"Something The Lord Made" is a compelling drama that chronicles the remarkable true story of two men – Dr. Alfred Blalock, a renowned white surgeon, and Vivien Thomas, a black carpenter turned lab technician.
Set against the backdrop of racial prejudice in the 1940s, the film delves into their partnership at Johns Hopkins Hospital and their groundbreaking work on the "blue baby" procedure, which paved the way for open-heart surgery.
Their professional collaboration transcends racial barriers, but societal norms challenge their personal relationship.
Release Information
Release Date:
May 30, 2004
Duration:
110 minutes
Rating:
TV-PG
Box Office Collection:
As an HBO television film, "Something The Lord Made" did not have a traditional box office release. However, it garnered significant acclaim and viewership on the platform.
Cast & Crew
Lead Actors/Actresses:
- Alan Rickman as Dr. Alfred Blalock
- Mos Def (Yasiin Bey) as Vivien Thomas
Director:
Joseph Sargent
Writers:
Peter Silverman and Robert Caswell
Where to Watch
United States (US)
There are currently no streaming offers in the US.
- Stream: It is available for streaming on Max Amazon Channel, Max, and DIRECTV.
- Buy/Rent: For those looking to purchase or rent, options include Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, and Microsoft Store.
Australia (AU)
There are currently no streaming offers in the AU.
- Stream: In Australia, you can stream the movie on BINGE and Foxtel Now.
- Buy/Rent: Currently, there are no buying or renting options available.
Germany (DE)
There are currently no streaming offers in the DE.
- Stream: German viewers can stream on Sky Go.
- Buy/Rent: There are no buying or renting options available at the moment.
Brazil (BR)
There are currently no streaming offers in the US.
- Stream: For those in Brazil,it is available for streaming on HBO Max.
- Buy/Rent: There are no buying or renting options available currently.
France (FR)
There are currently no streaming offers in the FR.
- Stream: The movie is available for streaming on Pass Warner Amazon Channel in France.
- Buy/Rent: There are no buying or renting options available at this time.
Canada (CA)
There are currently no streaming offers in the CA.
- Stream: Currently, there are no streaming options available in Canada.
- Buy/Rent: Canadians looking to buy or rent can find it on platforms such as Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, and YouTube.
Production Details
Production Company:
HBO Films in association with Cort/Madden Productions
Filming Locations:
The movie was primarily filmed in Baltimore, Maryland, which provided an authentic backdrop to the story set at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Budget:
Estimated at $7-10 million, though exact figures for television films can vary.
Reception
Critical Reviews:
"Something The Lord Made" was lauded by critics for its powerful storytelling, impeccable performances, especially by Alan Rickman and Mos Def, and its sensitive handling of racial themes. The film was praised for shedding light on a lesser-known chapter of medical history and the unsung hero, Vivien Thomas.
Audience Reviews:
The movie resonated with audiences, many of whom were moved by the profound impact of the Blalock-Thomas partnership and the challenges they faced. Viewers appreciated the film's depth, character development, and historical accuracy.
Awards & Nominations:
The film received numerous accolades, including the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Made for Television Movie. Both Alan Rickman and Mos Def received praise for their roles, with Mos Def securing a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie.