THE CITADEL
UK, 1938, 113 Minutes, Black and White.
Robert Donat, Rosalind Russell, Ralph Richardson, Emlyn Williams, Penelope Dudley, Francis L. Sullivan.
Directed by King Vidor.
The Citadel is a classic version of A.J. Cronin's novel. Directed by veteran King Vidor, who made such films as The Big Parade, Northwest Passage, Duel in the Sun and War and Peace, it came from a period when M.G.M. made films in England, e.g. A Yank at Oxford, Goodbye Mr. Chips. Robert Donat is at the peak of this career, having made such films as The Count of Monte Cristo and was about to make his Oscar-winning Goodbye Mr. Chips. Rosalind Russell is very subdued as the attractive heroine. There is a very strong supporting British cast, especially Ralph Richardson. Cronin has a lot to say about the medical profession, concern for the poor, snobbery and the desire for wealth. His message is still relevant even though couched in the atmosphere of the past. Other films from Cronin novels were Beyond this Place and The Spanish Gardener. Perhaps best known is the television series, Dr Finlay's Casebook. The Citadel is a rewarding film of the 30s.
1. The film is considered a classic of the 30s. Why? Film-making, photography, acting, treatment of themes, screenplay?
2. The work of A.J. Cronin and his insights into the world of medicine, the medical profession, the service of doctors and the public?
3. The significance of the title? The early references to it and a symbol for the ideals of medical dedication?
4. The theme of 'What does it profit a man to gain the whole world?' How well was this dramatised and illustrated?
5. The prologue and its comment on the critique of individuals, of some doctors (but not of the medical profession)? How just was the portrayal of doctors? The critique of those who exploited their profession, sponged from the rich, were incompetent?
6. The quality of the screenplay; the focus on particular incidents.. the next incident presupposing the previous one and what had gone in between incidents? The links between the various phases of Andrew Manson's career? Christine's reaction?
7. Robert Donat's performance as Andrew Manson? A complex character, a mixture of strengths and weaknesses? The initial impact in Wales, his skill and dedication as a doctor, his hesitation in helping Benny? His attack on Christine in the school and his exasperation about the villagers and isolation? The importance of his participation in the birth of Moran's child and his saving the child? The reasons for his deciding to help Benny? The blasting of the sewers? His impetuosity, his lack of being satisfied with ordinary things and his wanting more? A credible mixture of good and bad?
8. Rosalind Russell's performance as Christine? Seeing her in the school and her decisions about isolation? The consultation about the costs and Andrew's treatment of her? The discussion abut bike riding, the humour of the proposal? The marriage, the move from the town and the sharing of the house? Sharing his research and the bitterness of people's reaction against them? The arrival in London and the sharing of his hopes? Her reaction to his improvement in life? His leaving her at Orlando's as symbolic of what was to come? The gifts? Benny's arrival and her joy at seeing him again? The wealthy car? Benny's death and its repercussions? Her telling the truth to Andrew? Her support in the court case? A good woman, sincere and devoted wife and support?
9. Benny as an interesting catalyst? His odd remarks and behaviour at the beginning of the film? His friendship with Andrew? The blast and the results? His hopes for Andrew and his disillusionment upon his return? His drinking, telling the truth to Andrew? The pathos of his death? Andrew's reaction and waiting while Dr. Ivory did the operation? The use of Benny's voice as conscience on the bridge?
10. Andrew and his good days? His investigation on lung difficulties, treatment of the miners, participation in the life of the people, the accidents? Jenkins and his reaction at not getting a ticket? His leading the miners in their vandalism? The case and the hearing and Andrew's comments on it?
11. The accident of the hysterics and the shock? The encounter with his doctor friend? The meeting with Ivory, Gough? His presence at operations for the fee? Wealth, bets, golf? The world of medical abuse and the way it was presented? Absorbing his energies year after year? Taking him away from genuine research?
12. A change in him and his character? As symbolised by the car? Denny's vision and inviting Andrew to help and his refusal?
13. The repercussions of Denny's accident, being present at his death and accusing Ivory of incompetence? His decision to help the American researcher even though he was not qualified? His previous encounter and refusal to help? His decision to participate despite the professional risks?
14. The significance and drama of the court case, the content of the defence of himself and the medical profession?
15. An exploration of an individual and the meaning of his life, values and ambition? Themes of service and humanity, the betrayal of ideals? The optimism of the assertion of right?
