Spanish flu : the forgotten fallen.

In the opening intertitle, it is explained that; 'This film is inspired by the official account of Dr James Niven Officer of Health for Manchester in November 1918'. The film chronicles the realisation by Dr Niven that Manchester is undergoing a second wave of influenza infection (also referred to as Spanish Flu) and that certain measures could curtail its spread . The outbreak occurs at the time of the Armistice when recently returned soldiers are returning to their families. As Niven endeavours to isolate the city, prevent the spread of infection and offer relief to the poor in the form of coal, milk and bread, the narrative focuses on Niven's secretary, Peggy, whose son becomes sick, then discovers that her husband has died of influenza just before returning home - before she too succombs to the disease. Black and white archival footage punctuates the story throughout. Finally it is noted that Dr Niven committed suicide in 1925.