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Poster for The Story of Louis Pasteur

The Story of Louis Pasteur

Seen it?

1936 | 86 min | Drama, History

Friday Night Flickearly rating

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

Critics loved it (90% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it won 3 Oscars. Make plans for this one.

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

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
One for anyone who likes knowing it really happened and history buffs. Based on real events, so expect to go down a research rabbit hole afterwards. Liked Good Night, and Good Luck. or Patton? This is a good next one. Paris does a lot of the work, and it looks wonderful.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Character-first and patient, at 1 hr 26 min. Done before bedtime.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1936: an older pace and style.
  • Not the one if you want explosions or easy laughs.

A true story about Louis Pasteur, who revolutionized medicine by proving that much disease is caused by microbes, that sanitation is paramount and that at least some diseases can be cured by vaccinations.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    90% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsVery strong

    Won 3 Oscars: Best Actor, Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay, Best Story. Also nominated for 1 more Oscar. Plus 1 other award.

  • Reach & staying powerBelow par

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 15K people sought it out in the past year

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Cast & crew

Directed by William Dieterle

  • Paul MuniLouis Pasteur
  • Josephine HutchinsonMarie Pasteur
  • Anita LouiseAnnette Pasteur
  • Donald WoodsDr. Jean Martel
  • Fritz LeiberDr. Charbonnet
  • Henry O'NeillDr. Emile Roux
  • Porter HallDr. Rossignol
  • Raymond BrownDr. Radisse
  • Akim TamiroffDr. Zaranoff
  • Halliwell HobbesDr. Lister