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Call the Midwife

 (3,158)
8.52012NR
Call the Midwife is based on the best selling memoirs of Jennifer Worth. Set in the 1950s, this six part series is a moving and intimate insight into the colorful world of midwifery and family life in London's East End. We are introduced to the local community through the eyes of young nurse Jenny Lee as she lives and works as a midwife alongside the Nuns of the Order of St. Raymond of Nonnatus.
Starring
Jessica RaineJenny AgutterPam Ferris
Genres
Drama
Subtitles
English [CC]
Audio languages
English
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  1. 1. Episode 1
    January 15 2012
    52min
    TV-PG
    Subtitles
    English [CC]
    Audio languages
    English
    In the spring of 1957 newly qualified midwife Jenny Lee arrives in the East End of London to begin her career. After overcoming the initial shock that her new home is a convent rather than a private hospital she quickly becomes immersed in her new life. Living with Nuns and working in a community of colorful characters is different from anything Jenny has encountered previously.
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  2. 2. Episode 2
    January 22 2012
    52min
    TV-PG
    Subtitles
    English [CC]
    Audio languages
    English
    As Jenny Lee settles into her role, there is a new arrival at Nonnatus House, Chummy. A welcome pair of extra hands, Chummy sets about showing her worth, but an overwhelming keenness to please and her inability to ride a bike prove obstacles in gaining the respect of Sister Evangelina. Meanwhile a chance encounter with a young pregnant runaway forces Jenny to see an unfamiliar darker side of life.
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  3. 3. Episode 3
    January 29 2012
    52min
    TV-PG
    Subtitles
    English [CC]
    Audio languages
    English
    Jenny is placed on the district nursing roster for a few weeks to extend her experience of community practice. At the antenatal clinic Trixie and Cynthia enroll a new patient. In her forties Winnie had thought her days of diapers and babies were long gone, and seems upset. By contrast her husband Ted is overjoyed by the news. However at the baby's birth everyone gets a bit of a surprise.
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  4. 4. Episode 4
    February 5 2012
    52min
    TV-PG
    Subtitles
    English [CC]
    Audio languages
    English
    A baby girl is snatched from her carriage, causing great anguish to her family and uniting the local community as they search for the missing child. Meanwhile Cynthia witnesses another type of loss as she assists in the case of soon-to-be parents David and Margaret. Newly married and excited about their future, everything is put in jeopardy when Margaret develops eclampsia.
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  5. 5. Episode 5
    February 12 2012
    52min
    TV-PG
    Subtitles
    English [CC]
    Audio languages
    English
    Jenny finds herself for once not involved in the beginning of life, but at its end. When Frank is diagnosed with cancer Jenny and the nuns are called upon to provide him with care. In doing so Jenny comes to know the siblings better, learning of their upbringing in a workhouse and the profound effect it has had on their relationship.
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  6. 6. Episode 6
    February 19 2012
    52min
    TV-PG
    Subtitles
    English [CC]
    Audio languages
    English
    Sister Monica Joan is found wandering near the docks, and returned by the police. Her adventure takes its toll on her health and she succumbs to pneumonia. When she eventually recovers she sails forth back into the community only to find herself in trouble with the law when she is accused of theft. Chummy has further worries when her mother decides to make a trip to inspect her new "beau".
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Bonus

  • Sneak Peek
    3min
    TV-PG

    An exclusive sneak peek of the captivating British drama Call the Midwife. Based on the best selling memoirs of Jennifer Worth and set in the 1950s, this six part season is a moving and intimate insight into the colorful world of midwifery and family life in London's East End.

More details

Directors
Philippa LowthorpeJamie Payne
Supporting actors
Miranda HartJudy ParfittHelen GeorgeBryony HannahLaura MainCliff ParisiVanessa Redgrave
Season year
2012
Network
BBC America
Purchase rights
Stream instantly Details
Format
Prime Video (streaming online video)
Devices
Available to watch on supported devices

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars

3158 global ratings

  1. 90% of reviews have 5 stars
  2. 5% of reviews have 4 stars
  3. 2% of reviews have 3 stars
  4. 1% of reviews have 2 stars
  5. 3% of reviews have 1 stars
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Top reviews from the United States

CliffordReviewed in the United States on August 21, 2015
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Veteran US Obstetrician's Take on a Wonderful Series.
Verified purchase
I spent a lifetime practicing OB/GYN. I am now the medical director of a large collaborative practice that fully embraces midwifery services done in hospitals with backup by experienced OB/GYNs.
This is one of my favorite all-time TV shows, which I can unreservedly recommend to everyone over age 16. It excels in every respect: it's fun, often inspiring to watch, well-written, superbly acted, there is excellent character development, and good life lessons are taught. Faith is supported as well as being sympathetically portrayed. Characters learn from their experiences, and the results of poor choices are accurately portrayed. Watch it!
40 people found this helpful
Jacqueline FensterReviewed in the United States on March 5, 2016
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolutely love the Series, hate the Streaming Video Service
Verified purchase
I absolutely love 'Call the Midwife.' My Mum was born at the start of WWII in London, and grew up in the 50s, and this series brought to life her stories for me, especially the 'having babies at home' part. Both my oldest brother and sister were born in front of the coal fireplace in the sitting room of my Nan's house, with a Midwife in attendance. Sadly, my Mum passed away recently, so watching this wonderful series brings back those wonderful times of her storytelling, which is why I give the series 5 stars. Now Amazon streaming video, I'm only giving 1 star because, they have cut quite a few parts out of each episode. In Series 1, Episode 6, I especially noticed it with the parts of Chummy and Peter's story, which is such a sweet one. Why would you do that Amazon? I will have to stop buying streaming video services from you. So now I will save my hard earned pennies and buy the Series on DVD instead.
25 people found this helpful
Lady LiberTEAReviewed in the United States on January 24, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Better Title Would Draw More Not To Miss This Great & True Series
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Some reviews put me off but since I adore Britain's iconic Miranda Hart & true historical accounts, I'm glad I leaned toward the positive reviews you will be glad too if like I you press through the admittedly initially depressing beginning like childbirth issuing a truly great series I could not stop binge-watching until done! Appealing nurses & intriguing nuns balance the gritty endurance of post-war & caste-restricted Britain transitioning from rural to industrial revolution urbanity pros & cons. I've never birthed children, but this profoundly moving series is about all of life, passages, & passing, making us think, appreciate, applaud, marvel, & resolve to do more & be braver too.
9 people found this helpful
N. RuppReviewed in the United States on April 19, 2020
1.0 out of 5 stars
Ask you to purchase a series you already have.
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This has happened twice to me. Now I have two series that are duplicates. I went to watch series 1 thinking I had purchased it, but it said $9.99 for series one. I just found out I had purchased it quite awhile ago. Now, I can't get a refund on either of the series 1 or series 2 which I have two of. You would think they would tell you if it was a duplicate purchase. So watch out when you purchase videos from Amazon.
3 people found this helpful
mark nelsonReviewed in the United States on May 24, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars
80-100 babies home delivered in an 8 sq mile area per month ("any hot water?" "no" "any cold?" "no")
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endearing, gritty real life stories from bicycling nurse/midwives in 1957 east end london. I started watching on PBS when I saw the scene where Chummy and Constable Noakes get together; good actors are required to pull off the awkwardness of nervousness; these actors deliver. I love the comeraderie of the characters and the service they provide to their patients. When I watch I feel part of the team and cared for. Beware, at least one baby born per episode; the acting is believable, very intense but done discreetly. all in all a good experience that makes you root for the providers of care to the real heroines.
6 people found this helpful
FYIReviewed in the United States on February 4, 2013
5.0 out of 5 stars
Real Worth, Beautifully Written
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This exquisitely written series makes me want to read the memoirs by the late Jennifer Worth, who landed as a newly qualified nurse/midwife at the charitable Nonnatus House, amidst the poverty and disease of 1950s East End London. Her life had already been disrupted by WWII and an intense affair when she was only 16. Worth's luminous observations on the human condition, our quest for meaning in the darkest despair, her pointing out what really matters, are strewn with keen compassion and intelligence. Her narrative shines amidst. The superb script is written by Heidi Thomas ([[ASIN:B002XTBECY Cranford: The Collection (Cranford/Return to Cranford)]]) and beautifully narrated by Vanessa Redgrave. Jessica Raine is perfection as the naïve, tormented young Worth, and the whole cast is marvelous, from Judy Parfitt ([[ASIN:B0088OP4Q0 Dean Spanley]], [[ASIN:B008OTTTP6 Vera: Set 2]]) as the light-fingered nun, Sister Monica Joan, to the gifted Miranda Hart as the plain, upper-crust yet down to earth Chummy Browne. Chummy is dominated by a cruel mother, yet she overcomes her limitations and discovers love. Among other fine cast members, Jenny Agutter is Sister Julienne, Helen George is Trixie Franklin, Pam Ferris ([[ASIN:B005DVIPY4 Rosemary & Thyme]]) is the cake-loving Sister Evangelina, and Bryony Hannah is perfection as Cynthia Miller. Cynthia is moved by the tragedy of a deeply loving couple expecting their first-born, when the wife suffers from eclampsia. This show isn't for the faint-hearted, blood and birth are vividly depicted, as is the poverty and grime. But this grittiness only adds depth to the subject matter. Highly recommended.
15 people found this helpful
Debbie DoyleReviewed in the United States on April 7, 2014
5.0 out of 5 stars
Entertaining, Addictive and full of Inspiration!
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This series came into my life at just the right time--during LENT--a season for Christians to reflect on unconditional love as shown by Jesus. These midwives give unconditional love in every situation they are thrust into. They are totally self-giving and non-judgemental, as Jesus would be. Yet they are fun-loving and totally love life. Every episode is not only very entertaining and full of surprises--but also uplifting and full of lessons to be reflected upon. You can really grow in wisdom from watching these episodes and reflecting on how the midwives give unconditional love in every circumstance of their lives.
I am enjoying every episode and eagerly look forward to the continuing story in Season 3!
21 people found this helpful
Amazon_CustomerReviewed in the United States on December 9, 2013
5.0 out of 5 stars
Intelligent, heartwarming series
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Somehow the United States creative minds have lost the ability to create intelligent and heartwarming entertainment. Thankfully, the BBC continues to offer programming that is intelligent, well-written and balanced and the television show Call the Midwife proves this out. Call the Midwife is based on the memoirs of Jennifer Worth the television shows how the midwives and medically trained sisters deal with deliveries and poverty. Balancing the drama is the character Chummy, who comes from a noble background, and ends up working with the impoverished. Chummy is a rather tall, and somewhat bumbley character, who seems to be what my mother would call a bull in a china shop. In other words, Chummy tries very hard to fit in, but due to her great height and size, spends time bumping into things with mood lightening results. Watching Chummy learn to ride a bicycle was very funny too. Her heart is gold and she eventually learns to fit in with the nurses and sisters at the Nonnatus House leading to much less bumping around.

I also enjoyed the music, especially listening to one of my favorite jazz artists named Blossom Dearie, who has a soft, little girl voice that knows how to sing. You will hear other jazz tunes and a dip into the 1950s jazzy dance music that calls for you to jump up and Jitterbug.

If you enjoy watching intelligent, well-written television I am sure you will love watching Call the Midwife.

Note: I would not recommend watching this show when children are around. You will see women giving birth.

Highly recommend.

Penmouse
2 people found this helpful
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