American History: The Labotomy

PBS created an educational series within the American Experience History Series called The Labotomist. In American history, the doctor Walter Freeman is known to have spread the practice of labotomies upon mental health patients, in particular in the state of West Virginia. Quite chilling, but an excellent editorial of footage exists at the website. Below are a few that struck me, but there are a list of videos to choose from. 




Warehoused Patients and Experimental Treatments:
www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/lobotomist/program /lobotomist_03.html

The W.Virginia Labotomy Project:
www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/lobotomist/program /lobotomist_09.html

Dr Freeman's last performed psychosurgery (1967) & final journey:
www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/lobotomist/program /lobotomist_12.html

Shutter Island Trailor

A trailor for Shutter Island - a new movie directed by Martin Scorsese and starring cast members such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Max Von Sidow. Originally slated for an October 2009 release, it was held back for a new February 2010 release date.




There looks to be some excellent historical footage of locations set in Massachusetts in the upcoming film. Historical sites scouted for filming the epic include Medfield State Hospital, Whittenton Mills Complex and Peddocks Island to represent the cinematic Shutter Island.

Shutter Island is a film adaptation of the novel written by Dennis Lehane - author of Mystic River, which also became a film adaptation for the silver screen.