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2016 · Movie · 1h 3m

Big Charity: The Death Of America's Oldest Hospital

Founded in 1736 as a small hospital for the poor, Charity Hospital in New Orleans, run by Daughters of Charity nuns, grew into Big Charity, a symbol of hope for nearly 300 years. Closed after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, it remains empty, impacting the community. This documentary, with unseen footage and interviews, explores its history, controversial closure, and the sacrifices made, through accounts of staff who endured the storm, and the key figures involved.

My take

A sobering look at institutional collapse and community loss. This documentary traces Charity Hospital's 300-year legacy of serving the vulnerable, then examines the devastating aftermath of its Hurricane Katrina closure. For anyone seeking to understand how healthcare, history, and human resilience intersect.

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Cast

Peter DeblieuxGoldie HuguenelLarry Hollier

Director

Alexander Glustrom

If tonight is a Big Charity: The Death Of America's Oldest Hospital night…

…these live in the same corner of my head.

Want one picked out for tonight?

Tell me what kind of night it is — I'll do the rest.