How to Tell

1931 0h 20m EN

Documentary

Synopsis

Spoiler shield

How To Tell was produced to advise parents on how to equip their children with the truth about reproduction, without the worry of putting the family off their dinner. The title cards encourage parents to explain the process openly and scientifically by reinforcing the school's biology lessons with the assistance of plants and pet rabbits.

“Some stories are better left unspoiled.”

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Credits

Behind the camera

Languages: English

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Fun facts 🍿

1 / 5

RUNTIME

Did you know

Tight 20-minute runtime — shorter than most television pilots.

MoodPlayr · trivia#01

2 / 5

ERA

Did you know

95 years old — a genuine piece of film history.

MoodPlayr · trivia#02

3 / 5

RUNTIME

Did you know

Part of the "The Joy of Sex Education" — so the characters or world continue elsewhere.

MoodPlayr · trivia#03

4 / 5

ERA

Did you know

Lean credit list — fewer than 30 people officially credited.

MoodPlayr · trivia#04

5 / 5

WILD

Did you know

IMDB entry: tt1830639 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.

MoodPlayr · trivia#05

Cinephile deep dive

The take

Runs lean at under 100 minutes. Dialogue in English.

Trivia

Things worth knowing

1Tight 20-minute runtime — shorter than most television pilots.
295 years old — a genuine piece of film history.
3Part of the "The Joy of Sex Education" — so the characters or world continue elsewhere.
4Lean credit list — fewer than 30 people officially credited.
5IMDB entry: tt1830639 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.

The technical file

Runtime: 20 min · 0h 20m
Status: Released
Original language: EN
IMDB: How to Tell (1931)

Part of

The Joy of Sex Education

A survey of sex education through the ages. Many of the early films highlight Britain's horror at the very thought of sex and sexuality. Euphemisms abound and, if you can get away with making your point with the aid of a few birds or rabbits, why not? Even some mildly amorous pollen gets in on the act as a stand-in for something otherwise far too unpleasant to show. At least it saved the teachers' blushes. Despite the often unintentional humour, the films provide a vivid snapshot of the nation's concerns and anxieties across the decades. Not only did they teach us to keep our trousers firmly zipped, but also managed to underline the establishment's attitude towards women. Loose of morals and self-control, women are invariably portrayed as the spreaders of disease and responsible for just about every 'misfortune' that comes their way.