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Dr. Ehrlich's Magic Bullet

Play trailer Poster for Dr. Ehrlich's Magic Bullet Released Feb 23, 1940 1h 43m Biography Play Trailer Watchlist
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The German scientist Dr. Paul Ehrlich (Edward G. Robinson) makes remarkable advancements in the field of medical diagnostics with his research in cellular staining with dyes. His work results in new knowledge about tuberculosis, but also leads to his contraction of the disease. He travels to Egypt, where he investigates diptheria and earns more accolades. Eventually his research in treating diseases leads to the development of a "magic bullet" treatment for syphilis.

Critics Reviews

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Matthew Sorrento Film International (Robinson's Dr. Ehrlich) accumulates knowledge much like an investigator, for him an oppositional role he'd later take for Wilder in Double Indemnity. Rated: 10/10 Jan 30, 2014 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Steve D The script isn't much but the story is engaging and Robinson might give his best performance. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 05/25/23 Full Review Russ Edward G. Robinson playing against type in this competently made if melodramatic bio-pic. The science is dumbed down but the 1940 audience was probably dumber than even today's if that's possible. The script is sprinkled with hints of the racism that took hold in Germany in the 30's even though a good deal of the story line is set decades earlier than the Nazi takeover. Mr. Robinson probably had to take the role under studio contract but gives a good performance. If you want to see what is arguably his best, and unfortunately last, performance see him as another scientist, the fictional "Saul" in "Soylent Green." He was also darn good in The Cincinnati Kid seven years earlier. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member This is a absolute must watch. i think this is one of the greatest films of all time. a true masterpiece. a rare gem. Edward g Robinson best movie. a great supporting cast. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/06/23 Full Review Audience Member Great movie....I loved it. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/11/23 Full Review Audience Member The best inspiring movie ever made! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/26/23 Full Review Audience Member Well made if a tad stodgy bio-pic that has a great performance at it's center by Edward G. Robinson. How is it possible this man was never even nominated for an Academy Award? Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Dr. Ehrlich's Magic Bullet

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Cast & Crew

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William Dieterle

Director

Edward G. Robinson

Dr. Paul Ehrlich

Ruth Gordon

Mrs. Ehrlich

Otto Kruger

Dr. Emil Von Behring

Donald Crisp

Minister Althoff

Maria Ouspenskaya

Franziska Speyer
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Dr. Ehrlich's Magic Bullet

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Movie Info

Synopsis The German scientist Dr. Paul Ehrlich (Edward G. Robinson) makes remarkable advancements in the field of medical diagnostics with his research in cellular staining with dyes. His work results in new knowledge about tuberculosis, but also leads to his contraction of the disease. He travels to Egypt, where he investigates diptheria and earns more accolades. Eventually his research in treating diseases leads to the development of a "magic bullet" treatment for syphilis.
Director
William Dieterle
Producer
Jack L. Warner, Hal B. Wallis
Distributor
Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co
Warner Brothers/Seven Arts
Genre
Biography
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Feb 23, 1940, Original
Release Date (DVD)
Aug 4, 2009
Runtime
1h 43m