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Want to support this channel and help us preserve old films? Visit Visit our website This black and white 1951 sponsored film tells the story of Tommy, a successful Los Angeles advertising man, who takes his beer campaign a little too seriously, and slips into a “vicious circle” of alcoholic behavior, culminating in a thwarted suicide attempt. Tommy survives to wage a campaign against the very advertising he used to propagate (TRT: 22:54). Opening titles over a bottle of beer: “The National Woman’s Christian Temperance Union Presents, The Vicious Circle, Produced by Fred S. Niemann” (0:11). An intoxicated man rises from a bar after having had several beers. Narration introduces us to “this bum, this drunk,” Tommy Farrell, the narrator’s former self. Walking past downtown bars and advertisements: “Liquor House” (0:40). Tommy mentions he used to be an artist for liquor ads (1:08). An oil derrick in a residential area. Tommy staggers by (1:26). Drinki
