That Mothers Might Live
1938, English. Directed by Fred Zinnemann.
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).
- Runtime
- 0h 10m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- Check local
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Where to watch That Mothers Might Live
That Mothers Might Live isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 30 April 1938.
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Cast & crew
- Fred ZinnemannDirector
- John NesbittNarrator (voice)
- Shepperd StrudwickDr. Semmelweis
- Rudolph AndersDoctor (uncredited)
- King BaggotPasserby (uncredited)
- William BaileyPasserby (uncredited)
- Barbara BedfordNun Reading Book (uncredited)
- Ralph BrooksMedical Student at Lecture (uncredited)
- Mary HowardYoung Stricken Mother (uncredited)
- Leonard PennSemmelweis' Assistant (uncredited)
- Beatrice RobertsPasserby (uncredited)
- Edward Van SloanHospital Chief of Staff (uncredited)
- E. Alyn WarrenProfessor (uncredited)
Details
- Released
- 30 April 1938
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Herman Boxer
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News & fan talk
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That Mothers Might Live: quick answers
Is That Mothers Might Live worth watching?
That Mothers Might Live doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is That Mothers Might Live?
That Mothers Might Live runs 10 minutes (0h 10m).
Does That Mothers Might Live have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for That Mothers Might Live. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
That Mothers Might Live parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for That Mothers Might Live yet.
Which OTT platform is That Mothers Might Live on?
That Mothers Might Live isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 30 April 1938. (Checked 13 November 2026.)
What movies are like That Mothers Might Live?
If you liked That Mothers Might Live, try Hurry Sundown, Pieces of a Woman, The Most Hated Woman in America.
Who directed That Mothers Might Live?
That Mothers Might Live (1938) was directed by Fred Zinnemann and stars John Nesbitt, Shepperd Strudwick, Rudolph Anders.