[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 Films and Videos
- 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 Holder:
- Sun Dial Films; Source: Item; Research date: 11/08/2011
- Extent:
- 029 min.
- Color:
- Black and white
- Sound:
- Sound
- 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)
- Permanent Link:
- http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/9515562