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Arrowsmith

Play trailer Poster for Arrowsmith Released Dec 26, 1931 1h 48m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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89% Tomatometer 9 Reviews 43% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
In this adaptation of the acclaimed novel by Sinclair Lewis, Dr. Martin Arrowsmith (Ronald Colman) marries nurse Leora Tozer (Helen Hayes) and misses out on a position with the esteemed Prof. Max Gottlieb. When Swedish scientist Gustav Sondelius (Richard Bennett) invites Arrowsmith to help fight an outbreak of the bubonic plague in the West Indies, he must reconcile his desire for prestige and dedication to the scientific method with the needs of real people in pain.
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Arrowsmith

Critics Reviews

View All (9) Critics Reviews
María Luz Morales (Felipe Centeno) La Vanguardia (Spain) "Arrowsmith" profoundly moves the audience, by the mere virtue of the spirit that pulses in the narrative. [Full Review in Spanish] Feb 29, 2020 Full Review Raquel Stecher Out of the Past Even with its flaws Arrowsmith (1931) is a glorious Pre-Code film. It tackles a difficult subject, isn't afraid to experiment and there is a refreshing lack of racism. Mar 3, 2019 Full Review Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews Emotionally gratifying, it dramatically only crawls along with so many actionless scenes. Rated: B- Apr 1, 2007 Full Review Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com One of John Ford's in-depth probes of the doctor's role in society, Arrowsmith was based on the novel by Sinclair Lewis who refused the 1926 Pulitzer because of the prize's alleged advocacy of work that endorsed "the wholesome American life." Rated: B+ Jun 19, 2005 Full Review Jeffrey M. Anderson Combustible Celluloid Many shots show an early awareness of mood and expression, using heavy shadows and diagonal shapes to establish visual conflicts. Apr 11, 2005 Full Review David Nusair Reel Film Reviews ...the film's episodic structure ensures that it rarely becomes boring - though the story does lose some momentum towards the end... Rated: 2.5/4 Mar 12, 2005 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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ChrisCSH H Aerosmith is a refreshing look at the medical profession for its time. The characters are wholesome and professional throughout with some very good acting from Ronald Coleman. The film tackles, a very sensitive subjects for the time and is an overall interesting film. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/31/25 Full Review Mary C As a nurse, I was intrigued by the medical world of that time. Initially, you see the uniformed nurse on her knees scrubbing the floor because she was caught smoking. After she marries a doctor & they set out to help society. Eventually they travel to the Islands & are faced w bubonic plague. It's delightful to see their zest for helping others. There is also sadness witnessed in death. Splendid details seen in the movie & exciting to see island life. The actors were excellent. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/15/23 Full Review Louisa E I was so excited to finally find a copy of this movie. I love Ronald Coleman. Unfortunately, this movie bored me. I struggled with the accents of some characters. It was a tad too slow paced. The acting was brilliant in this movie, though. That was it's saving grace. Also the cinematography was superb. That said, I've found this year to be a bit below average with the quality of movies, so it rates in my top five at this point anyway. 7.2/10. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 05/08/23 Full Review Audience Member The film is only somewhat faithful to the novel, omitting Arrowsmith's womanizing and completely skipping all mention of his wealth self centered second wife. It is said Sam Goldwyn hired John Ford to direct on condition he not drink and he sped up filming at the expense of the plot and continuity to start drinking again. The film is good, with many plot holes. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/08/23 Full Review Frances H Although Coleman and Helen Hayes are both food actors and John ford is usually a very director, this film of one of my favorite books is just lacking something vital. I know the way that blacks are presented was the way white America thought of them then, but seeing it on screen is so very disturbing! That very much took away from any enjoyment I had of this film. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 09/06/20 Full Review steve d Really solid adaptation with good performances. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Arrowsmith

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Cast & Crew

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John Ford

Director

Ronald Colman

Dr. Martin Arrowsmith

Helen Hayes

Leora Arrowsmith

Richard Bennett

Gustav Sondelius

A.E. Anson

Professor Max Gottlieb

Clarence Brooks

Oliver Marchand

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Arrowsmith

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Movie Info

Synopsis In this adaptation of the acclaimed novel by Sinclair Lewis, Dr. Martin Arrowsmith (Ronald Colman) marries nurse Leora Tozer (Helen Hayes) and misses out on a position with the esteemed Prof. Max Gottlieb. When Swedish scientist Gustav Sondelius (Richard Bennett) invites Arrowsmith to help fight an outbreak of the bubonic plague in the West Indies, he must reconcile his desire for prestige and dedication to the scientific method with the needs of real people in pain.
Director
John Ford
Distributor
United Artists
Production Co
Howard Productions
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 26, 1931, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 27, 2020
Runtime
1h 48m
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