That Mothers Might Live (1938)

Plot

That Mothers Might Live tells the poignant story of Hungarian doctor Ignaz Semmelweis and his groundbreaking observation regarding hygiene in 19th-century maternity wards. His insistence on cleanliness dramatically reduced maternal death rates, yet he faced intense resistance in gaining acceptance for his revolutionary ideas. Though his efforts went largely unrecognized during his lifetime, later figures like microbiologist Louis Pasteur and surgeon Joseph Lister would build upon his insights, shaping modern germ theory and surgical practices. This inspiring short drama, directed by Fred Zinnemann, won the Oscar for Best Short Subject at the 1939 Academy Awards.