In a wartime setting, Compton and his fellow ground crew for a B-17 Flying Fortress find their status stuck in neutral as their unit’s planes head out to engage the enemy, while their own aircraft sits idle because their pilot is deemed “sick.” The pilot, whose face is never shown, speaks with a doctor and reveals his deep sense of embarrassment and guilt. The doctor offers reassurance, telling him that he will be able to fly again once he recovers, and when the pilot laments the possibility of never flying again, the doctor challenges the notion, asking who told him that—“the kid next door or the drug patent salesman?” He explains that with early detection and a strict treatment plan, the patient can return to normal life.
The doctor then turns to the audience to deliver straight facts: “Do you want the facts? Well the first question is the extent of syphilis in America.” A visit to the local draft board follows, revealing sobering statistics: nearly 47 of every thousand men called up must be dismissed because they have syphilis. A stop at an Army hospital drives the point home: syphilis is described as a “forest fire,” more damaging to the army than any saboteur or organized enemy could be.
Beyond the medical details, the film shines a light on social stigma and the reluctance many feel about getting tested. The doctor discusses the barriers to blood testing and contrasts the situation with Scandinavia, where openness about the disease and routine blood tests are more common. He highlights a comparison of population sizes—Norway, Sweden, and Denmark together roughly equal to the State of New York—and notes that fewer people in those nations suffer from venereal disease than in New York, suggesting cultural differences in addressing the issue. A simple diagram of those Scandinavian countries reinforces his point, underscoring the contrast between openness and stigma.
The narrative culminates in a clear, actionable message for the audience: the importance of getting tested. By presenting medical facts, personal risk, and cultural contrast, the film advocates for proactive health measures and aims to reduce the fear and secrecy surrounding syphilis.
The production features a notable cast, including Robert Mitchum, whose presence adds gravity to the ensemble. The film’s focus remains educational and documentary in tone, aiming to inform as much as to persuade, while keeping the human element at the center of its cautious, informative approach.
