A Way in the Wilderness Poster

A Way in the Wilderness 1940

11 min📅 1940-06-22

Dive into *A Way in the Wilderness (1940)*, Fred Zinnemann's compelling short film from *This Passing Parade*, where the story unfolds against the grim backdrop of early 20th-century America. At its heart is Dr.

Director: Fred Zinnemann

Cast

John Nesbitt
John Nesbitt
Narrator
Shepperd Strudwick
Shepperd Strudwick
Dr. Joseph Goldberger
Barbara Bedford
Barbara Bedford
Sick Farmer's Wife (uncredited)
Edward Hearn
Edward Hearn
Prisoner (uncredited)
Wally Maher
Second Doctor at Prison (uncredited)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is A Way in the Wilderness (1940) about?

This short film chronicles the daring journey of Dr. Joseph Goldberger, a physician who risked everything to disprove the prevailing belief that pellagra was a contagious disease. Through meticulous research and bold experiments, he reveals how better diets could cure the affliction that plagued the American South.

Who directed A Way in the Wilderness?

The film was directed by Fred Zinnemann, a filmmaker renowned for his ability to convey powerful human stories in concise, visually striking narratives.

Who stars in A Way in the Wilderness?

The main cast includes John Nesbitt as Dr. Joseph Goldberger, Shepperd Strudwick, Barbara Bedford, Edward Hearn, and Wally Maher.

Is A Way in the Wilderness (1940) worth watching?

For fans of historical dramas and medical biographies, *A Way in the Wilderness* is a hidden gem. While short in runtime, it delivers a strong emotional and intellectual punch with its focus on perseverance and scientific breakthrough. It's a rare treat for classic film enthusiasts and those curious about public health history.

How long is A Way in the Wilderness?

The film runs for 11 minutes.

About A Way in the Wilderness (1940) — A Short Film on Health, Truth, and Dr. Joseph Goldberger's Legacy

Dive into *A Way in the Wilderness (1940)*, Fred Zinnemann's compelling short film from *This Passing Parade*, where the story unfolds against the grim backdrop of early 20th-century America. At its heart is Dr. Joseph Goldberger, a determined Hungarian immigrant physician whose relentless pursuit of truth reshapes medical history. Battling the widespread and deadly disease pellagra, which ravaged the American South, Goldberger defies medical dogma by uncovering a simple yet revolutionary truth: nutrition, not infection, holds the key to saving lives. The film blends historical gravity with human determination, painting a portrait of scientific courage amid an atmosphere thick with skepticism and hope.

Starring John Nesbitt as Dr. Goldberger and supported by Shepperd Strudwick and Barbara Bedford, this 11-minute short is a masterclass in visual storytelling under Zinnemann's direction. Though modest in length, it packs emotional weight and intellectual depth, offering a glimpse into the early battles of public health crusaders. *A Way in the Wilderness (1940)* is more than a historical footnote—it's a testament to how one person's insight can challenge the world and change countless lives for the better.