This film is part of Free

Title of error

See Help

Irresponsibles

This striking female-focused silent drama muses on the long-term perils of sexually transmitted diseases

Documentary drama 1929 39 mins Silent

Overview

An unwary young woman led astray by a grinning gentleman on a motorcycle ends up with a sexually transmitted disease in this straight-talking female-focused silent public information film drama. Her doctor recounts - in a series of ominous flashbacks - sad tales of other women in similar situations who foolhardily let gonorrhoea and syphilis go untreated.

The film was distinctively directed by pioneering British filmmaker Mary Field. She further pondered the facts of life in her idiosyncratic instructional docudrama The Mystery of Marriage (1932). Field was later instrumental in the establishment of the world-renowned not-for-profit organisation that produced an abundant array of wholesome screen entertainment for kids, the Children's Film Foundation.

Original title

The Irresponsibles

Director

Mary Field

Genres

Documentary drama and Public Information Filler

Country

United Kingdom

Location

Welwyn Garden City

Language

English

Subjects

Venereal diseases Ataxia Dance Dancers General practitioners Women Ballet dancers Great Britain Office workers Sex education Sins Ethics Public health Health education Clinics Sexual relations and practices Promiscuity Safe sex Sex before marriage Gonorrhoea Syphilis

Subscribe to watch

Frida Kahlo & Tina Modotti Frida Kahlo & Tina Modotti

Documentary 1983 30 mins Director: Laura Mulvey and Peter Wollen

Immerse yourself in the work of Frida Kahlo and Tina Modotti - icons of the Mexican Renaissance.

Watch for free

Once We Were Four Once We Were Four

Documentary 1942 9 mins

Innocent bunnies face an onslaught of badgers, bombs and birds of prey in this black comedy masquerading as a nature film.

Watch for free

Tunde's Film Tunde's Film

Documentary drama 1974 40 mins Location: Stepney

Tired of being hassled by the police and with no job opportunities, a group of teenage East End lads plan to rob a bank.

Watch for free

So This Is London So This Is London

Documentary 1933 14 mins Silent Location: Westminster

London at its best? This gorgeous lyrical portrait was made by pioneering female director Marion Grierson.

Currently unavailable

Black to Front Black to Front

Current affairs 1978 27 mins Location: Brixton

World in Action interviews the residents of Haycroft Road, Brixton as a controversial by-election stokes concerns about race and immigration.

Watch for free

Spring on the Farm Spring on the Farm

Documentary 1933 8 mins

The exhilaration of spring in the country – blossom, piglets, ducklings and more delights on the farm.

Watch for free

The Golden Way to Health The Golden Way to Health

Advert 1935 12 mins Location: Welwyn Garden City

Welcome to Welwyn Garden City, home of the nation's breakfast

Watch for free

Neville Chamberlain Opens New Railway Station Neville Chamberlain Opens New Railway Station

Non-Fiction 1926 4 mins Silent Location: Welwyn Garden City

Empire News Bulletin record the Conservative Minister Neville Chamberlain at Welwyn Station's official opening ceremony.

Watch for free

Welwyn Garden City - The War Years Welwyn Garden City - The War Years

Amateur film 1939 15 mins Silent Location: Welwyn Garden City

A great example of ‘despite war, life continues’, Welwyn Garden City residents continue with annual traditions, festive occasions and celebrations, during wartime.

Watch for free

New Perspectives: La Haine New Perspectives: La Haine

Short documentary 2025 4 mins

Charlie Hammersley, a student from Northumbria University, explains how Mathieu Kassovitz's 1995 film holds up a mirror to society.

Watch for free

Dreamers Q&A Dreamers Q&A

Inside Film 2025 30 mins

The film-makers behind a haunting tale of love and community within a UK immigration detention centre visited the BFI Southbank to discuss their film.