If you thought movies starring Disney princess were feminine, wait until you see this. Disney actually made a mini-documentary about periods in 1946. It is one of those classically stiff and uncomfortable health class videos every middle schooler dreads.
The movie was produced by Disney as part of a series of health films for schools. Disney was having a financial crisis during World War II and the box-office failure of “Fantasia” so they were making government propaganda films and corporate videos. International Cello-Cotton Company commissioned the film and gynecologist Mason Hohn made sure the information was medically accurate and added a little doctor-cred so the film would be taken seriously by schools. A booklet, also referenced in the film, "Very Personally Yours," was handed out to female students with even more information (including a run-down of tampons, written by Tampax).
As you can see, the film itself is a “dry” (pardon the pun) take on an intimate subject and it keeps reiterating the boring normalcy of menstruation (apparently menstrual blood is snow white as depicted here!). The film mentions that as much as you should stick to your normal routine, you should not overly exert yourself during this precious time (heaven forbid you break a sweat!) and not to get too b*tchy because there are other people in the world, too, you know. Although the start of pregnancy is mentioned, nowhere in this video is sex discussed. We really want to know if that Disney video exists.
Other helpful tips -- posture and constipation will affect your period (how, exactly???) and you should definitely keep a calendar so you can track how your cycle has been and how to er, plan ahead (is this a possible sex reference/birth control tip or a reminder not to plan a beach day mid-cycle?). Also avoid showering (up to your neck???) in water that is too hot or too cold because…you will be hot or cold? Dunno. Some of the science here is questionable. Still unclear if this video believes horseback riding is over-exertion or normal though.
So here’s to regaining the “pep” in your step and not “feeling sorry for yourself” as Disney advises. Because we all need to deal with our period, even adorable cartoon gals.