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Poster for The Life of Surgeon Sauerbruch

The Life of Surgeon Sauerbruch

Seen it?

1954 | 104 min | Drama, History

Monday Morning Maybeearly rating

Why it’s a Monday Morning Maybe

With a box office flop and almost no lasting buzz, this one could be a tough watch. Keep your phone handy.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for history buffs. If you loved Belfast, start here.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 44 min.
What might put you off
  • It's in German, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Made in 1954: an older pace and style.

Young Olga Ahrendt almost succeeded in attempting suicide. She had thrown herself in front of a tram out of desperation about her miserable life, a desperation she shared with many in the post-war period. Fortunately, Privy Councillor Sauerbruch is at the scene of the incident, ordering her to be admitted to his clinic after a brief examination. Sauerbruch works both as a university lecturer and as a surgeon, a famous doctor who not only helps his patients physically but also gives them spiritual comfort. After he has taken Olga Ahrendt to his hospital, he discovers during an examination that her suicide attempt is due to a serious physical illness. He intensively takes care of her without forgetting about his other patients, to whom he can give a new will to live, even if only through a small story. And he will also treat Olga Ahrendt successfully...

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsNot counted

    Not enough reviews on record yet

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerWeak

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    About 695 people sought it out in the past year

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Cast & crew

Directed by Rolf Hansen

  • Ewald BalserProf. Ferdinand Sauerbruch
  • Heidemarie HatheyerOlga Ahrends
  • Maria WimmerFrau Sauerbruch
  • Hilde KörberOberschwester der Psychiatrie
  • Lina CarstensOberschwester der Chirurgie
  • Paul BildtBriefträger Wendlandt
  • Rolf HennigerDr. Winters
  • Friedrich DominPaul von Hindenburg
  • Otto GebührSauerbruchs Helfer
  • Ernst Waldowkellner