Dr. Lucille parents guide

Dr. Lucille Parent Guide

Overall A-

Based on a true story, Dr. Lucille is a dramatized telling of the life work of Lucille Teasdale (Marina Orsini) and her husband Dr. Piero Corti (Massimo Ghini), who dedicate their lives to care of the poor and impoverished of Uganda. The strength of their commitment is tested as the African country is plunged into war and the rule of dictator Idi Amin (played by Makalo Mofokeng).

Violence C-
Sexual Content B+
Profanity A-
Substance Use C

Why is Dr. Lucille rated Not Rated? The MPAA rated Dr. Lucille Not Rated

Run Time: 93 minutes

Parent Movie Review

Dr. Lucille Teasdale (Marina Orsini) is a woman of extraordinary ambition. Attending medical school during the 1950s, she passionately pursues a specialty in surgery—even though no hospital in North America is interested in hiring a female surgeon.

Deciding to continue her education where there is more acceptance, the French Canadian citizen settles into France. There she meets up with a former acquaintance, Dr. Piero Corti (Massimo Ghini). Equally driven, the wealthy Italian physician offers Lucille a proposal: Come with him to Uganda, where he is trying to build a missionary hospital, and use her training to help the poor and impoverished.

With few other opportunities to practice her skills, the aspiring doctor agrees to come for three months. However, she quickly finds herself falling in love with the country and the people. Meanwhile, Dr. Piero finds himself falling in love with Lucille. When it is time for her to leave, he makes her a new proposal—this time for marriage.

Based on a true story, this dramatized telling of the couple’s life work follows their trails and triumphs as the turbulent history of the African country unfolds. Caught in the conflict of civil war and the reign of terror under the ruthless dictator Idi Amin (played by Makalo Mofokeng), the husband and wife team turn their expertise to treating the casualties and protecting the refugees. Unwilling to leave the needy, the pair agree to give their lives, if necessary, for the Ugandan people.

Of course, depicting the violence and inhumanity of their situation does create some content concerns for viewers. Although the portrayals are not belabored or gratuitous, there are many cases where bloody injuries and graphic surgical procedures are shown. These may prove to be too much for the young or the squeamish.

But it is not the horror that this made-for-TV movie focuses on. Instead, the script tunes into the everyday heroism of the dedicated people who sacrifice their own safety for the well being of others. It also solicits awareness and donations to their cause (two dollars from each DVD sold will go directly to their charity). Produced in her native land (where she has received little recognition) Dr. Lucille captures the remarkable devotion of this pioneering physician and her spouse, and the impact they have had upon an ailing world.

Starring Louis Gossett Jr., Marina Orsini. Running time: 93 minutes. Updated

Dr. Lucille
Rating & Content Info

Why is Dr. Lucille rated Not Rated? Dr. Lucille is rated Not Rated by the MPAA

In the midst of disease, revolution, war and bloodshed, Dr. Lucille and the others working at St. Mary’s Hospital in Uganda are faced with a steady stream of wounded. Graphic surgical procedures and bloody war injuries are depicted throughout the movie. Themes include death, references to torture, and moments of peril. Passionate kisses between the married couple are shown. Topless women in native costumes are present in some scenes. Dr. Lucille is a smoker and is often seen with cigarettes. Alcohol is consumed in pubs, bars and at social occasions.

Page last updated

Dr. Lucille Parents' Guide

Lucille and Peiro have differing religious perspectives as they labor in “God’s untidy world.” Why do trials draw some people closer to God, while others are driven further away?

To learn more about St. Mary’s Hospital and the Piero & Lucille Corti Foundation, check out their official website: http://lhospital.org/index_eng.htm

The life of dictator Idi Amin has become part of the history of Uganda. A biography can be found at this website: http://africanhistory.about.com/od/biography/a/bio_amin.htm

Home Video

The most recent home video release of Dr. Lucille movie is July 18, 2006. Here are some details…

Releasing to DVD on the 10th anniversary of her death, Dr. Lucille pays tribute to the accomplishments of this dedicated surgeon. Included on the disc are: In Search of Lucille Teasdale (a documentary about her life), A Dream Come True (an interview with the film’s producer Francine Allaire and star Marina Orsini), a making-of featurette, and an overview of the St. Mary’s Lacor Hospital and the Lucille Teasdale & Piero Corti Foundation Mission. The documentary contains actual photos and footage of the amazing husband and wife team (as well as some with graphic surgical procedures and bloody injuries), with comments from Dr. Corti, the couple’s daughter Dominique and many of the people who have served at the St. Mary’s Hospital. Audio tracks are available in English (2.0 Dolby Stereo) and French.

Related home video titles:

With similar motives to Dr. Lucille, a young Catholic nun gives her all to help the poor and destitute in India. Her life story has been captured in the movie Mother Teresa. The atrocities committed in another African country are depicted in the gripping film, Hotel Rwanda.