Movies may be a common pathway for a variety of aberrant behaviours for psychiatrically impaired adolescents. The effects of televised movies, but not theatrical films, on adolescent suicide have been explored. Gould & Shaffer found that the numbers of attempted & completed suicides were greater after 3 of 4 television films on adolescent suicide were broadcast in New York City. Educational & preventive materials were shown after the 1 film not associated with increased suicide rates. (47 refs.)