The Heimlich Maneuver: How to Save a Choking Victim: 2nd Edition (1983) User Reviews

Hysterically awful!

[Kabumpo · 1/10 · 13 December 1999]

Note that the cast and makeup artists were not credited with this film. Despite the presence of the ostensible inventor of the maneuver, it is impossible to take the film seriously when people turn blue as a Smurf in overdone makeup that doesn't look bruise blue, more like blueberry blue or turquoise (the colors look worse on the film; they toned it down a bit for the video). None of these people in the simulation can act. "Look! He's turning blue!" is one of the film's more precious lines, said more with surprise than concern. How do they expect us to take the film seriously when a kid puts some small toys in his mouth, then tries to leap onto a cat, who runs away with a cartoon sound effect for good measure? Note the film contains a cheesy score by another Heimlich, Peter, making this a family travesty. Does it teach you the Heimlich maneuver? Yes, but not in a way that a viewer can take it seriously. You're left remembering all the production gaffes and none of the information, so a film that was supposed to be informative but not especially fun ends up fun (in a dumb sort of way) but not especially informative.