This film is part of Free
Circulation
Let it bleed? This exemplary education film gets to the heart of the matter.
Overview
This admirably clear explanation of the mechanics of blood circulation showcases the art of educational filmmaking in its 1930s golden age. Its blend of simple animation, models and lab set-ups (including an artificially beating rabbit's heart) effectively illustrates the functioning of the heart, the role of arteries, veins and capillaries in regulating blood flow and the way valves prevent blood travelling backwards through the veins. The film has aged well, too – were it not for the black and white photography and the inevitably plummy narration it could easily be mistaken an Open University production from decades later.
The 1930s was the golden age of the educational film in Britain, and Gaumont-British Instructional was its most prolific exponent. This was the final part of a three-part series, Hygiene, for GBI, with all three directed by Donald Carter and supervised by Professor Winifred Cullis, the first woman to hold that position in a British medical school.
Related
Lois Burwell on movie makeup Lois Burwell on movie makeup
Inside Film 2013 17 mins
Lincoln, Braveheart and Magnolia make-up artist Lois Burwell explains how she created some of her most iconic looks, as part of a BAFTA Masterclass.
Gabriel Yared on composing for film Gabriel Yared on composing for film
Inside Film 2013 11 mins
Composer of The Lives of Others, The English Patient and Betty Blue on intimacy and experimentation.
Screenwriters' Lecture with Brian Helgeland Screenwriters' Lecture with Brian Helgeland
Inside Film 2012 27 mins
L.A. Confidential's screenwriter explains why he thinks writer's block is a myth, and reveals Clint Eastwood's unique powers of persuasion.
Screenwriters' Lecture: Peter Straughan Screenwriters' Lecture: Peter Straughan
Inside Film 2012 mins
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy's adapter reveals his quest for "the poem of the book" and the importance of simplicity: 'Drain the pond to find the fish'.
Barry Ackroyd (Masterclass) Barry Ackroyd (Masterclass)
2013 61 mins
British cinematographer of The Hurt Locker, Captain Phillips, Hillsborough and Riff Raff reviews the art of the moving image.
Olivier Assayas (Masterclass) Olivier Assayas (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2010 41 mins
Irma Vep writer/director Assayas moved from film journalism to filmmaking – a fascinating journey told with disarming honesty to Jonathan Romney.