Mary and Martha (2013)

Two mothers lose their sons to malaria.

Mary and Martha (2013) poster

Wealthy American housewife Mary Morgan takes her bullied son George out of school for home education,including a trip to Southern Africa. Whilst in Mozambique George is bitten by a mosquito which crawls through a hole in his net and dies of malaria. After his funeral at home Mary feels a compulsion to return to Africa where she meets English woman Martha O'Connell,whose 24 year old son Ben, a teacher with voluntary service overseas,has also died of malaria. Ben gave his net to one of his pupils,believing adults cannot catch malaria. The two women are shocked to see the high death rate caused by the disease and,whilst Martha stays in Africa as a voluntary helper,Mary petitions the American government to change things. Martha turns up at Mary's house unannounced and,helped by Mary's ex-diplomat father,they address a senate committee on health spending,persuading them to do more to combat malaria. They meet with some success though a coda states that much more can be done.

Director: Phillip Noyce
Genre: Drama, TV Movie
Runtime: 90 min
Release Date:

Cast

Screenplay

Cinematography: Roberto De Angelis
Production: BBC, HBO Films, Universal Television, Working Title Films
Country: South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America
Language: English
Original Language: en

Keywords

parent child relationship, malaria

Trailer

Mary and Martha Trailer

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More Films in Genre: Drama, TV Movie

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mary and Martha about?
Wealthy American housewife Mary Morgan takes her bullied son George out of school for home education,including a trip to Southern Africa. Whilst in Mozambique George is bitten by a mosquito which crawls through a hole in his net and dies of malaria. After his funeral at home Mary feels a compulsion to return to Africa where she meets English woman Martha O'Connell,whose 24 year old son Ben, a teacher with voluntary service overseas,has also died of malaria. Ben gave his net to one of his pupils,believing adults cannot catch malaria. The two women are shocked to see the high death rate caused by the disease and,whilst Martha stays in Africa as a voluntary helper,Mary petitions the American government to change things. Martha turns up at Mary's house unannounced and,helped by Mary's ex-diplomat father,they address a senate committee on health spending,persuading them to do more to combat malaria. They meet with some success though a coda states that much more can be done.
Who directed Mary and Martha?
Mary and Martha was directed by Phillip Noyce.
Who stars in Mary and Martha?
Mary and Martha stars Hilary Swank, Brenda Blethyn, Sam Claflin, Frank Grillo, James Woods, Adam Neill.
How long is Mary and Martha?
Mary and Martha has a runtime of 1h 30m (90 minutes).
What genre is Mary and Martha?
Mary and Martha is a Drama, TV Movie film.
Where was Mary and Martha produced?
Mary and Martha was produced in South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America.