Farewell to Childhood

Directed by Joyce Henry

Produced by the North Carolina Board of Health and sponsored by the New York-based Mental Health Film Board, this film focuses on "the trials of adolescence," in particular the experiences of a girl named Susan who feels misunderstood by her parents and others. She chafes against their rules, and is also deeply disappointed when she doesn't get the part in the school play that she was expecting. She feels lonely and unimportant. A sympathetic adult from school helps her talk through her concerns, encouraging Susan to try to understand her parents' need to protect her. This adult also speaks with Susan's mother, and encourages tolerance of adolescent ups and downs, the importance of listening to one's child, and flexibility in household rules.