

Nurse Edith Cavell
“"This Woman Must Die!"”
Synopsis
British nurse Edith Cavell is stationed at a hospital in Brussels during World War I. When the son of a former patient escapes from a German prisoner-of-war camp, she helps him flee to Holland. Outraged at the number of soldiers detained in the camps, Edith, along with a group of sympathizers, devises a plan to help the prisoners escape. As the group works to free the soldiers, Edith must keep her activities secret from the Germans
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Anna Neagle
Nurse Edith Cavell
Edna May Oliver
Countess de Mavon
George Sanders
Capt. Heinrichs
May Robson
Mme. Rappard
Zasu Pitts
Mme. Moulin
H.B. Warner
Hugh Gibson
Sophie Stewart
Sister Williams
Mary Howard
Nurse O'Brien
Robert Coote
Bungey
Martin Kosleck
Pierre
Gui Ignon
Cobbler
Lionel Royce
Gen. von Ehrhardt
Jimmy Butler
Jean Rappard
Rex Downing
François Rappard
Henry Brandon
Lt. Schultz
Louis V. Arco
Pvt. Rammler
Egon Brecher
Dr. Gunther
Adrienne D'Ambricourt
Undetermined Role
Release History & Theatrical Window
August 31, 1939
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Herbert Wilcox
- Screenplay & Story
- Michael Hogan, Reginald Berkeley, Edith Cavell
- Original Score
- Anthony Collins
- Original Title
- Nurse Edith Cavell
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 37m
- Production Studios
- RKO Radio Pictures, Imperadio Pictures Ltd.
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Herbert Wilcox
Michael Hogan, Reginald Berkeley, Edith Cavell
Anthony Collins
Freddie Young, Joseph H. August
Elmo Williams
Herbert Wilcox
Department Leadership Roster
Herbert Wilcox
Director
Michael Hogan
Writer
Elmo Williams
Editor
Herbert Wilcox
Producer
Freddie Young
Director of Photography
Anthony Collins
Original Music Composer
Joseph H. August
Director of Photography
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Nurse Edith Cavell.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Nurse Edith Cavell.
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War: World War I
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Movies categorized under War
MGM+ US - War Movies
Curated list of Most Popular on MGM+ (US). Updated frequently. Last updated August 28, 2026.
Oscar Best Score Nominees
Complete list of Oscar Best Score Nominees
Oscars 1940
Nominees and selected films for the 12th Academy Awards (ceremony year 1940).
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Frequently Asked Questions About Nurse Edith Cavell
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Nurse Edith Cavell about?
British nurse Edith Cavell is stationed at a hospital in Brussels during World War I. When the son of a former patient escapes from a German prisoner-of-war camp, she helps him flee to Holland. Outraged at the number of soldiers detained in the camps, Edith, along with a group of sympathizers, devises a plan to help the prisoners escape. As the group works to free the soldiers, Edith must keep her activities secret from the Germans
Who directed Nurse Edith Cavell?
Nurse Edith Cavell was directed by Herbert Wilcox.
Who stars in Nurse Edith Cavell?
The principal cast of Nurse Edith Cavell includes Anna Neagle, Edna May Oliver, George Sanders, May Robson, Zasu Pitts.
When was Nurse Edith Cavell released and how long is it?
Nurse Edith Cavell was released in 1939 with a total runtime of 1h 37m.
Who composed the musical score for Nurse Edith Cavell?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Nurse Edith Cavell was composed by Anthony Collins.
Is Nurse Edith Cavell based on a book or true story?
Nurse Edith Cavell is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Edith Cavell".




















