A significant decrease in 17-hydroxycorticosteroid levels was observed in a group of nineteen normal male volunteers during the showing of a bland movie (Disney nature film). The decrease was significant in contrast to the corticosteroid rise during an overtly 'arousing' film or during various control procedures. Because of a similar corticosteroid drop during hypnosis, the authors suggest that these subjects may center their attention on the non-noxious material and avoid anxiety producing internal or external material. Although this technique fails to explore the unconscious meaning of the bland film, the decreased endocrine response again emphasizes that the cerebral cortex may exert a continuous tonic effect on pituitary-adrenal function.