This film is part of Free
Out of True
An innovative drama-doc, one of the first to deal seriously with clinical depression
Overview
Housewife Molly enters psychiatric treatment after attempting suicide. We follow her progress and family relationships in this important government film, one of the first seriously to cover clinical depression. Intended as both NHS training aid and public awareness-raiser, its purpose is to switch on a lightbulb above viewers' heads. Molly is ill, not 'mad', and regains control of her life with sensitive support.
Its mix of true and false notes is what makes the film's efforts to destigmatise so fascinating. In the script, insightful intentions vie with snatches of caricature and sexism; in the production, over-stylised sensationalism risks overwhelming sensitive moments. The Crown Film Unit was famed for morale-raising wartime work, often taking what was termed 'story-documentary' form. Its postwar output is more neglected but takes interesting steps into a changing world. This film was evidently felt to be a job for professional actors, headed by Rank Charm School graduate Jane Hylton. Director Philip Leacock made another Crown/NHS medical drama, Life in their Hands, before beginning a feature film career that took him to Hollywood.
Related
Riding on Air Riding on Air
Documentary 1959 16 mins Location: London
A beautiful and evocative survey of cycling's golden years.
The Fatal Floor The Fatal Floor
Public Information Filler 1974 1 mins
Typically hard-hitting public information film about the threat posed by combining a rug and a freshly polished floor.
Handkerchief Drill Handkerchief Drill
Public Information Filler 1949 1 mins
Another of Richard Massingham’s snappy public information fillers finds the oafish everyman’s personal hygiene in question again.
District Nurse District Nurse
Government sponsored film 1952 27 mins Location: Wadhurst
Never a dull moment for a rural district nurse in the early days of the NHS.
Race Relations Board Race Relations Board
Public Information Filler 1969 1 mins
New law targets discrimination in housing and employment in this eye-opening public information film.
The Smoking Machine The Smoking Machine
Documentary 1964 16 mins
Documentary warning children about the drawbacks of cigarettes – not least their addictiveness.
Halfway Halfway
Drama 2023 9 mins
Two lovers searching for each other on a beach try to work out some uncomfortable truths over the phone.
I'll Tell You When I'm Ready I'll Tell You When I'm Ready
2024 13 mins
I'll Tell You When I'm Ready follows the personal story of jaye simpson
Cab Ride Cab Ride
2023 12 mins
Two queer lovers bolt out of a house party, into a waiting cab where they have one eventful journey to figure out whether they are truly a match.
Little One Little One
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 9 mins
Unsure of how to raise a child, a pregnant woman seeks guidance from her gay dads. Her dad reflects on their family’s history, captured on an old camcorder.
The First Kiss The First Kiss
Drama 2023 15 mins
Today is a special day for Andi – he’s going to Madrid for a date with a boy he met online.
Compton's '22 Compton's '22
Drama 2023 17 mins
An intergenerational discussion about the legendary riot that predates Stonewall.