Now a new study shows for the first time that a good movie comedy can actually heal. Researchers induced a severe allergic reaction on volunteers. Then they showed half the group a Charlie Chaplin film. When it was over, their welts had disappeared. The non-moviegoers still had welts.
Researchers think laughter produces blood changes that minimize allergic reactions.
And there's another medical benefit to movies. Many therapists use films like Field of Dreams to speed up therapy. Field of Dreams reaches our emotions quickly and softens us up. And therapists use other films to convey messages. Eyes Wide Shut shows couples that even happy partners can have secret sexual fantasies.