Minus One: Rat Control

Year Published: 1960s

Creator: New York City Department of Health, Bureau of Pest Control

Description: Presented by the New York City Department of Health, Bureau of Pest Control this film, believed to be titled "Minus One: Rat Control" (circa late 1960s; main title missing) compares the situation with rat infestations in an inner city slum, to a village in Africa that is afflicted by a wild and dangerous lion. Most of the dialogue in the film centers on a group of young Black men living in a rundown, rat-infested neighborhood or ghetto in New York City. Tensions rise when one of them, Ben, reveals that his baby brother was severely bitten by a rat. This sparks a passionate conversation about the deplorable living conditions they face daily. A health inspector, who grew up in the same area, arrives and explains how the city handles rat infestations, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in prevention. Though initially skeptical and frustrated by ineffective efforts and indifferent landlords, Ben decides to take action and clean up the neighborhood himself, eventually inspiring at least one friend to join him. The film ends on a hopeful note, suggesting that change is possible through personal responsibility and collective effort. 0:00: Set up: intercutting between a child in a crib in an urban slum who is threatened by a hungry rat, and villagers in Africa whose children are threatened by a big cat. . 2:12–5:38 – A group of boys discuss rats in their deteriorating neighborhood. Tension rises when Ben reveals his baby brother was bitten by a rat, highlighting the dangerous conditions they live in. The conversation shifts from casual to serious, underscoring the frustration and helplessness of their environment. 6:06–8:21 – Ben confronts his friends about the dire state of their neighborhood, expressing his anger and despair. A health inspector (sanitarian) arrives, revealing his role is to prevent incidents like the rat attack. He explains he grew up in the same area, establishing empathy with the group. 8:21: – The sanitarian explains how the Health Department handles rat infestations: identifying signs like droppings and rub marks, then notifying landlords to act. If they fail, the city intervenes. The boys express skepticism, believing the efforts are temporary and ineffective. 10:06–: The discussion deepens: the inspector emphasizes community responsibility in controlling rat problems, like garbage management, covering over holes and entry points in buildings, and so on. The boys resist the idea at first, feeling it's not their job. 11:01: Ben challenges the others to take responsibility and start cleaning up. He declares he’s staying to make a difference, inspiring at least one friend to support his effort. 12:00: Long ending montage, showing how the big cat is killed by hunters, eliminating the threat, and the rats are likewise exterminated.

Online Copy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHgrJiZHdEk

Metadata Source:YouTube