“THE VICIOUS CIRCLE” 1951 ALCOHOL ABUSE & ALCOHOLISM CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION FILM XD49384

Want to support this channel and help us preserve old films? Visit Visit our website This black and white 1951 sponsored film tells the story of Tommy, a successful Los Angeles advertising man, who takes his beer campaign a little too seriously, and slips into a “vicious circle” of alcoholic behavior, culminating in a thwarted suicide attempt. Tommy survives to wage a campaign against the very advertising he used to propagate (TRT: 22:54). Opening titles over a bottle of beer: “The National Woman’s Christian Temperance Union Presents, The Vicious Circle, Produced by Fred S. Niemann” (0:11). An intoxicated man rises from a bar after having had several beers. Narration introduces us to “this bum, this drunk,” Tommy Farrell, the narrator’s former self. Walking past downtown bars and advertisements: “Liquor House” (0:40). Tommy mentions he used to be an artist for liquor ads (1:08). An oil derrick in a residential area. Tommy staggers by (1:26). Drinki