The Citadel **** (1938, Robert Donat, Rosalind Russell, Ralph Richardson, Rex Harrison, Emlyn Williams, Nora Swinburne) – Classic Movie Review 8272

Robert Donat finds one of his best roles in director King Vidor’s ideal 1938 film version of A J Cronin’s novel about a young, enthusiastic doctor, Dr Andrew Manson, who sells out the principles that brought him into the profession for the easy riches involved in treating rich London patients. That is, till his true character is forged in the white heat of tragedy, as he helps save Welsh miners afflicted with tuberculosis.

The Citadel is an inspiring film, terrifically well handled, with a fine MGM production and the most rousing performances by a distinguished cast. Donat grabs his opportunity and delivers one of his finest performances, and, way out of her Hollywood smart-comedy comfort zone, Rosalind Russell is not far behind him as his idealistic wife, with British acting worthies Ralph Richardson, Rex Harrison, Emlyn Williams and Nora Swinburne all making their mark too.

It was nominated for four Oscars: Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director and Best Screenplay (Frank Wead, Ian Dalrymple and Elizabeth Gill).

Also in the cast are Penelope Dudley Ward, Francis L Sullivan, Mary Clare, Cecil Parker, Edward Chapman, Athene Seyler, Felix Aylmer, Joyce Bland, Percy Parsons, Dilys Davis, Basil Gill, Joss Ambler, Bernard Miles, Kynaston Reeves, Josephine Wilson, Haidee Wright, Charles Quartermaine, Angela Baddeley, Eliot Makeham, Joan Kemp-Welch, Bombardier Billy Wells and Leslie Phillips.

© Derek Winnert 2019 Classic Movie Review 8272

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