For the virus had not disappeared. It had only gone underground, like a forest fire left burning in the roots. Swarming and mutating, adapting, honing itself. Watching and waiting. Waiting to burst into flame.”
Generally you don't think of the flu when you watch the delightful "It's a Wonderful LIfe." But the flu is there, captured in pop culture.
Bedford Falls NY
May 3, 1919 - 12:11 a.m.
Mr. Emil Gower
Bedford Falls NY
We regret to inform you that your son Robert died very suddenly this morning of Influenza STOP Everything possible was done for his comfort STOP We await instructions from you STOP
Edward Mellington
President
Hammerton College
A grieving Mr. Gower puffs his stogey, hits the bottle hard, and wistfully and blearily stares at a photo of his beloved son Robert, who died suddenly of influenza in the Great Pandemic of 1918-1919, falling prey to the third wave.
Made in 1946 (released in theaters in 1947), It's a Wonderful Life was created by people who still remembered the Great Pandemic of 1918-1919 only quarter of a century before.
Generally you don't think of the flu when you watch the delightful "It's a Wonderful LIfe." But the flu is there, captured in pop culture.
