This WWII indoctrination film PERSONAL HYGIENE attempts to educate new soldiers in the value of staying clean and in good health, even in difficult wartime conditions. The film highlights some of the dangers to personal health from mosquitoes to dirty hands and germs, venereal disease, and lice and crabs.
The film begins with a “movie within a movie” where new recruits watch and learn about cleanliness. One part of the film shows new recruits being examined for medical fitness as they join the Army. At 3:17, men in new uniforms leave the supply depot and begin a life in the Army. At 6:25 naked soldiers are examined for v.d. and vermin such as crabs or lice, ticks or fleas. At 6;41 the crab louse is highlighted and at 6:48 the flea and cootie at 7:00. At 7:45, soldiers receive haircuts at regulation facilities. At 8:00, bathing and showering is shown, including the toes to prevent athlete’s foot. At 8:40 a dentist takes care of a soldier’s teeth. At 9:00 a lecture on brushing is given.
At 12:54 the importance of a soldier sweeping up the barracks is explained. At 15:50 human digestion is explained in rough form with an animation, and at 17:00 ventilation of quarters is explained. At 18:30 the danger posed by house flies is explained, followed by the mosquito. Netting is shown at 20:58. At 23:31, the importance of digging a hole for defecation is explained, and the way to dig a latrine trench is explained. At 25:00, how to deal with foot blisters is explained with iodine application shown.
At 27:56, contamination of water is explained and the importance of clean water emphasized. At 31:00 purification of water is explained.
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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 http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com
