Cast
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Georgia Vasileiadou
as Kalliopi Moustaki (the midwife)
Orestis Makris
as Lykourgos Bekos
Dimitris Papamichael
as Dimitris Moustakis
Xenia Kalogeropoulou
as Kaiti Bekou
Pantelis Zervos
as Vasilis Tanambasis
Eleni Zafeiriou
as Mrs. Bekou (Lykourgos' wife)
Yorgos Damasiotis
as Mayor
Nitsa Tsaganea
as Eleni (Mayor's wife)
Popi Alva
as Asimina
Lavrentis Dianellos
as Panagiotis
Periklis Hristoforidis
as bank's director
Nikitas Platis
as villager with toothache
Kostas Papahristos
as Kostas
Mary Metaxa
as Sofia
Nikos Fermas
as Vangelis
Crew
Director
- Alekos Sakellarios
Writer
- Alekos Sakellarios
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Mrs. Midwife represents a fascinating example of Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Alekos Sakellarios brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1961, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Mrs. Midwife took approximately 6 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 77 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 115 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 60 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1961, when this film was released:
- The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
- Counterculture movements were challenging traditional values.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Mrs. Midwife shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Praxis Dr. Hasenbein, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Mrs. Midwife subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Small Change and As It Is in Heaven explore similar territory, Mrs. Midwife stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 24, 1961
- Runtime: 1h 17m
