This project placed 1st in the 2016 Washington State National History Day competition in the Senior Individual Documentary category. Great movies are made by studios or independents, not networks. I am amazed by the genius of Vivien Thomas (or anyone without medical training who could understand as he did) and at the fact that Doctor Blalock accepted him as an individual (most of the time), without regard to his race or lack of medical education. The names of the residents in this film are names I have heard throughout my career. In 1929, after working as an orderly in a private infirmary to raise money for college, he enrolled as a premedical student at Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial College. Below is a clip of the movie: I encourage each of you to take the time to watch this movie. Alfred Blalock That's a huge accomplishment, but only a portion of the story. Representing the old and the bridge to the next generation of doctors and physicians. Something the Lord Made (2004) 00:03:24 Dr. Blalock, this is Vivien Thomas. If anyone has studied medical history, we are perhaps more familiar with the work of Denton Cooley and William Longmire. Something the Lord Made is a 2004 American made-for-television biographical drama film about the black cardiac pioneer Vivien Thomas (1910–1985) and his complex and volatile partnership with white surgeon Alfred Blalock (1899–1964), the "Blue Baby doctor" who pioneered modern heart surgery. Vivien Thomas Filming & Production User Ratings Yes, my mother was so sure she was having a girl, she picked the name early and kept it. Can't separate the past from the future anymore you can right arm from left arm. Thomas has determination, his coworker did not. The sky is the limit for this guy. I got more spirit for the next. The story line was great - The life and times of one of the greatest surgeons the United States has ever produced (Alfred Blalock), played by Alan Rickman, along with his lab assistant Vivien Thomas, played by Mos Def. Trust builds up between the two, and his other coworker laughs at his attempts to do better. Official Sites Shortly before his death in 1985, Thomas completed his autobiography, Pioneering Research in Surgical Shock and Cardiovascular Surgery: Vivien Thomas and His Work With Alfred Blalock, in which he recalled his extraordinary life and work. The movie is adapted from the Pulitzer-award winning novel which was written by Margaret Mitchell in 1936.The backdrop of the movie is the American Civil war. In 1941, Dr. Blalock returned to Johns Hopkins as surgeon-in-chief at its hospital and director of the surgery department at the medical school. I have had this movie TIVOed for several months now and just got around to seeing it. Thomas." Vivien Thomas co-authored an excellent book, entitled "Partners of the Heart," in which he chronicled his experiences in helping to develop the surgical treatment for "blue baby" syndrome. Granted, it has its fair share of "cheesy" devices and predictability, but then again, so does "King Lear." Alfred Blalock Vivien Thomas was the first African American without a doctorate degree to perform open heart surgery on a white patient in the United States. The two of them together created the type of chemistry on screen one can only imagine must have existed between the men they portrayed. It is not a documentary. Here we got two men who made history together, despite the times of segregation, and racial inequality. (That's left for the viewer to examine and judge internally for his or her self.) | Vivien Thomas. I think he'll be proud when you operate. Vivien Thomas Vivien Theodore Thomas (August 29, 1910 – November 26, 1985) was an African-American laboratory supervisor who developed a procedure used to treat blue baby syndrome (now known as cyanotic heart disease) in the 1940s. It is an amazing movies that details the life, the stresses and the successes of Vivien Thomas. I'll mark out the line. One of the earmarks of a great true story on film is that, when it's over, you find yourself wishing it had been longer and wanting to know more about the subject. Vivien Thomas | Find all lines from this movie. This movie is a must see! Thomas was born in New Iberia, Louisiana. IF Alan Rickman wasn't enough to draw me into this movie, the fact that the producers were NOT going to give us a hero movie, showing no imperfections of the real people portrayed would have made me buy it. I think this performance will certainly bring this talented performer the recognition he deserves. If you haven't seen it, we highly recommend it! Alan Rickman has always been a favorite actor of mine, but I have seen him get a little "lazy" from time to time. Vivien Thomas : I think he'll be proud when you operate. : When they save the first blue baby, their surgery technique becomes a worldwide success. Feb 18, 2020 - This board highlights Vivien Thomas, scientist and educator. Great actors come from the world of acting; not singing, painting or sports. Alfred Blalock Advanced search. Vivien Thomas was the first African American without a doctorate degree to perform open heart surgery on a white patient in the United States. It was in honor of Vivien Thomas, a black surgical technician with only a high school education who steadfastly designed and tested anastomosis of the subclavian artery to the pulmonary artery, resulting in the landmark … Something the Lord Made recounts the relationship between Dr. Alfred Blalock (Alan Rickman) and Vivian Thomas (Mos Def). So much so that I didn't even watch the premiere. Thomas, the son of a building contractor, was born in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1910. This movie will move you, regardless of who you are. This movie was heartwarming, inspiring, touching. - Yeah. : He is a descended of African-American black man. Vivien Thomas dreamed of attending medical school as a young man, but saw those dreams dashed with the onset of the Great Depression. I had always dismissed him as a 'hip-hop/rapper-actor' wannabe. But Queen Latifa did very well in "Bone Collector" and LL Cool J didn't quite ruin "Deliver Us From Eva." If it hadn't been for those two men, history wouldn't have been made. https://www.houseoffaucis.com/vivien-thomas-in-honor-of-black-history-month Explore our collection of motivational and famous quotes by authors you know and love. It begins in 1930s Nashville when imperious cardiac surgeon Blalock hires Thomas, an African American carpenter, as his janitor. Vivien Thomas: The dead are with us all the time, I believe. Time - Phrase; 00:03:13 - You say the pay is $12 a week? He is slowly approaching superstar status, but is not chasing it as many do. Partners of the Heart is the autobiography of this extraordinary man who struggled against overwhelming odds and achieved … FAQ Vivien Theodore Thomas was the grandson of a slave and developed the desire to become a medical doctor at an early age. As someone stated earlier, the racial issues of the time were touched on perfectly but not focused on. As wonderful as the movie was, it did take some dramatic license here and there. | | Vivien Theodore Thomas (August 29, 1910 – November 26, 1985) was an African-American surgical technician who developed the procedures used to treat blue baby syndrome in the 1940s. His achievements, out of his background and lack of opportunities, made me feel that I should have been able to do much more than I have, given how much more was just handed to me. I was moved by the movie, the acting, the directing, and mostly by the true historic nature of the movie. History is rarely kind to the original heroes in the scientific world.The classical Blalock-Taussig shunt,(BT shunt) the term we heard for the first time in the early clinical years of MBBS .We know, it as a dramatic cure (Palliative though) for the commonest congenital cyanotic heart disease -Tetralogy of Fallot. Mine was only proud of the fact that I could wiggle my ears. Vivian Thomas Thomas, Vivien Vivien T. Thomas. The depiction of the incredible bravery of Blalock, Taussig, and Thomas, who were embarking on not just uncharted, but forbidden surgical waters, warned that if such an "adventure" went awry, they'd be "on their own", made me feel timid and lacking in fortitude, by comparison. Vivien T. Thomas was born in New Iberia, Louisiana on August 29, 1910. Vivien Thomas Although his dream of attending medical school was derailed, he became famous for his work in the surgical sciences at the prestigious Johns Hopkins University, in … [Vivien is abruptly leaving the laboratory]. Vivien Thomas and assistants operating on a laboratory dog at Vanderbilt University, c. 1930s. Or is it just blood? We should all feel we can accomplish greatly, and without resorting to destructive acts or words, when seeing the manner with which this class-act man performed. Vivien Thomas came to work for Dr. Blaylock as a janitor at Vanderbilt, and it was there that Dr. Blaylock trained Vivien Thomas in scientific research and surgery. I was packing to go home as it was on and just a few minutes into it, I had to stop and just sit and watch. I actually avoided this movie for awhile..my mistake..It was so exhilarating...the characters were so real....and it reveals the true state of racial bias in the thirties/forties without harping...the real story is about the relationship between two very diverse people who shared a common dream....excellent performances by Richman and Def! Something the Lord Made (2004) 00:03:24 Dr. Blalock, this is Vivien Thomas. If it is, I will be purchasing multiple copies to give as gifts. : The same commentator asked whether the film omitted mention of Thomas's eventual title. Alfred Blalock : Ah but you see they are separated by this, by the heart. A new era in heart surgery began at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in 1944, when Alfred Blalock, Vivien Thomas, and Helen Taussig debuted a daring procedure that would eventually save thousands of … 00:03:24 Dr. Blalock, this is Vivien Thomas. I highly recommend this movie. It stars Alan Rickman as Alfred Blalock, Mos Def as Vivien Thomas, and Mary Stuart Masterson as Helen Taussig. - All right, then. Alan Rickman is one of the all time under appreciated actors in Hollywood. Vivien Thomas(Mos Def) is a carpenter, who wants to get into the medical field. On this day in 1944, Vivien Thomas, Dr. Blalock, and Dr. Taussig, performed the first B-T shunt. I watched it by chance because I saw Mos Def's name and I know his work from the Chappelle Show and The Italian Job, so I just wanted to see what his role was in this. The tempo and feeling of the movie were perfect, no over the top acting or unnecessary scenes. Vivien tells the story of the first "blue baby" operation very matter of factly. | The ending was a little heart-wrenching, yet motivational at the same time. The main laboratory was a mess. | This film is one of the great movies from the O'Selznick studios and an epic of its day. A carpenter, Vivien Thomas is 19 years old and he lived with his wife and his children in Nashville. And you cut along it. Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh are one of cinema's great pairings and give probably the best performances of their careers. Together, these two completely different actors portray their roles with brilliant ease. Can't separate the past from the future any more than you can a right arm and your left arm. Blalock & Taussig, whose ingenious procedure is used to convey the aspects of this film (Blalock-Taussig Shunt), were two of my 'heros.' Have you watched this movie, it has more inspiring and motivation, “Something The Lord Made? Can someone explain to me how life is created? In 2004, an HBO movie named ‘Something the Lord Made,’ which was based on the life of Vivien Thomas, was aired. 00:03:28 Vivien? : Movie quotes. At the end of this summer experience, students present their … Rickman's self-righteous & pompous Dr. Alfred Blaylock compliments greatly Mos Def's quiet, determined, & passive-aggressive role as lab assistant/technician Vivien Thomas. Another 17 wins & 30 nominations. Early life. Can't separate the past from the future any more than you can a right arm and your left arm. Vivien Thomas was an African-American man who went from janitor to lab technician to pioneer in heart surgery at Johns Hopkins. Though Thomas supervised the surgical laboratories at Hopkins for over 35 years, he was paid far less than … 00:03:17 - I'm liking it already. Alfred Blalock The race gap closes there. They all helped to develop the procedure. 2020 Vivien T. Thomas Lecture The Saga of Vivien Thomas: Discrimination, Segregation, and Bias The Society of Thoracic Surgeons launched a new named lecture at its 2020 Annual Meeting. Even if you do not have a medical background, it is worth seeing for the genius and compassion of those two men who did not allow the racial climate of the times to overpower their desire to make a difference. Vivien Thomas holding pipe, c. 1970s. : The main laboratory was a mess. It is very much a surprise how the lives of these two men - Blalock and Thomas could have been overlooked for so long. Stars: Alan Rickman, Mos Def, Kyra Sedgwick, Gabrielle Union, Merritt Wever. Alfred Blalock In 1976 H… In January of 1930, Vivien Thomas took a job in Alfred Blalock’s Vanderbilt University Hospital laboratory. But moping around after the Piston's blew a huge lead against the Laker's in game 2 of the NBA finals, I was flipping through and saw that it was on again. Vivien Theodore Thomas (August 29, 1910 – November 26, 1985) was an African-American surgical technician who developed the procedures used to treat blue baby syndrome in the 1940s. - … 103 Related Articles Can't separate the past from the future any more than you can a right arm and your left arm. Dr. Blalock moves to the Johns Hopkins University and brings Vivien with him. HBO's lack of luster in the previews did not do the film justice, after the first 5 minutes I was absolutely hooked. I give it a 10! I can't wait to do a little reading up on this very intriguing story! I'm not quite sure why it was only made for TV, i guess because it's not garbage like most of what is out there at 9 dollars a ticket! He is strong and silent to hide back his true emotions. Vivian, that's a girl's name. Mr. Vivien Thomas Discusses Dr. Alfred Blalock. What an incredible story and what an incredible actor Mos is. Another doctor saw his work, and requests him to help him with the surgery. Vivien expects to join the medical school but his savings are lost in the Great Depression. https://medschool.vanderbilt.edu/mstp/person/vivien-t-thomas Or connected. The HBO description sounded like a good story, so I gave it a chance... Just about everything HBO Films produces is excellent, but this film rises into the higher levels of the stratosphere. : Join Facebook to connect with Vivien Hobbah and others you may know. : VIVIEN THOMAS (from autobiography): I was not prepared for the odor that greeted us when we entered. This surgery has helped so may with Congenital Heart Disease, and we are so thankful for these medical pioneers! 2020 Vivien T. Thomas Lecture The Saga of Vivien Thomas: Discrimination, Segregation, and Bias The Society of Thoracic Surgeons launched a new named lecture at its 2020 Annual Meeting. Time - Phrase; 00:03:13 - You say the pay is $12 a week? Jeers to the staff members who were ruled by race and education and a firm salute to those who were not. The tears were just streaming down my face. : Alfred Blalock Just like you did for your old Daddy. [Politely sarcastic]  Vivien Thomas : The dead are with us all the time, I believe. Whether it be comedy, horror, or a serious role, Alan Rickman has always added to the movies he stars in. The Vivien Thomas Research Program for high school students was established to provide experiences in the research laboratories at the Morehouse School of Medicine. What job classification? He served as supervisor of the surgical laboratories at Johns Hopkins for 35 years. Dr. Blalock calls him up and helps him with a rather difficult heart surgery. Mos Def is surprisingly just as good as Rickman. Blalock with the medical knowledge, and Thomas for his carpentry knowhow and mental instincts. See more ideas about thomas, black history, blue baby syndrome. This movie is old movie and true story in medical at Johns Hopkins University. Movie quotes. Thomas was supposed to be in his first semester of college, and had planned to become a doctor, but his life savings was wiped out in the stock market crash that set off the Great Depression. He died on November 26, 1985 in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Vivien Thomas had lost his friend and colleague of 34 years. Does existence of a human being inflict life upon it? Promoted, to what he already does. Vivien Thomas: The dead are with us all the time, I believe. Together they helped treat shock in soldiers during WWII & went on to pioneer vascular surgery by creating the surgical method to stop "blue baby symdrome". The grandson of a slave, he attended Pearl High School (named for a Union sympathizer Joshua Fenton Pearl and now known as Pearl Cohn Comprehensive High School) in Nashville in the … In 1930, Vivien Thomas was a nineteen-year-old carpenter’s apprentice with his sights set on Tennessee State College and then medical school. | Maybe it's the degree and the portrait together. SEE (actually FEEL) THIS MOVIE!! Vivien Theodore Thomas (August 29, 1910 – November 26, 1985) was an American laboratory supervisor who developed a procedure used to treat blue baby syndrome (now known as cyanotic heart disease) in the 1940s. His family later moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he was educated in the public schools. I wasn't expecting a story this powerful. Later, as I was driving home, I passed an exit on the highway that indicated it was the road that eventually led to "Johns Hopkins University". The dead are with us all the time, I believe. Vivien Thomas quotes › Something the Lord Made. : A wonderful, wonderful story acted out by extremely talented actors. Vivien Thomas : Or connected. Well, he really pulled out his acting chops for this one. Vivien Thomas had no medical degree, but he still became one of surgery's greatest innovators. I thought to myself, 'Why not? Or connected. Mos Def, an American actor, portrayed the role of Vivien in this movie. Vivien Thomas quotes › Something the Lord Made. Can't separate the past from the future any more than you can a right arm and your left arm. Discover and share Vivien Thomas Quotes. I didn't know exactly what to expect when I began watching this movie. Rickman & Mos Def make a good combo in "Something the Lord Made". Alfred Blalock Vivien Theodore Thomas (August 29, 1910 – November 26, 1985) was an African-American laboratory supervisor who developed a procedure used to treat blue baby syndrome (now known as cyanotic heart disease) in the 1940s.wikipedia. I must add that my entire adult working life has been in the field of medicine so maybe I have more interest than some. What an understated overwhelming story...told in a poignant fashion over the background of the Depression, WW II, and the history of modern surgery!! His mentor, Alfred Blalock, was a pioneering surgeon at Vanderbilt University in Nashville in the 1930s. 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