The Polio Crusade (2009): cast, story & where to watch
2009 · Film
Released in 2009, The Polio Crusade is a history and documentary film directed by Sarah Colt, running about 55 minutes. “A time when Americans banded together to conquer a terrible disease” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. The film interweaves the personal accounts of polio survivors with the story of an ardent crusader who tirelessly fought on their behalf while scientists raced to eradicate this dreaded disease. Based in part on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book Polio: An American Story by David Oshinsky, Features interviews with historians, scientists, polio survivors, and the only surviving scientist from the core research team that developed the Salk vaccine, Julius Youngner.
Who’s in it. The Polio Crusade stars Linda Hunt as Narrator, Larry Becker as Self, Kathryn Black as Self and Betty Cook Brown as Self, among others.
Where to watch. In US you can stream it on PBS Documentaries Amazon Channel and rent or buy it from Amazon Video. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Polio Crusade page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Polio Crusade tend to enjoy Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan, Hacksaw Ridge and Green Book.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Polio Crusade (2009)?
- In US, The Polio Crusade is available to stream on PBS Documentaries Amazon Channel, and rent or buy from Amazon Video. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Who stars in The Polio Crusade?
- The Polio Crusade stars Linda Hunt, Larry Becker, Kathryn Black, Betty Cook Brown and Anne B. Crockett-Stark.
- When was The Polio Crusade released?
- The Polio Crusade was released in 2009, with a runtime of about 55 minutes.