A Midwife's Tale 1998
"Eighteenth-Century America Through a Woman's Eyes"
A Midwife's Tale (1998) offers a compelling documentary journey into eighteenth-century America through the remarkable lens of Martha Ballard, a colonial midwife and healer. Directed by Richard P.
Director: Richard P. Rogers
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A Midwife's Tale (1998) about?
A Midwife's Tale follows historian Laurel Thatcher Ulrich's eight-year journey decoding Martha Ballard's extensive diary from eighteenth-century Maine. The film interweaves the colonial midwife's experiences delivering babies and practicing healing with the modern historian's dedication to bringing these forgotten stories to light, revealing intimate details of women's lives in early America.
Who directed A Midwife's Tale?
The film was directed by Richard P. Rogers, who brought his documentary expertise to this adaptation of Laurel Thatcher Ulrich's acclaimed historical work.
Who stars in A Midwife's Tale?
The cast includes Kaiulani Lee, Andrew Elvis Miller, J. Smith-Cameron, and features historian Laurel Thatcher Ulrich herself, whose book inspired this documentary film.
Is A Midwife's Tale (1998) worth watching?
Yes, this unrated documentary offers valuable historical insight into eighteenth-century American life through women's perspectives. Its unique dual narrative structure and authentic period recreation make it compelling viewing for history buffs and those interested in women's stories.
How long is A Midwife's Tale?
The film runs for 89 minutes.
About A Midwife's Tale (1998) — Unearthing Women's History Through Colonial Diaries
A Midwife's Tale (1998) offers a compelling documentary journey into eighteenth-century America through the remarkable lens of Martha Ballard, a colonial midwife and healer. Directed by Richard P. Rogers, this historical film weaves together two extraordinary women's stories across centuries - the 1700s practitioner who delivered over 800 babies and the twentieth-century historian who spent eight years deciphering her cryptic diary entries. The result is an intimate portrait of women's lives, medical practices, and social dynamics in early American history.
Based on Laurel Thatcher Ulrich's Pulitzer Prize-winning work, the film features compelling performances by Kaiulani Lee, Andrew Elvis Miller, and J. Smith-Cameron. Through meticulous research and dramatic reconstruction, viewers experience the challenges, triumphs, and daily realities of frontier medicine and women's resilience. The documentary's thoughtful presentation combines historical accuracy with emotional depth, creating an educational yet deeply human experience.
This unique blend of documentary and historical drama illuminates forgotten voices from America's past while celebrating the power of historical investigation. The film's atmospheric recreation of colonial Maine, combined with Ulrich's scholarly dedication, makes A Midwife's Tale (1998) essential viewing for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in women's stories throughout American heritage.