Dr. Ehrlich's Magic Bullet Reviews

Another entry in the superb series of Warner Bros. historical biographies, and alongside the same director's THE LIFE OF EMILE ZOLA, the best of them. By even mentioning the subject of venereal disease, this splendid saga also merits pride of place in any history of Hollywood. Robinson is positively electric in a role quite unlike the types he usually played, that of gentle yet determined research scientist Dr. Paul Ehrlich. Unable to fit into the conservative routine of a Berlin hospital, painfully honest with his patients, Dr. Ehrlich finally finds his niche on the staff of respected physician Dr. Robert Koch (Basserman). Although his experiments cause him to contract TB, Ehrlich's ever-fertile mind first grasps a theory of poison immunity while he recovers from his illness in Egypt. Returning to Germany, Ehrlich must face shortsighted grant agencies and even a court of law while implementing his treatments for syphillis and childhood diphtheria, but the good doctor's steadfastness eventually wins the day. Beautifully directed by ace studio craftsman Dieterle, the detailed, Oscar-nominated screenplay (using information from Ehrlich's family) manages to turn meticulous scientific research into absorbing subject matter. Robinson convincingly ages over 35 years during the film, bringing warmth and idiosyncrasy to a challenging role. Among a great supporting cast, Kruger and Basserman are particularly fine. Gordon, however, though sweet and likable as Ehrlich's supportive wife, brings little to the role which suggests her legendary stage reputation.