This film provides a window into life of 1932 as viewed from a higher-risk maternity ward. These were the days when surgery was much more dangerous, where ether ruled and the risk of infection was high (penicillin wasn't in widespread use for another 10 years). The expectant mothers in the ward come from all walks of the working-class life: a woman about to deliver her fifth child, an Italian, a proud "modern woman" (single), a nightclub singer and a convicted murderer. A film worth watching.
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Life Begins
Overview
A day in the maternity ward from the lens of accepted morals and medical attitudes of 1932. The ward includes women from all walks of life and situations.
Release date
10/09/1932
Votes
8
Popularity
1.1
Loretta Young
Grace Sutton
Eric Linden
Jed Sutton
Aline MacMahon
Miss Bowers
Glenda Farrell
Florette
Clara Blandick
Mrs. West
Preston Foster
Dr. Brett
Frank McHugh
Ringer Banks
Walter Walker
Dr. Tubby
Hale Hamilton
Dr. Cramm
Vivienne Osborne
Mrs. McGilvery
Dorothy Peterson
A Patient
A.S. Byron
First Druggist (uncredited)
Marjorie Campbell
Baby (uncredited)
Frank Darien
Harry (uncredited)
Donald Douglas
Medical Student (uncredited)
Helena Phillips Evans
Mrs. Riggs, the Prison Matron (uncredited)
Paul Fix
Anxious Expectant Father (uncredited)
Esther Howard
Mrs. Tubby’s Friend (uncredited)
Reginald Mason
Dr. Lee (uncredited)
Herbert Mundin
Mr. MacGilvairy (uncredited)
Elizabeth Patterson
Mrs. Tubby (uncredited)
Mary Philips
Miss Pinty (uncredited)
Terrance Ray
Medical Student (uncredited)
Gilbert Roland
Tony, Rita's Husband (uncredited)
Gloria Shea
Gladys Banks (uncredited)
Ruthelma Stevens
Rose Laughton (uncredited)
Dorothy Tree
Rita (uncredited)
Bobs Watson
Edgar, Harry’s Son (uncredited)
Jack Wise
Medical Student (uncredited)
Original Soundtrack
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Secretary
The House of Ghosts
101 Reykjavik
Awakenings
Steel Magnolias
The Window to Luna Park
It Was Not In Vain
Vera Drake
The Crime of Doctor Hallet
Godsend
Dr. T & the Women
Hyväntekijä
Shallow Hal
Dr. Schotte
Royal Children
Coro dos Amantes
When The Star Shines...
Men Call It Love
Crimes and Misdemeanors
The Letters