Problem Drinkers

From pamphlets proclaiming the dangers of the ‘Rum Maniac’, to the more understanding approach pioneered by Alcoholics Anonymous, this fascinating film from March of Time shows how attitudes to alcoholism had changed since prohibition era. The film explains - via the dramatised case study of alcoholic ‘Fred’ - that an understanding of alcoholism as a social and medical problem - rather than a moral failing - was crucial to the treatment and rehabilitation of America’s problem drinkers.

Alcoholics Anonymous had been founded in 1935 by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith. By the time this film had been made the organisation could already claim a success rate of 75% and had branches in the UK and Canada. This film shows the early approach AA took to its work via the dramatised case study of a drinker who approaches the organisation for help. Presenting a positive view of the movement and taking a sympathetic view of alcoholics who wanted to change their behaviour, the film explains the Twelve Steps and the importance of believing in a higher power - initially dismissed as ‘pious stuff’ by the drinker, who nonetheless, by the film’s conclusion, has embraced the programme and turned his life around.