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Story of D.E. 733: Ship of Shame (1945)

1945 · Short film · 25 min

  • War
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Synopsis

During World War II, Paramount Pictures produced this 50-minute narrative educational film "The Story of D.E. 733" exclusively for the U.S. Navy. Also known as "Ship of Shame", the film aimed to address the prevalence of venereal diseases, the danger these STDs presented to the war effort, and prevention strategies. It stars Keefe Brasselle and features Eddie Hall, William Hall, Vivien Oakland, and Rory Mallinson.Please be aware that the film contains graphic scenes of genitalia and discusses using condoms for protection.Summary: This motion picture reinforces the message that contracting VD is not only a personal tragedy but could also affect the war effort. The information is presented as a narrative, rather than in the usual lecture form, in the hopes that sailors could identify with the characters and learn from their mistakes. Most of the movie consists of a flashback narrated by the ship's commanding officer. In this section, he recounts how the ship's downfall wasn't the enemy at sea but an enemy onboard: sexually transmitted infections. He describes how his reluctance to address this issue before the sailors' liberty at port led to a large contingent of the men contracting gonorrhea and syphilis. The crew ignored the doctor's warning to abstain or use condoms. Instead, when they landed at port, the men immediately sought women's company and later swapped stories of their time on land.(00:21) Navy servicemen prepare to dock the boat.(00:40) Two men have broken…

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Details

Running time
25 minutes
Collection
Ephemeral Films

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