The Fight for Life
Synopsis
The Fight for Life was documentary filmmaker Pare Lorentz' first "dramatic" film, utilizing the talents of several top New York stage actors. A tribute to the Chicago Maternity Center and its efforts to provide the best possible care for destitute mothers, the film is based on the book of the same name by Paul de Kruif. Myron McCormick plays the largest role as a dedicated intern, while others in the cast include such theatrical heavywrights as Will Geer, Dudley Digges and Dorothy Adams. The film's many vignettes range from the tragic (a mother dying in childbirth in the opening scene) to the exultant (another mother rescued from the brink of death in a disease-ridden tenement). Filmed in Chicago, Detroit and Cleveland, Fight for Life is a worthwhile effort, though Lorentz seems more comfortable with the "actuality" scenes than with the dramatized passages.
Top Cast
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Release History & Theatrical Window
March 7, 1940
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Pare Lorentz
- Screenplay & Story
- Pare Lorentz
- Original Score
- Louis Gruenberg
- Original Title
- The Fight for Life
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 9m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Pare Lorentz
Pare Lorentz, Paul De Kruif
Louis Gruenberg
Pare Lorentz
Department Leadership Roster
Pare Lorentz
Director
Louis Gruenberg
Original Music Composer
Pare Lorentz
Screenplay
Pare Lorentz
Producer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Fight for Life.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Fight for Life.
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Oscar Best Score Nominees
Complete list of Oscar Best Score Nominees
Oscars 1941
Nominees and selected films for the 13th Academy Awards (ceremony year 1941).
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Fight for Life
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Fight for Life about?
The Fight for Life was documentary filmmaker Pare Lorentz' first "dramatic" film, utilizing the talents of several top New York stage actors. A tribute to the Chicago Maternity Center and its efforts to provide the best possible care for destitute mothers, the film is based on the book of the same name by Paul de Kruif. Myron McCormick plays the largest role as a dedicated intern, while others in the cast include such theatrical heavywrights as Will Geer, Dudley Digges and Dorothy Adams. The film's many vignettes range from the tragic (a mother dying in childbirth in the opening scene) to the exultant (another mother rescued from the brink of death in a disease-ridden tenement). Filmed in Chicago, Detroit and Cleveland, Fight for Life is a worthwhile effort, though Lorentz seems more comfortable with the "actuality" scenes than with the dramatized passages.
Who directed The Fight for Life?
The Fight for Life was directed by Pare Lorentz.
Who stars in The Fight for Life?
The principal cast of The Fight for Life includes Myron McCormick, Storrs Haynes, Will Geer, Dudley Digges, Dorothy Adams.
When was The Fight for Life released and how long is it?
The Fight for Life was released in 1940 with a total runtime of 1h 9m.
Who composed the musical score for The Fight for Life?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Fight for Life was composed by Louis Gruenberg.