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![The Story of Louis Pasteur [VHS]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/218FJ488F5L._SL160_.jpg "The Story of Louis Pasteur [VHS]")
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Staring:
Paul Muni,
Josephine Hutchinson,
Anita Louise,
Donald Woods,
Fritz Leiber
Director:
William Dieterle
Average Customer Rating:  
List Price: $19.98
Our Price: $54.00
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Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Binding: VHS Tape
EAN: 9786301976275
Format: Black & White, NTSC
ISBN: 6301976274
Label: MGM (Video & DVD)
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: MGM (Video & DVD)
Release Date: 1994-12-21
Running Time: 87
Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)
Theatrical Release Date: 1936-02 |
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 A Decent Bio Of An Important Man, 2009-05-28
This was a pretty interesting historical account of the man who first discovered that microbes - germs - were the cause of many sicknesses. Dr. Louis Pasteur then went about to make changes so these germs were not so prevalent and causing so much sickness. We can thank him for "pasteurization."
Paul Muni does a fine job of playing the title role. He seemed to always play intense roles. The story is very frustrating, however, as we watch "Pasteur" become the target of an ignorant medical profession at the time, constantly trying to discredit the famous man's work. We know, of course, through history that he was right so to listen to his naysayers go on and on and on is frustrating.
At least we know Pasteur and his discoveries were finally accepted and he was given the recognition he deserved. In the end, there is a final, very moving scene that gives him his due.
An amazing story about a towering figure in history!, 2002-12-15
This movie not only powerfully tells the story of one of the greatest minds in human history, but of the ordeals of one of history's greatest human spirits. The Story of Louis Pasteur didn't just teach me about Pasteur's brilliant insights and scientific accomplishments - it portrayed the incredible drama of a man who doggedly fought for truth and the relief of human suffering against incredible opposition, ridicule, and derision. Einstein said that "great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from men with mediocre minds" and no truer words could be spoken about Pasteur and his career. His bravery and self-sacrifice as portrayed in this classic movie could not be more poignant or inspirational. A must see for everyone!
An excellent telling of this amazing scientist's story, 2002-09-08
An entertaining and reasonably accurate depiction of the triumph of Louis Pasteur over the entrenched naysayers in the French medical establishment of the day. The movie covers his support of the germ theory of disease and early efforts at antisepsis, but mostly focuses on his development of vaccines for anthrax and rabies. I can't think of another person in the history of biology and medicine who had a greater impact upon the human condition than this man. He laid the groundwork for modern microbiology as well as scientific method. This is a really entertaining movie that has you rooting for the focused and determined Pasteur through all of the ridicule and derision of the medical "luminaries" of 19th century France. A great movie for anyone with an interest in microbiology, medicine, or epidemiology, but just a terrific story for everyone.
Good Muni Biopic, 2010-02-15
Paul Muni dominated the film industry for more than a decade with sterling performances in "Scarface" (1932), "I am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang", "The Life of Emile Zola" (1937), and "Benito Juarez" (1939). He was nominated for Best Actor 6 times and won for it for this film, "The Story of Louis Pasteur." The film was a major 1936 event, won 2 other Oscars (Best Writing) and was nominated for Best Picture. It was so popular that the Marx Brothers parodied it in their 1937 "A Day at the Races" where the brothers are told to wash their hands and Groucho says "That's what they said to Pasteur!"
In addition to Muni, the film features Akim Tamiroff and Dickie Moore. Tamiroff is best remembered for his role as Uncle Joe in Orson Welles "Touch of Evil" (1958) and twice was nominated for Best Supporting Actor ("For Whom the Bell Tolls" and "The General Died at Dawn"). Dickie Moore was a famous child actor ("Oliver Twist") and a regular in the "Our Gang" series whose main claim to fame was being the first person to kiss Shirley Temple on screen.
The film is directed by William Dieterle who worked often with Muni (Emile Zola, Juarez) and whose best film is "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (1939). Dieterle came from the German expressionist school of filming and we see this influence in his dramatic use of shadows, especially in the city scenes.
This film tends to get forgotten because so many excellent films were made in the mid 30s - Elsa Lancaster's campy "The Bride of Frankenstein", Errol Flynn's first feature "Captain Blood", Victor McLaglen in Ford's "The Informer", the great Charles Laughton in "Les Miserables", and "Mutiny on the Bounty", the Marx Brothers "Night at the Opera", Hitchcock's "39 Steps", Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers "Top Hat", Garbo's "Camille", Fritz Lang's "Fury", Chaplin's "Modern Times", Bogart's "Petrified Forest", etc.
The film sticks to the historical story of Pasteur's life and his contributions to modern medicine, focusing on his work with rabies and anthrax and his struggle to convince physicians to sterilize instruments and wash their hands. It's really a treat to watch what passed for science and medicine in the mid 19th century.
Educational biography, 2005-04-10
Paul Muni, who had a propensity for being cast in roles of historical figures scored big in his Oscar winning portrayal in the title role of "The Story of Louis Pasteur". His acting style, honed by years in the Yiddish theatre was perfect for these grandiose parts.
Pasteur, a French chemist in the 1860's is ridiclued and scorned by the French Academy of Medicine for his theories postulating the microbial origins of infectious disease. With the rates of death during chilbirth soaring, Pasteur feels compelled to determine why. Although presenting convincing evidence that lack of sterilization is to blame, he is cast out from Paris at the insistence of Emperor Louis Napolean.
Pasteur settles in Abois where he perfects a vaccine for the prevention of an anthrax epidemic that is decimating the cattle and sheep population of the country. His discovery is hailed by the scientific community but there are still doubters.
His fiercest critic Dr. Charbonnet played superbly by veteran actor Fritz Lieber mocks him when he encounters difficulty formulating a vaccine for rabies. Muni finally successfully discovers a treatment for the dreaded disease. He uses his newly developed vaccine on an unfortunate lad played by Little Rascals regular Dickie Moore, in it's first human trial. The boy's recovery and use of the vaccine on a group of Russian peasants infected by rabid wolves wins Pasteur worldwide acclaim.
He is heralded by the French Academy lead by Dr. Charbonnet and noted epidemiologist Dr. Joseph Lister, as a monumental credit to humanity.
If not for the dated quality of this solid flick, it might have been more compelling. Muni was supported well in his starring role especially by the aforementioned Lieber and Josephine Hutchinson as his stalwart and caring wife.
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