Her Name Was Ellie, His Name Was Lyle

In Manhattan, seventeen-year-old student John Pleshette (as Bruce) tries to get some penicillin from a store clerk, but is refused the drug because he has no prescription. Embarrassed about seeing a doctor, Mr. Pleshette has a genital sore and suspects it's syphilis. He avoids showering after basketball with the guys, preferring frequent showers at home. Pleshette also avoids girlfriend Lynne Lipton (as Laura) because he really loves her and doesn't want her to know he had a one night stand with waitress Amy Taubin (as Ellie), who has had sex with several different partners...

Finally, Pleshette goes to the health center, but most of the sexually active young characters in this short drama find it difficult to fess up, putting many lives in danger. This film was made to warn people about the dangers of "free and easy" sexual relations, but it also provides honest information on how infected persons can get medical help. Pleshette, the episode's leading character, and the cast handle the assignment well. Pleshette (Suzanne's cousin) is perhaps best known for his long-running role as cul-de-sac neighbor Richard Avery in the "Knots Landing" dramatic serial.

****** Her Name Was Ellie, His Name Was Lyle (1967) Lothar Wolff ~ John Pleshette, Amy Taubin, Lynne Lipton, David Cumins

The story is about some guy (Lyle--John Pleshette). He's got some symptoms of an STD and it turns out he's got syphilis. Eventually, he goes to the health department and gets treated and the health department folks DON'T lecture him but treat him and treat those who have been exposed to the disease.

When Turner Classic Movies showed this old public service documentary, I was sure to program my DVD recorder to copy it. That's because I love old STD films--mostly because they are so doggone funny! While the films are SUPPOSED to warn folks of the dangers of these diseases, too often they are filled with misinformation and scare tactics--making them unintentionally hilarious. This is exactly what I expected with "Her Name Was Ellie, His Name Was Lyle". Shockingly, however, it turned out to be a well made and informative film--one that is neither shocking nor trying to scare the pants off teens.