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The Wonderful Wacky World of Sleep

1967 - 1968

Cat no. 3860

A mock research report into the various ways of inducing sleep.

Comedy. Film presenting a mock research report into sleep. Man seated at desk, dressed in lab coat stresses that this is an interim report and that its results cannot be certified until further tests have been conducted. The two methods of going to sleep are demonstrated on screen. Firstly, a young woman lies down on a sofa, closes her eyes and waits. The second involves a blow to the head. The commentary stresses that the report is only for those interested in the first method. Methods of shortening the waiting period are presented in a comedic way: counting sheep; imagine a clean blackboard from which all thoughts must be wiped clear; a man eats a snack before sleeping. These three methods are repeated through the film as they fail to work. The mock report presents other methods with their drawbacks: a dull conversation sends a man to sleep; a woman with the dilemma of reading herself to sleep, she needs the light on to read and off to sleep. The commentator points out that many women apply cream to their faces. The mock report looks at how people sleep: a Brazilian tribe sleep in layers – but ‘Brazil is where the nuts come from’; in pre-teenage years, sleep is no problem, pre-teens sleep anywhere and in any position; some people sleep with one eye open; a sleep walker married a fellow sleep walker; a man who sleeps fitfully – his wife is easy to recognise [black eye]; The mock report returns to the three ‘guaranteed’ methods of reducing the waiting time. The woman counting sheep falls asleep; the man wiping thoughts off his imaginary blackboard falls asleep; the man eating a snack finishes eating and goes to bed. The commentary points out that after a refreshing night’s sleep, you wake revitalised. The commentary is accompanied by images of a young woman, who remains tired, responds slowly to the alarm and falls back in bed.

Keywords

Sleep; Insomnia; Counting sheep; Waking up

  • Maker : The Dabbs

  • Maker : Rose Dabbs

  • Maker : Stuart Dabbs

  • Distributor : Institute of Amateur Cinematographers

Manifestations

The Wonderful Wacky World of Sleep

  • Award:
    • Group 1:
      • Note: Awards (data migration 25/06/2021): Institute of Amateur Cinematographers International Film Competition, IAC Challenge Trophy for the Best Entry from Overseas, 1968.

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