Damaged Goods (1919 film)

Damaged Goods is a 1919 American silent drama film directed by Tom Terriss and starring Conway Tearle, Helene Chadwick, and Morgan Coman. The film is an adaptation of the 1902 play Les Avariés (Damaged Goods) by Eugène Brieux, which deals with the social stigma and consequences of venereal disease, specifically syphilis.

The film follows the story of George Dupont (Tearle), a young man who contracts syphilis before marriage. He is advised by a doctor to inform his fiancée, Henriette (Chadwick), of his condition. The film explores the societal taboos surrounding sexually transmitted diseases, the ignorance surrounding their transmission and treatment, and the devastating impact they can have on individuals and families.

Damaged Goods was controversial for its time due to its frank depiction of a sensitive topic. Its aim was to educate audiences and promote open discussion about the dangers of venereal disease and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. While considered a progressive and socially conscious effort, it faced censorship and limited distribution in some areas due to its subject matter. The film is part of a broader historical trend of using cinema to address social issues and advocate for public health.