him. These questions bring back pains, worries and fears.
At mark 15:43, we see Lucas leaving his family in anger and walking down the street alone. At mark 16:35, we have Lucas drinking at a bar, where he relayed some story to the bar man and ending up making bad remarks. At mark 18:46, we have Lucas thrown out of the bar. He returns home feeling disappointed and uneasy. Eventually his father takes him to the doctor and they later referr him to the Navy.
Lucas couldn’t share some of his experience during the war. At mark 27:50, we see Lucas being emotional and the doctor taking him to him office. At mark 29:00, the doctor went back to the class, advising the class about how to let go of their memories, their worst fears, memories of their mates killed in the battle using Lucas as a point of reference. He explains to them how to work together as a team, like when Lucas’ ship was blown up, he was glad at first to be out of his misery but when he saw his mates burning he realized how his own joy had caused his mates’ lives. But what could he do about it, because what’s done is done. What he should do is to accept these feelings, understand them and discipline them but he doesn’t, instead, he felt touchy, fed up and confused. When he came back he didn’t open up so as the day went on, he got worse and worse. Then when he got back home, he leashed it all on his family because when they asked questions about his experience, it remembered him of his guilt and unworthiness. He fought with the girl he loves because he thought she couldn’t understand him.
The doctor explains the reasons for having the group discussion, occupational therapy will help with his emotions and feelings and physical training helps to keep them in shape in the mean while. What goes for Lucas goes for you too, he says to the class. Bad temper is a sign of something, something deeper which had to be faced, understood and dealt with. When you can deal with your entire problem as Lucas did his, you will be free of all your sentiments.
We encourage viewers to add comments and, especially, to provide additional information about our videos by adding a comment! See something interesting? Tell people what it is and what they can see by writing something for example like: "01:00:12:00 -- President Roosevelt is seen meeting with Winston Churchill at the Quebec Conference."
This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD and 2k. For more information visit www.PeriscopeFi...
11 сен 2024
