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Martha & Ethel

Play trailer Poster for Martha & Ethel G 1994 1h 18m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 6 Reviews Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
In this highly personal documentary, filmmakers Jyll Johnstone and Barbara Ettinger revisit the nannies who raised them. Johnstone contrasts her nanny, the no-nonsense German Martha, with Ethel, Ettinger's warm, beloved African-American guardian, examining the now elderly nannies and their impact on the filmmakers' lives. Looking back with fondness -- and sometimes with bitterness toward their busy, absent mothers -- Johnstone and Ettinger tackle their subject with grace and sincerity.

Critics Reviews

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Alison Macor Austin Chronicle Rated: 3/5 Jan 1, 2000 Full Review Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times Martha and Ethel is as fascinating for what it doesn't say as for what it does. Rated: 3/4 Jan 1, 2000 Full Review Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Original and touching, this personal docu deals with the long-lasting effects of nannies on the children they take care of. Rated: B+ Jun 17, 2011 Full Review Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Rated: 3/5 Jun 24, 2005 Full Review Susan Tavernetti Palo Alto Weekly Rated: 3/4 May 20, 2003 Full Review Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat Spirituality & Practice Documentary about two nannies and the impact they have upon the children in their care. Aug 30, 2002 Full Review Read all reviews
Martha & Ethel

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Movie Info

Synopsis In this highly personal documentary, filmmakers Jyll Johnstone and Barbara Ettinger revisit the nannies who raised them. Johnstone contrasts her nanny, the no-nonsense German Martha, with Ethel, Ettinger's warm, beloved African-American guardian, examining the now elderly nannies and their impact on the filmmakers' lives. Looking back with fondness -- and sometimes with bitterness toward their busy, absent mothers -- Johnstone and Ettinger tackle their subject with grace and sincerity.
Director
Jyll Johnstone
Producer
Barbara Ettinger, Jyll Johnstone
Screenwriter
Barbara Ettinger, Jyll Johnstone, Frank Ortega, Sharon Wood
Rating
G
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Box Office (Gross USA)
$7.6K
Runtime
1h 18m