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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 5 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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Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times 01/01/2000
3/4
Martha and Ethel is as fascinating for what it doesn't say as for what it does. Go to Full Review Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com 06/17/2011
B+
Original and touching, this personal docu deals with the long-lasting effects of nannies on the children they take care of. Go to Full Review Susan Tavernetti Palo Alto Weekly 05/20/2003
3/4
Mary Ann Brussat Spirituality & Practice 08/30/2002
Documentary about two nannies and the impact they have upon the children in their care. Go to Full Review Read all reviews
Martha & Ethel

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Cast & Crew

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Jyll Johnstone

Director

Barbara Ettinger

Writer

Jyll Johnstone

Writer

Frank Ortega

Writer

Sharon Wood

Writer

Barbara Ettinger

Producer
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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