Multimedia

The number of movies, videos and radio clips with content related to polio in the early days is limited. Due to advances in technology, the number of multi-media sources for polio and post-polio is increasing. This section describes what is available and, in some cases, links to the content.

"Post-Polio Syndrome"

A discussion on Post-Polio syndrome from Lichtenstein Creative "The Infinite Mind" --a weekly public radio program "...focusing on the art and science of the human mind and spirit, behavior, and mental health" features physicians, patients and advocates considering the impact of the late effects of polio on the lives of the polio population.

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"A Paralyzing Fear: The Story of Polio in America"

Directed by Nina Seavey, this 1998 film depicts the story of polio's rise to epidemic proportions in 1916, and its eventual eradication through vaccines in the 1950s. The documentary examines America's haunting fear of the disease it could not contain and tells the story of America's transcendence from that fear. The film crew traveled across America interviewing polio survivors, parents, doctors, physical therapists, journalists, and everyday citizens.

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"Dorothy Horstmann: Polio Pioneer"

Yale researcher Dorothy Horstmann made seminal discoveries about the course of polio that supported the ultimate development of a vaccine. Her former mentee, George Miller reflects on Horstmann's science and life. Deputy Dean Carolyn Slayman talks about Horstmann's groundbreaking role as a woman in medicine. This video was produced by the Yale School of Medicine as part of their "Bicentennial Voices" series. It was released in 2011.

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"F.D.R."

American Experience (PBS). Narrated by David McCullough from the "Presidents Series," this film documentary entitled, "F.D.R." is a consummate and comprehensive biography of the 32nd president of the United States.

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"Horace Parlan by Horace Parlan"

This film was shown at the Mary Pickford Theater at the LOC in 2001. Pianist and composer Horace Parlan is best known for his collaborations with Charles Mingus, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Archie Shepp and Dexter Gordon. His compositions are rich and deeply textured, and his playing is all the more remarkable considering that when he was five years old, Parlan contracted polio which constricted the right side of his body. Rough Sea Productions, 2002, 59 minutes. DVD Producer/Director: Don McGlynn.

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"Polio: Combating the Crippler ”

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) "Polio: Combating the Crippler” radio and television archives provide seven live broadcast vignettes on the history of polio, from pre-vaccination epidemics, to successful vaccine discovery, to current post-polio syndrome struggles today.

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"Post-Polio Wellness Retreat"

This link from the Post-Polio Health International website provides a series of filmed interviews and activities from the 2009 Post-Polio Wellness Retreat at Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation in Georgia.

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CBC Radio Canada

From the radio station's digital archives are 12 TV and radio clips (spanning the years 1938 - 1995) about the history of polio, the vaccine and current post-polio syndrome issues.

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Cheri Ford's Polio Ward

Provided courtesy of polio survivor Cheri Ford, this video offers a glimpse of the polio ward at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Pontiac, Michigan where Cheri was treated. It is narrated by Cheri's parents.

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Diseases on the Brink: Polio

From The New York Times reporters Celia W. Dugger and Donald G. McDonald Jr. is this documentary film clip that profiles five diseases and the international efforts towards eradication--including polio.

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