Dr. Schäfer, Gynecologist (Frauenarzt Dr. Schäfer)

Director: Louise Kolm Fleck

1928 / 86min / DCP

This frank dramatization of the ethical debate concerning the legislation of abortion rights sees Leopold Kramer’s stodgy, well-established Prof. Hausen—a staunch opponent of the procedure under any circumstances—challenged in his conviction first by his on-the-rise colleague, Iván Petrovich’s Dr. Schäfer—an advocate for reform of current legal restrictions who happens to be engaged to Hausen’s daughter (Evelyn Holt)—then by developments that bring the heretofore abstract issue right to Hausen’s doorstep. Nothing, including the topics of unwanted pregnancy, sexual assault, and the risk of medical complications as a result of shady back-alley abortionists, is off the table in Kolm-Fleck’s film, a robust, highly technically proficient melodrama that was groundbreaking for its frontal address of the concerns of women negotiating the lures and snares of life in the modern city. Screens with live piano accompaniment by Makia Matsumura.

DCP courtesy of Filmarchiv Austria

Live piano accompaniment by Makia Matsumura and post-screening discussion with Nikolaus Wostry, Deputy Director of the Filmarchiv Austria, moderated by Jane Gaines, Founder of the Columbia University’s Women Film Pioneers Project, on Saturday, November 8th