London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Bermondsey 1925

Report on the sanitary condition of the Borough of Bermondsey for the year 1925

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knowledge of the doggerel. As a further instance it may be mentioned
that when the pictures dealing with Grade "A" (Tuberculin
Tested) Milk were being exhibited, milk vendors at both ends
of the Borough requested that the sign might be moved nearer
to their premises. There are two directions in which this part
of the work might be extended: (1) the erection of another sign;
(2) an increase in the number of sets of pictures. Provision will
be made in next year's estimates for more pictures. Recently
an illuminated window sign has been installed at the Tuberculosis
Dispensary. The glass of the window directly above the entrance
was replaced by a panel of ground glass on which is projected
a health slogan each night, the projector being a derelict lantern
belonging to the Dispensary. It is proposed to set up another
similar sign in Rotherhithe.
Films.—The use of films has been an essential part of the
propaganda programme, and they have undoubtedly proved their
usefulness. In the first place an illustrated lecture is probably
more valuable than a lecture without illustration, because the
memory of a picture is more easily retained than the memory of
the spoken word. The great advantage which the film has over
the lantern slide is, that while a lantern slide illustrates a single
act the film demonstrates a process, and thus connects up cause
and effect.
When this work was begun in 1924 most of the large
cinematograph firms in London were approached with a view to
obtaining suitable films. It was speedily discovered that no such
films were obtainable in this country at anything like a reasonable
price. In the case of one film dealing with " The Life of the Fly,"
£250 was asked for a single copy and the film was not for hire.
In another case £50 was the price of a copy. It was therefore
decided that the Public Health Department should undertake
the production of its own films. Four films have already been
completed and two more are in course of preparation.
In the preparation of a film there are three things to consider:—
(l) the plot; (2) pictures, and (3) printed matter to explain
the pictures- The success of the film depends upon the