Dr. Ehrlich's Magic Bullet

( 1 )

Overview

Edward G. Robinson portrays real-life German medical researcher Paul Erlich, the man who discovered and perfected "Formula 606," the cure for syphilis. The world at large would prefer to treat the disease as though it does not exist, so Erlich spends most of his life underfunded and frustrated. A no-nonsense dowager Maria Ouspenskaya has faith in Erlich, however, and thus provides the necessary funds to develop Formula 606. Once the serum is released to the public, Erlich's reputation is threatened when a handful...
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Overview

Edward G. Robinson portrays real-life German medical researcher Paul Erlich, the man who discovered and perfected "Formula 606," the cure for syphilis. The world at large would prefer to treat the disease as though it does not exist, so Erlich spends most of his life underfunded and frustrated. A no-nonsense dowager Maria Ouspenskaya has faith in Erlich, however, and thus provides the necessary funds to develop Formula 606. Once the serum is released to the public, Erlich's reputation is threatened when a handful of syphilitics die, ostensibly as a result of the "cure." Brought up on criminal charges, Erlich is exonerated by his old colleague Dr. Von Behring Otto Kruger. Considered daring in its time for its exploration of a "taboo" subject, Dr. Erlich's Magic Bullet holds up as one of Warner Bros.' most solid biopics, with a convincing performance from a nearly unrecognizable Edward G. Robinson.
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Editorial Reviews

All Movie Guide - Richard Gilliam
Written by Norman Burnside, Heinz Herald, and John Huston, this biopic features one of the most literate screenplays of the 1940s. The film generates a sense of discovery and excitement as Erlich (Edward G. Robinson) and his research team gather around the microscope to view the dreaded virus that causes syphilis. The film is an anomaly in a couple areas: its reference to venereal disease was taboo in mainstream studio films, and the film's protagonist was German, a daring move for Warner Bros. given the U.S.'s growing disdain for Germany and its leader, Adolf Hitler. The film is aided by an unusually fine supporting cast, including notable turns by Ruth Gordon as Erlich's wife and Maria Ouspenskaya as his benefactor. Though Dr. Erlich was not Robinson's most famous role, many critics consider his work to be the high point of his career. Among the tech credits, the cinematography of James Wong Howe and the orchestral score of Max Steiner are both major assets.
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Product Details

  • Release Date: 8/4/2009
  • UPC: 883316119006
  • Original Release: 1940

    • Rating:

  • Source: Warner Archives
  • Presentation: Pan & Scan
  • Sound: Dolby Digital Mono
  • Language: English
  • Time: 1:43:00
  • Format: DVD
  • Sales rank: 55,711

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits
Edward G. Robinson Dr. Paul Ehrlich
Ruth Gordon Mrs. Ehrlich
Otto Kruger Dr. Emil Von Behring
Donald Crisp Minister Althoff
Maria Ouspenskaya Franziska Speyer
Albert Basserman Dr. Robert Koch
Montagu Love Prof. Hartmann
Sig Rumann Dr. Hans Wolfert
Donald Meek Mittlemeyer
Henry O'Neill Dr. Lentz
Edward Norris Dr. Morgenroth
Harry Davenport Judge
Louis Calhern Dr. Brockdorf
Louis Jean Heydt Dr. Kunze
Charles Halton Sensenbrenner
Irving Bacon Becker
Douglas Wood Speidler
Theodore Von Eltz Dr. Kraus
Hermine Sterler Miss Marquardt
Herbert Anderson Assistant
Louis Arco Dr. Bertheim
Egon Brecher Martl
Cliff Clark Haupt
John Hamilton Hirsch
Wilfred Hari Dr. Hata
Paul Harvey Defense Attorney
Ernst Hausman Hans Weisgart
Stuart Holmes Male Nurse
Frank Lackteen Arab Man
Torben Meyer Kadereit
Frank Reicher Old Doctor
Robert Strange Koerner
Ann E. Todd Marianne
Technical Credits
William Dieterle Director
Robert Burks Consultant/advisor, Special Effects
Norman Burnside Screenwriter
Heinz Herald Screenwriter
James Wong Howe Cinematographer
John Huston Screenwriter
Warren Low Editor
Wolfgang Reinhardt Producer
Max Steiner Score Composer
Hal B. Wallis Producer
Jack L. Warner Producer
Carl Jules Weyl Art Director
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Customer Reviews

Average Rating 5
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Sort by: Showing 1 Customer Review

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 20, 2003

    Extraordinary!!!!

    Edward G. Robinson has done a superb job acting out this role. This movie has definitely kept me glued to the screen. What solidifies the quality of old movies such as this one which is the fact that is based on a true story and because they had moral standards when they were created. No bare skin, no sexual innuendos, no foul language.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.
Sort by: Showing 1 Customer Review