Arrowsmith
Arrowsmith

Movie spotlight

Arrowsmith

1931
Movie
108 min
English

A medical researcher is sent to a plague outbreak, where he has to decide priorities for the use of a vaccine.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes88%
Director: John FordGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

A dedicated and idealistic young doctor, Martin Arrowsmith, grapples with the moral and personal compromises that arise when his groundbreaking scientific research attracts fame and fortune. Torn between his passion for pure science and the demands of the public and a wealthy patron, he must navigate the complexities of love, ambition, and the ethical responsibilities of a medical professional. His journey leads him to confront a deadly plague and make life-altering decisions about his career and personal life.

Critical Reception

Arrowsmith was widely praised by critics upon its release for its intelligent script, strong performances, and mature handling of complex themes. It was considered a significant achievement in early Hollywood cinema for its serious exploration of scientific ethics and the personal sacrifices involved in groundbreaking research. The film resonated with audiences and critics alike for its thoughtful portrayal of idealism versus pragmatism.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its intelligent and thought-provoking exploration of scientific ethics.

  • Ronald Colman's performance as the conflicted doctor was highly acclaimed.

  • Applauded for its mature and nuanced depiction of ambition and compromise.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this film is not readily available.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Actor for Ronald Colman.

Fun Fact

The film was based on the Sinclair Lewis novel of the same name, which was controversial for its critical portrayal of the medical establishment and pharmaceutical industry, and was a Pulitzer Prize winner (though Lewis refused the award).

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