That Mothers Might Live
Synopsis
That Mothers Might Live is a 1938 American short drama film directed by Fred Zinnemann. The short is a brief account of Hungarian physician Ignaz Semmelweis and his discovery of the need for cleanliness in 19th-century maternity wards, thereby significantly decreasing maternal mortality, and of his struggle to gain acceptance of his idea. Although Semmelweis ultimately failed in his lifetime, later scientific luminaries advanced his work in spirit like microbiologist Louis Pasteur, who provided a scientific theoretical explanation of Semmelweis' observations by helping develop the germ theory of disease and the British surgeon, Dr. Joseph Lister who revolutionized medicine putting Pasteur's research to practical use. In 1939, at the 11th Academy Awards, the film won an Oscar for Best Short Subject (One-Reel).
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →John Nesbitt
Narrator (voice)
Shepperd Strudwick
Dr. Semmelweis
Rudolph Anders
Doctor (uncredited)
King Baggot
Passerby (uncredited)
William Bailey
Passerby (uncredited)
Barbara Bedford
Nun Reading Book (uncredited)
Ralph Brooks
Medical Student at Lecture (uncredited)
Mary Howard
Young Stricken Mother (uncredited)
Leonard Penn
Semmelweis' Assistant (uncredited)
Beatrice Roberts
Passerby (uncredited)
Edward Van Sloan
Hospital Chief of Staff (uncredited)
E. Alyn Warren
Professor (uncredited)
Release History & Theatrical Window
April 30, 1938
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Fred Zinnemann
- Screenplay & Story
- Herman Boxer
- Original Score
- David Snell
- Original Title
- That Mothers Might Live
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 10m
- Production Studios
- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Fred Zinnemann
Herman Boxer
David Snell
Harold Rosson
John Nesbitt
Department Leadership Roster
Fred Zinnemann
Director
Harold Rosson
Director of Photography
Herman Boxer
Screenplay
John Nesbitt
Producer
David Snell
Original Music Composer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for That Mothers Might Live.
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Frequently Asked Questions About That Mothers Might Live
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is That Mothers Might Live about?
That Mothers Might Live is a 1938 American short drama film directed by Fred Zinnemann. The short is a brief account of Hungarian physician Ignaz Semmelweis and his discovery of the need for cleanliness in 19th-century maternity wards, thereby significantly decreasing maternal mortality, and of his struggle to gain acceptance of his idea. Although Semmelweis ultimately failed in his lifetime, later scientific luminaries advanced his work in spirit like microbiologist Louis Pasteur, who provided a scientific theoretical explanation of Semmelweis' observations by helping develop the germ theory of disease and the British surgeon, Dr. Joseph Lister who revolutionized medicine putting Pasteur's research to practical use. In 1939, at the 11th Academy Awards, the film won an Oscar for Best Short Subject (One-Reel).
Who directed That Mothers Might Live?
That Mothers Might Live was directed by Fred Zinnemann.
Who stars in That Mothers Might Live?
The principal cast of That Mothers Might Live includes John Nesbitt, Shepperd Strudwick, Rudolph Anders, King Baggot, William Bailey.
When was That Mothers Might Live released and how long is it?
That Mothers Might Live was released in 1938 with a total runtime of 10m.
Who composed the musical score for That Mothers Might Live?
The original motion picture soundtrack for That Mothers Might Live was composed by David Snell.