Feet.

Title from opening credits: The feet

United States, 1927.

2 film reels (15 min. each) : silent, black and white ; 16 mm

00:15:00

British Medical Association

In English.

Produced by Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the American Posture League.

Copy 1 is in good condition. Copy 2 is in storage to slow down deterioration.

Title taken from Catalogue of films and videos in the British Medical Association Library, 1993.

Original cinefilm version has slightly longer duration than digitised version.

Segment 1 The film begins with a shot of pedestrians walking down a busy street. Next, bare feet are shown. The subject stands on tip toe, with feet wide apart and with the leg bent and the foot arched. The structure of the human foot is explained using illustrations. A foot print of a healthy foot is shown. A diagram of the cross section of a foot is shown. The way in which the foot moves when walking is explained using footage of a subject walking and illustrations. Incorrect posture is discussed, and advice given on how to correct it. The effects of walking with the toes pointed out and having a short Achilles tendon are also discussed. Time start: 00:00:00:00 Time end: 00:06:44:00 Length: 00:06:44:00

Segment 2 Footage of a foot trying to pick up a pencil is shown, to show that lack of use weakens the foot muscles. The importance of wearing the correct shape and size of shoe is explained using illustrations and x-rays. Possible effects of incorrect shoes, such as bunions, are discussed. The height of heels on women's shoes is also addressed, with a low heel being preferable. The effects of low and high heels on the overall posture is explained. Flat feet are also discussed. The film finishes with the message that 'good feet help to make life more enjoyable', alongside shots of men fishing and mountain climbing. Time start: 00:06:44:00 Time end: 00:13:36:08 Length: 00:06:52:08