Classic Sex Education Films

Synopsis

A compilation of seven American sex education films made between 1935 and 1973.

Language

English

Country

United States

Year of release

2005

Year of production

1935-1973

Notes

This DVD is an extended version of the previously available SEX EDUCATION FILMS 1947-1957, which contained just the first four films.

Subjects

Health Education; Media studies; Sociology

Keywords

archive films; sex education

Distribution Formats

Type

DVD

Format

Region 0

Price

$9.99

Availability

Sale

Duration/Size

108 minutes

Year

2005

Sections

Title

As boys grow

Synopsis

Made in 1957, the film preaches its message through the person of a Track & Field coach who determines it’s time to explain to the team all about the birds & the bees once one of his students asks why fellow teammates are so physically mature while he at the same age isn’t. Coach chooses to wait until after practice to have an informal chat about the subject with the boys. What he tells them amounts to a landmark in the history of American sex education, providing as it does frank details about sex and associated matters that only a liberal section of the country like the San Francisco Bay area would have dared at that time. Discussed are the various types and speeds of male development, nocturnal emissions, masturbation (declared to be "something normal"), and even more importantly, the fact, frankly stated, that sex is a pleasurable activity.

Duration

16 mins

Title

Molly grows up

Synopsis

Made in 1953, the film shows Molly starting to act a little strangely in the eyes of family and friends. Then she has her first period - "the curse", as she calls it. But Mom’s there to help explain everything to her; indeed, in those days, it was generally thought best that Mom was the best one to do such things. Even still, the importance of having the school nurse explain the details of such matters is recognized as she is seen to instruct Molly and the rest of her female classmates on such issues as the menstrual cycle, tampons & feminine napkins, and activity do’s and don’ts (regular dancing okay, square dancing not okay). Intended to deal more with the physical ramifications of puberty rather than the psycho-sexual.

Duration

14 mins

Title

Physical aspects of puberty

Synopsis

Made in 195, the film depicts Johnny and Janey during "the in-between period of adolescence". Using animated diagrams, the development of the primary (reproductive) and secondary (body hair and physical development) sex characteristics in males and females is analyzed. Focusing more closely on providing a detailed nuts & bolts explanation of the physiological aspects of puberty than the preceding two films, changes in appetite, brain cells, uneven primary & secondary development, blemishes & the endocrine system are carefully explained.

Duration

18 mins

Title

Human reproduction

Synopsis

Made in 1947, this is the first major American sex education film. It begins with the news that the feminine half of some friends of the family are having a baby. This leads junior to ask some rather interesting questions. Dad tries his best to answer his son’s inquisitions while this film provides the inner monologue he needs to answer them correctly. Concentrating on presenting the most detailed (and most disturbing) illustrations of all the preceding films, its release launched a major controversy throughout America over the legitimacy of sex education in the nation’s schools.

Duration

21 mins

Title

In the Begining

Synopsis

This film takes on the subject of evolution with a sensible exposition of the commonalities of mammalian reproduction. Uses animation and microphotography throughout to illustrate the lesson. Made in 1935, with sound added in 1937.

Duration

16 mins

Title

Naturally - A Girl

Synopsis

Presents a more modern (1973) and open view of a growing girl’s sexual maturity, offering particular insight into the personal feelings of the young developing ladies.

Title

Your Body during Adolescence

Synopsis

This film outlines what changes boys and girls will go through due to the activities of the seven glands that govern the growth of maturing adolescents, especially the pituitary and sexual glands. Made in 1955.

Distributor

Name

MediaOutlet.com

Email

service@prosperohouse.com

Web

http://www.mediaoutlet.com/ External site opens in new window

Address

PO Box 1432
Bayonne
NJ 07002
USA

Notes

Specialises in US archival moving image and sound material, particularly vintage radio and public service films and broadcasts that have been digitally restored. Formerly known as Earthstation.com. Sale on multi-region DVD or CD.