To the People of the United States

At a U.S. Army Air Force base, the ground crew discuss why their plane is grounded while others head to battle. The delay is tied to their pilot being sick, leaving the aircraft idle and the unit out of action. The scene sets up the central issue: syphilis receiving attention as a military problem.

The pilot, whose face is never shown, speaks with a doctor about his illness and the embarrassment it brings. He expresses guilt about the impact on his squadron. The doctor reassures him that with strict treatment he can fly again when he is healthy.

In a candid moment, the doctor asks, 'Heard from who?' about rumors surrounding his illness. He emphasizes that the disease's threat comes from infection and silence, not from shame. The doctor frames early diagnosis and treatment as essential for a normal life.

The doctor breaks the fourth wall, addressing the audience directly to present the facts about syphilis. He opens with the extent of the disease in America as a public health issue. This framing shifts the topic from individual guilt to collective responsibility.

A visit to the local draft board reveals a startling statistic: nearly 47 per thousand men called up are dismissed for syphilis. The number underscores the scale of the problem for the military and society. The film uses this moment to motivate action and testing.

Backed by clinical warnings, the doctor describes syphilis as a forest fire that ravages the army more efficiently than any saboteur. He stresses the need for detection and treatment to prevent widespread damage. The metaphor highlights the silent, increasing threat of venereal disease.

The doctor discusses social stigma and the reluctance to undergo blood testing. He notes that in some places, people openly discuss testing and treatment, contrasting with other societies. The message emphasizes making blood tests a normal part of healthcare.

The doctor points to Scandinavia—Norway, Sweden, and Denmark—as examples where openness about VD and testing is common. He compares their population to New York's, illustrating how attitudes can impact infection rates. This cross-cultural contrast supports the film's preventive message.

A diagram compares the populations of Scandinavian countries with New York and uses it to argue that openness correlates with lower disease rates. The visual aids reinforce the idea that public health practices matter. The sequence blends education with plainer arithmetic to persuade viewers.

The film advocates making blood testing a normal, routine practice to catch syphilis early and protect the troops. It suggests that openness and routine screening can prevent outbreaks and maintain readiness. The emphasis is on preventive health rather than blame.

The narrator notes that fewer Scandinavians have VD than New Yorkers, illustrating how societal attitudes and healthcare practices influence infection rates. The comparison is used to justify the broader testing campaign. It reinforces the call for open discussion and testing.

The film closes with a direct plea for everyone to get a blood test. The message ties together personal health, military readiness, and public responsibility. It aims to reduce stigma and encourage proactive screening.