“Another to Conquer” is a 1941 film from the National Tuberculosis Association (NTA) that focuses on the impact of tuberculosis on Native Americans, particularly the Navajo. It was made by low-budget filmmaker and perennial Hollywood underdog Edgar G. Ulmer. Ulmer also directed several other educational health shorts for the National Tuberculosis Association (NTA), an organization founded in the early 1900s to raise money to combat TB. The Navajo Indian school which is shown in the film was one of the infamous American Indian boarding schools, possibly the Chinle Boarding School, at Chinle, Arizona.
0:41-1:42: The narrator describes the history of American Indians, their diverse tribes, and their bravery in facing enemies. Today, they face a new enemy, tuberculosis, but they retain their courage.
2:00-2:32: A conversation between a grandfather and grandson about death and starting anew.
3:16-4:20: Discussion about the impact of tuberculosis on the community and the need to adapt to new methods to fight it.
4:36-5:52: Robert decides to go to a boarding school to learn from white people and improve his life.
6:28-7:06: Robert adjusts to school, learns new skills, and embraces cleanliness and teamwork.
7:17-8:22: A doctor explains the importance of physical examinations and the concept of germs to the students.
8:31-9:45: The Doctor shows Robert an x-ray. Robert learns he has tuberculosis and must go to a sanatorium to heal. Robert is shown in the hospital receiving aid from a nurse.
10:22-11:12: Robert’s family discusses his condition and the importance of following medical advice. Robert’s sister is shown weaving a traditional Navajo rug.
11:16-12:03: The doctor explains tuberculosis and its effects on the lungs to Robert.
12:03-13:04: The doctor describes the pneumothorax procedure to Robert, which helps the lung heal by collapsing it.
13:04-14:28: The doctor shows a test tube to Robert. He explains tuberculosis germs and how they spread, emphasizing the need for cleanliness and isolation of sick individuals.
14:28-16:15: The community practices sheep dipping to ensure healthy livestock, highlighting the importance of preventive measures.
16:15-17:00: A rodeo on the Reservation. Don becomes very sick with tuberculosis, and Robert urges Nema to get examined.
17:00-19:12: Nema learns he has had tuberculosis for a long time but has survived due to his strength.
19:12-20:20: Slow Talker decides to stay in the sanatorium to prevent spreading the disease to his family.
20:20-21:34: The community honors Slow Talker for his sacrifice and commitment to protecting his people.
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