Movie spotlight
Semmelweis – Retter der Mütter
In the middle of the 19th century, almost one in three women who gave birth died of puerperal fever. The Hungarian doctor Ignaz Philipp Semmelweis also observed these terrible occurrences in his clinic in Vienna. He came to the conclusion that it was primarily the unhygienic conditions in the clinic itself that led to this disease, as his colleagues were constantly shuttling back and forth between the anatomy department and the delivery room. He tries to convince the doctors of the absolute necessity of thorough disinfection by washing their hands with chlorinated lime. He meets with fierce resistance from his colleagues until he himself sets up an exemplary clinic in Budapest.
Insights
Plot Summary
The film dramatizes the life of Ignaz Semmelweis, a Hungarian physician who discovered that the incidence of puerperal fever could be drastically cut by the use of antiseptic hand disinfection. Despite his groundbreaking work, Semmelweis faced resistance and ridicule from the medical establishment, leading to his tragic downfall.
Critical Reception
Semmelweis – Retter der Mütter is a biographical drama that, while factually recounting the tragic story of its protagonist, is often criticized for its melodramatic approach and somewhat dated filmmaking style. Despite these criticisms, it is recognized for bringing the important, albeit tragic, story of Semmelweis to a wider audience.
What Reviewers Say
Presents a poignant, albeit somewhat melodramatic, account of Ignaz Semmelweis's struggle.
Highlights the tragic consequences of scientific discovery being met with institutional resistance.
A historically significant portrayal of a crucial moment in medical history.
Google audience: While specific Google user reviews for this older film are scarce, general audience sentiment often acknowledges the film's importance in telling Semmelweis's story, even if its cinematic execution is viewed as a product of its time.
Fun Fact
The film was made in post-war Germany and was one of the first biographical films to focus on a medical pioneer, highlighting a desire to explore themes of scientific progress and societal resistance in a rebuilding nation.
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