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Plot

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.
MPAA Rating:
Not Yet Rated
Genre(s):
Drama
Run Time:
103min.
DVD Release Date:
08/04/2009
Director(s):
William Dieterle
Starring:
Edward G. Robinson , Ruth Gordon , Otto Kruger , Donald Crisp , Maria Ouspenskaya
Themes:
Fighting the System,Finding the Cure,Doctors and Patients
Tone:
Earnest,Matter-of-Fact,Reflective,Talky,Rousing
Keywords:
Germany,career,chronicle,committee,court [law],criminal,cure,diner,diphtheria,disease,doctor/nurse,employment,experiment,fame,formula,government,health,help,hospital,life,loot,man,medical,organization,partner,patient [medical],poison,public,release,reputation,research,respect,scientist,serum,syphilis,theory,triumph
Language:
English