This scripted educational film from 1979 titled “A Woman’s Place” was produced by the United States Army’s Motion Picture/ Television Production Division, RASA in conjunction with John Bransby Productions, Ltd. The film, which was clearly made to provoke discussion of sexual politics and foster understanding, follows the story of Dr. Sarah Davidson, a highly accomplished surgeon. Dr. Davidson is chosen as senior surgeon at a hospital but, in her first days of work, Dr. Davidson is faced with blatant sexism from her colleagues including the head of the hospital. Throughout the course of the film, Dr. Davidson is put in positions where she confronts her colleagues for undermining her position on the basis of her gender. It’s not clear precisely what the intent or motive behind the film was, but in the era in which it was made, women were rapidly joining the workforce and attaining career status and jobs hithertofore reserved for men.

Volkswagen Beetle driving into parking lot (0:19). Nurses walk the hall of a hospital (0:27). Doctor picks up documents from the secretary (0:36). Meeting in the administrative office of the hospital (0:49). Doctors gossiping about the new chief surgeon appointment (1:52). Dr. Davidson moves into her new office and has a meeting with the head of the hospital (3:27-5:43). Surgeons in the operating room including a Black doctor (6:00) perform a cholecystectomy on a patient (5:44). Two of the surgeons gossip about Dr. Davidson in the post-op room (6:44). Party at Dr. Davidson’s new apartment (7:33-10:25). All of the guests of the party have left and Dr. Davidson sits amongst dirty dishes with her younger male colleague (10:26). Young male colleague comes onto Dr. Davidson in the kitchen while she does dishes, verbal fight ensues (10:56-13:11). Gynecology department (13:13). Hospital cafeteria, Dr. Robinson has lunch with a fellow female doctor and they discuss sexism (13:51). Mr. Stokely and surgeons sit for coffee (17:25). Dr. Davidson walks in on Mr. Stokely and other surgeons talking about her behind her back (18:17).

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