Dialogue with Life (film #436 on Prelinger Archive). [Category: Public Service]

This 60s film touts the advances in medical science that have taken place during the previous 50 years or so. Actually, it sings the praises of medical technology, even at the expense of human relationship or bedside manner. It also sings the praises of health insurance. It ends by showing us the glory of a high-tech hospital birth, something that would be abandoned for routine pregnancies due to grass-roots efforts in only about 10 years. In its time, there was some justification for these attitudes, but looked at from today’s perspective it about makes you want to throw up. Still, it does give an interesting perspective on how health care got into the mess it’s in today. It drags a bit, though.

Ratings: Camp/Humor Value: **. Weirdness: ***. Historical Interest: *****. Overall Rating: ***.