Disneyana Obscura: The Story of Menstruation

One thing that has always interested me about the Disney Company is it's rich history. Throughout that history, Disney has come out with an eclectic variety of material which often times steps out of the normal context we expect to see from them. In my Disneyana Obscura columns, I want to explore some of the forgotten, controversial, and bizarre pieces Disney has produced.

I figure if I'm going to write about some obscure Disney stuff, The Story of Menstruation should be at the top of my list. Produced in 1946 along with Kimberly-Clark (the makers of Kotex products), The Story of Menstruation is just that: an explanation of a woman's menstrual cycle. During the 40's, the Disney Company produced a wide variety of educational short films as a way to increase revenue during and after World War Two. 

The film, in as mild a way as possible, explained what happens to a woman's body, right from birth up until she begins to get her period. Through animated segments, the viewer is taught about the various glands and organs that go into the maturation and menstruation of a woman, from the pituitary gland down to the vagina (and yes, they said "vagina"). After we learn about the major players and what they do, the film explains what to do if there are irregularities in one's cycle, some exercises to do to make things go more smoothly, proper foods to eat, and other tips to make a period easier. Finally, the film directs the viewer to a booklet which came with the short,  and explains the same information in more detail.

The Story of Menstruation is clearly a product of its time. For starters, the flow is depicted as white (unlike our much more accurate modern blue depictions). Some might argue that that is because the red would be difficult to see on the dark purple background, but c'mon. If you are going for informative, tell it like it is. In another part, while warning women about being over-strenuous, the narrator says that normal activities are perfectly safe--while showing a woman dusting and vacuuming her house. Because, you know, that's what she does all day. And then, near the end, they get into how a woman might feel emotionally. The advice is basically, buck up but if you can't, put on some make-up. Great advice.

There was no discussion about how to use a tampon or pad. I assume that information came in the booklet, but who knows. But that's not really important, is it?

Anyway, in some parts, the animation was a lot of fun, using characature-like depictions of women. Other parts tried to be more realistic and those areas felt flat and, ironically, lifeless. There was a running narration which was very clinical in its manner and almost put me to sleep.

Overall, The Story of Menstruation is an interesting little slice of Disney history. It shows the company's willingness to step out of their comfort-zone in order to make ends meet while at the same time, gives the viewer a window into how we taught our kids the basic things they need to know to survive. I would call this an interesting, slightly awkward, kinda scary, glimpse into our recent past.

Now, how would this fit into the parks? Uh...um...well, that's a tough one. I think a ride is out of the question. Perhaps if the Wonders of Life pavilion were still in Epcot, it could be shown there as a museum piece, but I would doubt even that. Unfortunately, I think The Story of Menstruation might just be a bit too far out of the Disney mold for today's company.

Here is a link to the video in YouTube:

http://youtu.be/eLhld_PI2zg