Mary and Martha 11 years old

Two mothers lose their sons to malaria.

Mary and Martha

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.

Credits

Mary and Martha Cast

Name Character
Brenda Blethyn She was 67, now 78 years old as Martha
Frank Grillo He was 47, now 58 years old as Peter
James Woods He was 66, now 77 years old as Mary's Father
Hilary Swank She was 38, now 49 years old as Mary
Sam Claflin He was 26, now 37 years old as Ben

Mary and Martha Crew

Name Department
Phillip Noyce as Director. He was 62 (now 73) years old Directing
Lisa Bruce as Producer. She was 13 (now 24) years old Production
Hilary Bevan Jones as Producer. She was 60 (now 71) years old Production
Mary and Martha poster
Mary and Martha (11 years)

Two mothers lose their sons to malaria.

  • Release day: Friday, March 01, 2013
  • Runtime: 90 minutes