Mental Hospital (1953)
** (out of 4)
The Oklahoma State Department of Health (with the cooperation of the Oklahoma State Department of Mental Health - so said the credits) produced this twenty-minute documentary, which I'm guessing was meant to explain to people why mental hospitals are a good thing and how they can actually help sick people return to their normal lives. While we get to see various patients, the film focuses in on one man who explains his mental issues and then we see him admitted and slowly begin to be cured. Okay, it's doubtful too much of what we see here is overly correct as this comes off like a tourist guide just begging people to come spend time in this mental hospital. I think those suffering with mental illness wouldn't be so "happy" as they're shown here. While sick people are also shown the documentary almost makes it seem like a few days and they'll be back to normal. Of course, there wasn't as much known about mental illness so this short is basically a reminder of where things used to be. It's doubtful this short will appeal to very many people but those who enjoy Turner Classic Movies' TCM UNDERGROUND will know this title as it shows up at least once a month and usually in the 5:30am time slot. If you happen to be up or recording the previous film then this here isn't too bad to watch but again, there's really no point in taking it too serious. I'll admit that inside the hospital did seem a tad bit creepy and this atmosphere certainly spills over and I couldn't help but be reminded of the dark side in Scorsese's SHUTTER ISLAND.
** (out of 4)
The Oklahoma State Department of Health (with the cooperation of the Oklahoma State Department of Mental Health - so said the credits) produced this twenty-minute documentary, which I'm guessing was meant to explain to people why mental hospitals are a good thing and how they can actually help sick people return to their normal lives. While we get to see various patients, the film focuses in on one man who explains his mental issues and then we see him admitted and slowly begin to be cured. Okay, it's doubtful too much of what we see here is overly correct as this comes off like a tourist guide just begging people to come spend time in this mental hospital. I think those suffering with mental illness wouldn't be so "happy" as they're shown here. While sick people are also shown the documentary almost makes it seem like a few days and they'll be back to normal. Of course, there wasn't as much known about mental illness so this short is basically a reminder of where things used to be. It's doubtful this short will appeal to very many people but those who enjoy Turner Classic Movies' TCM UNDERGROUND will know this title as it shows up at least once a month and usually in the 5:30am time slot. If you happen to be up or recording the previous film then this here isn't too bad to watch but again, there's really no point in taking it too serious. I'll admit that inside the hospital did seem a tad bit creepy and this atmosphere certainly spills over and I couldn't help but be reminded of the dark side in Scorsese's SHUTTER ISLAND.