First Steps
Synopsis
United Nations, 1947 - In this film one crippled child learns to walk: first to move, then to stand, and finally to take his first steps. The film deals with modern techniques of physiotherapy, and the need to develop the whole child - his emotions and his mind as well as his muscles - is stressed. Skilled adult workers offer not only massage and therapy, but also love and understanding, and occupational therapy for children and takes the form of both play and work. Movements learned become part of the daily jobs of feeding and dressing. Early attempts to walk are made with the help of apparatus. Finally the initially hesitant steps on his own are taken. As the film ends the boy walks. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2005.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Release History & Theatrical Window
January 1, 1947
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Leo Seltzer
- Original Title
- First Steps
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 10m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Leo Seltzer
Department Leadership Roster
Leo Seltzer
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for First Steps.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring First Steps.
list4
Academy Awards - Best Documentary Short Subject Winners 1941-2025
Academy Awards winners archive (Best Documentary Short Subject Winners 1941-2025)
Academy Awards: Winners
Oscar Best Shorts Nominees
Complete list of Oscar Best Shorts Nominees
Seasonal: Oscar Season Picks
Auto-managed by seasonal classifier. Do not edit manually.
Seasonal: Oscar Season Picks
Auto-managed by seasonal classifier. Do not edit manually.
Similar Titles to First Steps
Movies sharing stylistic DNA, tone, and thematic storytelling
6.5
6.7
6.0
5.7
6.7
6.4
6.0
6.9
7.6
10.0
6.0
6.7
9.0
7.0
5.3
10.0
8.0
More Like First Steps
Recommended titles matching themes, cast, and genres.
Frequently Asked Questions About First Steps
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is First Steps about?
United Nations, 1947 - In this film one crippled child learns to walk: first to move, then to stand, and finally to take his first steps. The film deals with modern techniques of physiotherapy, and the need to develop the whole child - his emotions and his mind as well as his muscles - is stressed. Skilled adult workers offer not only massage and therapy, but also love and understanding, and occupational therapy for children and takes the form of both play and work. Movements learned become part of the daily jobs of feeding and dressing. Early attempts to walk are made with the help of apparatus. Finally the initially hesitant steps on his own are taken. As the film ends the boy walks. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2005.
Who directed First Steps?
First Steps was directed by Leo Seltzer.
Who stars in First Steps?
The principal cast of First Steps includes Winston O'Keefe.
When was First Steps released and how long is it?
First Steps was released in 1947 with a total runtime of 10m.