[Preface to a life]

[Preface to a life]

Contributor(s):
Kaufman, M. Ralph (Moses Ralph), 1900-1977
Sun Dial Films, Inc.
United States. Public Health Service.
Publication:
[Washington, DC] : U.S. Public Health Service, [1950]
Language(s):
English
Format:
Moving image
Subject(s):
Child Rearing
Parent-Child Relations
Parenting -- psychology
Personality Development
Psychology, Child
Genre(s):
Instructional Film and Video
Abstract:
This film stars a young boy named Michael Thompson, who begins as a healthy baby. As he ages, the narrator explains the many people and places in his life that will be influential. He introduces the parents, and explains that they have two very different dreams for Michael - his mother wants him to stay young and needy forever, and his father wants him to grow up and become a better, more accomplished man than himself. When Michael is a toddler, he wakes up in the night afraid, and the narrator wonders if Michael's mother will baby him or if his father will scold him for being afraid. Fortunately, they are very supportive of him. When Michael's little brother is born, he is very upset, and believes his brother is his enemy. His parents frequently fight about how the boys should be raised. The film then shows what Michael's life would be like if he had fulfilled his mother's dream, in which he is constantly very immature and needy and clingy. He does not adapt well socially and he never has healthy relationships with women. Then, the narrator examines what Michael's life would be like if he fulfilled his father's dream only, in which he always feels like he is not good enough and is constantly seeking approval. He becomes a poorly adjusted adult. In a final scenario, Michael's parents both adjust their dreams for his well-being. He is more confident and has a good relationship with his brother after having been raised in an "atmosphere of mutual love and respect."
Copyright:
This item may be under copyright protection. Please ask copyright owner for permission before publishing.
Copyright Information:
Sun Dial Films; Source: Item; Research date: 11/08/2011
Extent:
028 min.
Color:
Black and white
Cast:
Narrator, Nelson Case.
Credits:
Psychiatric consultant, M. Ralph Kaufman ; production supervision by Samuel A. Datlowe ; written and directed by William S. Resnick ; photographed by Boris Kaufman ; musical score by Karol Rathaus ; edited by Frank W. Madden.
Provenance:
Received: Apr. 21, 1988 as a donation from the Province of British Columbia.
Technique:
Live action
NLM Unique ID:
9515562 (See catalog record)
OCLC no.:
304085014
Permanent Link:
http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/9515562