Spirochoeta pallida (de la syphilis)

This documentary runs for just 1 minute and features a time-lapse recording of living spiral-shaped syphilis bacteria as they move among red blood cells of a frog. The film was produced by Pathé Frères, a prominent name in early cinema.

Jean Comandon's work in microcinematography delivers a rare look at these disease-causing organisms in action. The back-and-forth movement of the bacteria highlights the characteristics of syphilis, offering a scientific perspective relevant to early 20th-century medical education. As a piece of silent film history, it stands out for its innovative approach and focus on microscopic life forms.