
Mary and Martha(2013)
“Two mothers lose their sons to malaria.”
Overview
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
Studio
BBC
Cast

Hilary Swank
as Mary

Brenda Blethyn
as Martha

Sam Claflin
as Ben

Frank Grillo
as Peter

James Woods
as Mary's Father

Adam Neill
as Teacher

Stephen Jennings
as Principal

Chandler McIntyre
as Hannah

Stephanie Faracy
as Head of Committee

Melissa Ponzio
as Alice
Simone White
as Tracy

Dominika Jablonska
as Pilates Teacher
Where to Watch
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Movie Facts
Release Year
2013
Runtime
1h 30m
Language
English
Rating
6.3 / 10
Production Companies
BBC • HBO Films • Universal Television
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch Mary and Martha?▼
Check the "Where to Watch" section above for current streaming platforms, rental options, and purchase links for Mary and Martha (2013).
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 and released in 2013. It is a drama, tv movie film.
How long is Mary and Martha?▼
Mary and Martha has a runtime of 1 hours and 30 minutes (90 minutes total).
Who stars in Mary and Martha?▼
The cast of Mary and Martha includes Hilary Swank as Mary, Brenda Blethyn as Martha, Sam Claflin as Ben, Frank Grillo as Peter, James Woods as Mary's Father and more.
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