"The Citadel" Is Released

The Citadel is a 1938 film based on the novel by A. J. Cronin, first published in 1937.

The film was directed by King Vidor and produced by Victor Saville. Robert Donat stars as the idealistic Dr. Andrew Manson who is dedicated to treating Welsh miners suffering from tuberculosis. Initially, he is full of lofty goals, though his purpose erodes when he begins treating aristocratic London patients. Rosalind Russell stars as Christine, the good doctor's wife, who tries to set him back on the righteous path.

It was nominated for Oscars in 4 categories: Best Picture, Best Actor (Robert Donat), Direction, and Adapted Screenplay.

The film won the Best Picture Award from both the New York Film Critics Circle and the National Board of Review. It is a New York Times Critics' Pick and is also listed in The New York Times Guide to the Best 1,000 Movies Ever Made. ‎

Robert Donat stars as Dr. Andrew Manson in this adaptation of A.J. Cronin's best-selling novel. Manson devotes himself to treating the residents of a poverty-stricken Welsh mining community. Tuberculosis runs rampant in the village, and Manson is determined to help stem its tide and bring good health back to people who desperately need it. Through a series of unforeseen circumstances, Manson eventually leaves the community and begins working out of London, where he looks after wealthy hypochondriacs who don't really need his services but are willing to pay from them. While Manson gains money and prestige, he has turned his back on his friends, his wife (Rosalind Russell), and the people who need him most in the process. To give the film a more realistic "English" atmosphere, MGM shot The Citadel at their British studios, although they did import an American director (King Vidor) and leading lady (Russell) for the occasion. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide