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Discussions in Bioethics: Happy Birthday

1985 12 min
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One of a series of short, open-ended dramas designed to stimulate discussion of values and ethics in relation to modern medical technology. A young couple's marriage is threatened over a decision as to whether the husband should accept a job researching poison gas for military purposes. The wife is adamantly opposed. Regardless of their decision, someone will take the job. Should one morally accept responsibility for the consequences?

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Discussions in Bioethics: Happy Birthday

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One of a series of short, open-ended dramas designed to stimulate discussion of values and ethics in relation to modern medical technology. A young couple's marriage is threatened over a decision as to whether the husband should accept a job researching poison gas for military purposes. The wife is adamantly opposed. Regardless of their decision, someone will take the job. Should one morally accept responsibility for the consequences?

  • director
    Jefferson Lewis
  • screenplay
    Jefferson Lewis
  • producer
    Wolf Koenig
  • executive producer
    Andy Thomson
  • camera
    Susan Trow
  • sound
    Jacques Drouin
  • editing
    Rita Roy
  • sound editing
    Wojtek Klis
  • re-recording
    Hans Peter Strobl
  • cast
    Daphné Bruneau
    Sheena Larkin
    Walter Massey
    Patty Talbot
    Georgina Thomson
    Timothy Webber

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Education

Ages 15 to 17
Study Guide
School subjects
Should you refuse a questionable job that puts food on your family’s table? This short film looks at this issue and can spark an interesting debate in an ethics and religious culture course. The film is set during the Cold War and may prompt further exploration of this period in history. Students may also try to find a contemporary example of a moral dilemma created by a job offer.
Discussions in Bioethics: Happy Birthday
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