Out of True (1951)

This is a sort of early docu-drama that illustrates some of the pitfalls faced by the medical profession, and by the families, with people suffering from various forms of depression. It's Jane Hylton who quite ably plays "Molly". Contentedly married to "Arthur" (David Evans) and bringing up their young son, we sense that she is losing her grasp on things. A steaming kettle is used as the symbol of what is clearly her increasing state of imbalance. Is she to boil over as it is bound to if unattended? A suicide attempt sees her put into an "asylum" where she is cared for whilst her husband and "Granny" (Mary Merrall) try to comprehend what's happened and to avoid a blame game. Any treatment is as varied as the subject - what works for one might not for another, and this quite effective portrayal of mental illness does go some way to demonstrating that fact. It also raises the question of familial dynamics - too many adults trying to assert themselves in one home creating a maelstrom of emotions. It was meant as a training tool for the clinicians, but works just as effectively at pointing out to the wider public that this illness can strike at anyone, suddenly, and an awareness of when to seek help without worrying about stigma and/or shame can be crucial to recovery.