It's the brain that counts

Year Published: 1943

Description: Based on the writings of Bertha Rachel Palmer, the film tells the story of a young man injured after drinking too much. The doctor who is treating him explains the effect alcohol has on his body. This film, "It's the Brain that Counts" (1943), was made by the National Women's Christian Temperance Union. Based on the writings of Bertha Rachel Palmer, the film tells the story of a young man injured after drinking too much. The doctor who is treating him explains the effects alcohol consumption. The story revolves around Harry Barton, who is found unconscious and critically injured after a night out. His friends, Jane and Jack, who were with him the previous night, are deeply concerned and seek information from Dr. Elliot at the hospital. Dr. Elliot explains the severe effects of alcohol on the brain and body, using various demonstrations to show how even a small amount of alcohol can impair judgment, coordination, and senses. This impairment likely contributed to Harry's accident. The film highlights the responsibility of encouraging someone to drink and the potential dangers associated with alcohol consumption. Jane and Jack realize their mistake in urging Harry to drink and vow to remember the lesson they've learned about the serious consequences of alcohol. 00:00: Jack and Jane are talking when Jack discovers while reading the newspaper that Harry Barton, a prominent young man and a friend of theirs, is found unconscious and seriously injured on the street. He was rushed to the hospital, where his condition is critical. The police have no witnesses and the cause of his injury is unknown. 0:53: Jane and Jack, who were with Harry the previous night, decide to visit Dr. Elliot at the hospital to get more information about Harry's condition. 1:18: Dr. Elliot sips a cup of coffee and informs Jane and Jack that Harry has a skull fracture and may need surgery. The cause of the injury is still unknown, but it could have been from a fall or being hit by a car. 2:01: Jane and Jack reveal they were with Harry until midnight, having a few beers after a movie. Dr. Elliot explains that even a small amount of alcohol can impair judgment and coordination, potentially leading to accidents. 3:00 : Dr. Elliot demonstrates the effects of alcohol on the brain and body, showing how it impairs senses and motor functions, which could explain Harry's accident. 4:06: Dr. Elliot continues to explain the physiological effects of alcohol, emphasizing how it dehydrates cells and affects nerve function, leading to impaired vision and slower reaction times. 5:04 : The doctor uses visual aids to show how alcohol affects the brain, particularly the areas responsible for judgment, self-control, and coordination. Bread soaked in alcohol becomes hard; it's a preservative that dries things. 6:02 : Dr. Elliot explains that alcohol first affects the highest brain functions, leading to impaired judgment and self-control, which can result in dangerous situations. 7:02: The doctor emphasizes the importance of avoiding alcohol, especially for athletes, as it impairs quick thinking and coordination. A driver's POV is shown with blurred vision, and a foot on the accelerator moving to the brake is shown moving slowly. 8:01: Dr. Elliot concludes by highlighting the dangers of even a single drink, as it can impair judgment and lead to accidents. 9:00: Jane and Jack realize their mistake in urging Harry to drink, understanding the serious consequences of their actions. Diagram of a human head with a focus on the human brain, showing the cerebellum, cortex, frontal lobes, etc. 10:00: Dr. Elliot receives a call that Harry's condition has worsened, and he needs immediate surgery. 11:00: Doctors are shown performing surgery in an operating room. Jane and Jack reflect on the responsibility of encouraging someone to drink and vow to remember the lesson they've learned about the dangers of alcohol.