Tyhoid Mary: The Most Dangerous Woman in America
Typhoid Mary: The Most Dangerous Woman in America(2004)This episode of the PBS Nova series looks at the notorious case of “Typhoid Mary” Mallon, a middle-aged Irish immigrant who was the first diagnosed healthy carrier of the deadly and highly infectious typhoid fever. In the first and second decades of the 20th century, Mary had climbed up the ladder of domestic service to become a cook for a wealthy New York family. But, when family members contracted typhoid fever, typically considered a “slum” disease, public concern and media attention were aroused.
The story is told from Mary Mallon’s perspective as well as the perspectives of the public health officials who worked to identify, locate, and eventually contain her. The dramatic narrative pits Mary against George Soper, a pioneer in the new field of bacteriology who solves the public-health crisis at the cost of ruining Mary Mallon’s life. Angry and in denial, Mallon hides her identity and goes back to cooking, infecting many other innocent people. Eventually, Mallon is confined to a quarantine island off Manhattan against her will for the rest of her days.
Ultimately, the film asks how a democratic society should weigh the rights and freedoms of individuals against the need to protect society against health threats. Given concerns over AIDS and Avian Influenza, this question is as urgent today as it was in Mary Mallon’s time.
The documentary is exceptionally well made. Though much of the program features traditional voice-over narration, the film at times nearly becomes a docudrama—having the characters interact with and debate each other. Mary Mallon is played by daytime soap star Marian Tomas Griffin. George Soper is played by stage actor Jere Shea. Both skillfully represent their historical characters, especially when addressing the camera, as if directly talking to the viewer. Their dialogue is quoted from Mallon and Soper’s actual letters, public statements, and official reports. A range of colorful, expert commentators also appear on-screen from time to time to offer further insights and sometimes contentious opinions. The total running time is just under 60 minutes.
The film could fit into one full class period in most secondary or college classrooms. There is no reason why it could not be used with younger students, as long as they have been prepared to understand the science of infectious diseases. It is a dramatic, interesting story that should readily capture the attention of students. There is considerable pedagogical value in using a film like this to help students conceptualize and debate a perennial problem of democracy—individual rights versus public safety.
Scott Metzger Pennsylvania State University sam59@psu.edu
