Triumph at Carville: A Tale of Leprosy in America
Triumph at Carville: A Tale of Leprosy in America

Movie spotlight

Triumph at Carville: A Tale of Leprosy in America

2005
Movie
55 min
English

A little-known facet of American history comes to life in this fascinating account of Carville, La., a former plantation made over into a community established for victims of leprosy from around the world. Featuring rare photographs as well as recent interviews, the program takes you inside the daily workings of one of the most intriguing medical establishments this nation has ever seen.

Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Director: Arthur MuscarellaGenres: Documentary, History

Plot Summary

This documentary explores the history of the Carville U.S. Marine Hospital, which served as the nation's only leprosarium for over 80 years. It sheds light on the lives of the patients, many of whom were ostracized by society, and their struggles for acceptance and proper treatment. The film highlights the evolution of understanding and care for Hansen's disease in America.

Critical Reception

Triumph at Carville was generally well-received by critics for its sensitive and informative portrayal of a often-stigmatized subject. Reviewers praised its historical depth and the personal stories of the patients, offering a poignant look into their lives and the societal prejudices they faced. The documentary is noted for its educational value and its contribution to understanding a significant, yet often overlooked, aspect of American history.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its empathetic and thorough exploration of a difficult historical topic.

  • Commended for giving voice to the patients and their experiences of isolation and resilience.

  • Valued for its educational contribution to understanding Hansen's disease in America.

Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews and their summary is not readily available for this documentary.

Fun Fact

The Carville U.S. Marine Hospital, central to the documentary, was the only leprosarium in the United States for much of the 20th century and was the birthplace of the 'Father of the Bride' actor, Joe Gilford.

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