Of the World's Horrors(1920)

Out of Africa(en)

Tells the life story of Danish author Karen Blixen, who at the beginning of the 20th century moved to Africa to build a new life for herself. The film is based on her 1937 autobiographical novel.

No Greater Sin(en)

The dangers of the dread venereal disease syphilis are depicted in this earnest drama from the 1940s. The story centers upon an intrepid health commissioner who is out to get rid of the tawdry hookers responsible for spreading the disease.

Sour Honey(en)

Jade and Effy exist in a paradox of determination to achieve authenticity while living a hedonistic lifestyle. In their time of desperation for money, they battle the male gaze, their own vices, and the relentless buzz of mass media.

Scratch That(he)

Since his boyfriend left him, Yotam hasn’t slept alone. He developed an obsession for dating apps and spends his nights in the arms of strangers. One day, he discovers he’s been infected with an insufferable skin disease and realizes he’s got no choice but to stop his way of living for a while. His journey into the midst of his first night alone will find him and his obsession in very dark and itchy places.

The Libertine(en)

The story of John Wilmot, a.k.a. the Earl of Rochester, a 17th century poet who famously drank and debauched his way to an early grave, only to earn posthumous critical acclaim for his life's work.

USS VD: Ship of Shame(en)

This film was made by the U.S. government during World War II to show its young servicemen the results of "fooling around" with "loose women" overseas. Actual victims of such sexually transmitted diseases as syphilis and gonorrhoea are shown, along with the physical deterioration that accompanies those diseases.

Kids(en)

A day in the life of a group of teens as they travel around New York City skating, drinking, smoking and deflowering virgins.

Geißel der Menschheit(de)

Venereal disease threatens to tear a young couple apart.

Open Your Eyes(en)

A propagandistic melodrama recounting the dangers and horrors of venereal disease.

Defect in the Womb(id)

Andy lives recklessly. He decides to go straight after meeting, falling in love with and impregnating Maria. Unfortunately, his freewheeling ways have led to him transmitting an STD to her that causes their baby to die. The two then go through therapy to learn more about sex education.

The People at No. 19(en)

Reported cases of sexually transmitted disease took a sharp rise during and after World War II, but as this film testifies, sexual license amongst soldiers on the frontline wasn't the sole cause. Back on the home front, for many women, like Joan from No. 19, loneliness or newfound independence acted as an incentive to extramarital promiscuity.

Love on Leave(en)

George and Katherine plan to marry but war breaks out. When he returns on two weeks leave, but has his marriage proposal put down by Katherine, George enters a relationship with another woman.

Mom and Dad(en)

A teenage girl from a traditional family goes on a date with a pilot and ends up having sex with him. After the pilot dies in a plane crash, the girl discovers she is pregnant with his child. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2010.

Synden Lockar(fi)

The Quiet Duel(ja)

A young idealistic doctor works at his father's clinic in a small and seedy district. During the war, he contracts syphilis from the blood of a patient when he cuts himself during an operation. Treating himself in secret and tormented by his conscience, he rejects his heartbroken fiancée without explanation.

She's Too Young(en)

A mother/daughter relationship is thrown off balance when the mother discovers that her "good girl" daughter is part of a group who are engaging in sexual activities with multiple partners that results in an outbreak of sexually transmitted diseases.

Osudná chvíle(cs)

The Escape(en)

A dramatic comparison between the mating habits of animals and the way humans choose their own partners. The film is now considered to be a lost film.

Black Venus(fr)

The true story of Saartje Baartman, a black South African worker who moves to London with her master in the early 19th century. Although she dreams of being an artist, once in Europe she is exploited as a sideshow attraction due to her large buttocks and genitalia.

V.D.(en)

A high school track star's wedding plans are capsized by venereal disease and a bad, beautiful new girl in town. His coach and a physician steer him into the light again.