A portrayal of the dedication & impact of nurses bringing healthcare to Appalachian communities.

The Forgotten Frontier (1931), a documentary by Mary Marvin Breckinridge documenting the vital work of the Frontier Nursing Service in the Appalachian Mountains, blends documentary elements with reenactments by local residents, blurring the line between reality and dramatization. This technique allows viewers to intimately connect with the struggles and triumphs faced by both the nurses and the isolated communities they serve.

Furthermore, The Forgotten Frontier experiments with narrative structure. The film eschews a linear timeline, instead opting for a thematic approach. Breckinridge weaves together scenes depicting childbirth, patient care, and even the construction of medical facilities, offering a holistic portrait of the Frontier Nursing Service's impact. This fragmented style reflects the nurses' own experiences, constantly moving between different communities and emergencies.

The Forgotten Frontier's innovative approach extends to its visual style. The film incorporates a variety of camerawork, from stark close-ups to sweeping landscapes, effectively conveying the harsh beauty of the Appalachian terrain. This interplay between intimacy and vastness mirrors the nurses' dedication to individual patients within a vast and underserved region.

While documenting a social cause, The Forgotten Frontier ultimately transcends the boundaries of a conventional documentary. Its blend of techniques and thematic structure paves the way for future filmmakers to experiment with form and content, solidifying its place as a significant work of experimental cinema.