The Citadel (1938)

Andrew Manson, a young, enthusiastic doctor takes his first job in a Welsh mining town, and begins to wonder at the persistent cough many of the miners have. When his attempts to prove its ... See full summary »

Director:

King Vidor

Writers:

Ian Dalrymple (screenplay), Frank Wead (screenplay),

Stars:

Robert Donat, Rosalind Russell, Ralph Richardson

Nominated for 4 Oscars. Another 3 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Robert Donat	...	Andrew
Rosalind Russell	...	Christine
Ralph Richardson	...	Denny
Rex Harrison	...	Dr. Lawford
Emlyn Williams	...	Owen
Penelope Dudley-Ward	...	Toppy LeRoy (as Penelope Dudley Ward)
Francis L. Sullivan	...	Ben Chenkin (as Francis Sullivan)
Mary Clare	...	Mrs. Orlando
Cecil Parker	...	Charles Every
Nora Swinburne	...	Mrs. Thornton
Edward Chapman	...	Joe Morgan
Athene Seyler	...	Lady Raebank
Felix Aylmer	...	Mr. Boon
Joyce Bland	...	Nurse Sharp
Percy Parsons	...	Mr. Stillman

Storyline

Andrew Manson, a young, enthusiastic doctor takes his first job in a Welsh mining town, and begins to wonder at the persistent cough many of the miners have. When his attempts to prove its cause are thwarted, he moves to London. His new practice does badly. But when a friend shows him how to make a lucrative practice from rich hypochondriacs, it will take a great shock to show him what the truth of being a doctor really is.

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Plot Keywords:

miner | cough | medical | wales | tuberculosis | 

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Taglines:

Secrets of a doctor as told by a doctor!

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

29 October 1938 (USA)

Also Known As:

La ciudadela

Filming Locations:

Abertillery, Blaenau Gwent, Wales, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer British Studios

Technical Specs

Runtime:

110 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Elizabeth Allan was announced as leading lady, and sued M.G.M. when she was replaced by Rosalind Russell

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Connections

Version of The Citadel (1983)

User Reviews

A Moving Film of Medicine and Morals

A morality tale of medicine, this film brilliantly illustrates the plight of a doctor who truly cares for healing the sick -- yet even finds his patients to be dishonest. Robert Donat is superb in his transformation from a good doctor to a money making doctor for the rich. Roselyn Russell compliments his performance with her own emotional struggle, as she watches her husband all but lose his heart. Brilliant direction from early veteran director King Vidor gives this film a worthy place in film history. This is a must see for any doctor -- IMHO.