Synopsis

A look at the rise and fall of the asylum. Conceived as a safe haven for the insane, the reality was somewhat more brutal as typified by the mass murder of the insane in Nazi Germany. But have attitudes to madness changed over 400yrs?

Further Information

More clips from Madness

1: To Define True Madness | Madness

BBC Two | 1991 | 59'53''

Dr Jonathan Miller begins by exploring what we understand by the word ''madness''.

3: Brainwaves | Madness

BBC Two | 1991 | 58'41''

Jonathan Miller demonstrates how, by observing the mad crowded together in large asylums, ''experts'' concluded the causes of madness were to be foun...

4: The Talking Cure | Madness

BBC Two | 1991 | 59'16''

Episode looks at Freud's theories and the basic tenets of psychoanalysis.

5: In Two Minds | Madness

BBC Two | 1991 | 58'48''

Jonathan Miller tackles the question whether madness is an illness - whether of the mind or the brain and should it be the proper concern of medici...