The Flague

About This Movie

The Flague (1940) is an intriguing documentary that dives into the bizarre world of the marmoset plague, a highly contagious disease. It’s quite a peculiar subject matter, and the film's tone leans towards an informative yet somewhat unsettling vibe. The pacing is methodical, allowing ample time to absorb the details and the practical effects used to illustrate the severity of the disease are notably striking for the era. While we don’t know the director, the performances—if you can call them that—of the narrators bring a certain weight to the film, making it feel more like a public service announcement than a typical documentary. The overall atmosphere is rather haunting, and it stands out in the collection for its unique focus and educational intent.

The Flague is a rare piece from 1940 that often gets overshadowed by more mainstream documentaries. Its scarcity on the market makes it a unique find for collectors, especially those interested in public health films from that era. There aren’t many prints available, and its odd subject matter can make it a conversation starter, drawing in collectors with a taste for the unusual and educational aspects of film history.