‘Let There Be Light’ is a 1946 American documentary film directed by John Huston. Commissioned by the U.S. Army Signal Corps, the film follows 75 U.S. soldiers suffering from psychological trauma after World War II. It documents their arrival at Mason General Hospital, their treatment—including hypnosis and therapy—and their gradual recovery. The film was intended to educate the public about post-traumatic stress disorder (then referred to as "psychoneurosis") and to reduce stigma around mental health. However, due to its raw and unscripted portrayal of war-induced trauma, the U.S. government suppressed the film for decades, only releasing it in the 1980s. Today, it is recognized as a groundbreaking work in military and psychological history.
Credits:
Director: John Huston
Producer: U.S. Army Signal Corps
Narration: Walter Huston
Cinematography: Stanley Cortez, John Doran, Lloyd Fromm, Joseph Jackman, George Smith
Music: Dimitri Tiomkin
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