Also Available On:

Netflix

A Paralyzing Fear


A Paralyzing Fear Synopsis

Seldom has society come full circle in the cycle of a disease from illness, to an epidemic to cure. Polio is the 20th century's most notable exception.

Every baby boomer remembers collecting dimes in their dime cards, hearing about the success of the Salk shot, and lining up for oral vaccine in a sugar cube. But few know the story of how polio came to America in 1916 and grew into the frightening epidemics of the 1940's and 50's when the diseases crippled tens of thousands of children every summer. Led by a president crippled by the virus himself, the battle against polio was the first, and perhaps most successful fight against a disease.

This fascinating story is told here using thousands of photographs and films along with interviews with polio survivors, their families, nurses, doctors, and community leaders, brining to life an America that was both brave and innocent= when people believed in scientists, government, and the power of every person in the fight to protect the children.

Film Credits

Directed and Written by

  1. Nina Gilden Seavey

Produced by

  1. Paul Wagner and Nina Gilden Seavey

Edited by

  1. Catherine Shields

Narrated by

  1. Olympia Dukakis

Support This Film: Fight Disease

Fight Disease

In addition to the diseases that have plagued the populace for decades, we are facing the unknown effects of new diseases and chemical contamination. Learn More »

DISCUSS A PARALYZING FEAR

connect with snagfilms

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • Newsletter
When and where you want SnagFilms Everywhere »

What's Hot

  • The Test

    A man puts his unwitting bride-to-be through a series of increasingly bizarre "stress tests" to see if she's worthy of marriage

  • Tailgate 32: Indianapolis (EP 29)

    Thrill-seeking football fans make a return to Indiana as part of their tailgating road trip

  • Tailgate 32: Tampa Bay (EP 31)

    Thrill-seeking football fans make their way to Florida as part of a tailgating road trip

SnagFilms Everywhere

Watch SnagFilms when and where you want

SnagFilms Everywhere
Please login to rate this film.
Please login to add this film to your queue.
Please login.