A Paralyzing Fear: The Story of Polio in America

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.

 

Cast

Olympia Dukakis - Narrator

Crew

Director: Nina Gilden Seavey

Producer: Paul Wagner and Nina Gilden Seavey

Writer: Stephan Chodorov and Nina Gilden Seavey

Directors of Photography: Allen Moore and Reuben Aaronson

Editor: Catherine Shields

Composer: Paul Christianson

Awards

Emmy Award for Best Research in a News or Documentary Program, 1999

Emmy Nomination for Best Editing, 1999

Emmy Nomination for Best Music, 1999

Erik Barnouw Prize for Best Historical Film of the Year, 1999

International Film and Video Festival, Certificate of Recognition for Creative Excellence, 1999

Gold Award, Cindy Award for Northeastern United States, 1999

Axiem Award for Outstanding Achievement in Television Documentary, 1999

Golden Hugo for Outstanding Achievement in History and Biography, 1999

Golden Apple Award for Outstanding Achievement in Educational Filmmaking, 1998

International Documentary Association – ABC News VideoSource Award, nominee, 1998

Benjamin Franklin Award for Best Outreach for Documentary Film, 2000

Bronze Plaque, Columbus International Film and Video Festival, 2000

Gold Medal, International Cindy Competition, for Best International Broadcast, 2000