Arrowsmith Blu-ray Review
“Arrowsmith” is a quality drama.
Based on the award-winning Sinclair Lewis novel, 1931’s “Arrowsmith” is a feature film adaptation penned by screenwriter Sidney Howard. The story centers around Martin Arrowsmith- an ambitious man who vows to become a science researcher. Alas, life gets in the way of his dreams and he pivots after meeting a nurse (Leora). The two end up marrying and venture to South Dakota where the two initially open a private practice. After some time, the couple travel to New York where Martin resumes research before he learns about a bubonic plague outbreak in the West Indies. Martin sees this as an opportunity to try out a new antidote he has concocted with the hopes of stopping the plague from spreading. As noble as his intentions are, his new quest may end up causing him to lose much in the process.
In the pantheon of John Ford films, “Arrowsmith” doesn’t come up a whole lot despite being nominated for 5 Academy Awards including Best Picture. As a pre-code Hollywood film, it may lack the scope and grandeur of his later work, but this tragic drama is nothing if not deep.
One might say “Arrowsmith” is a sanitized version of the novel that is in a constant state of hurry and overstuffed with ideas. Those criticisms are certainly valid and truthful, but Ford’s film still manages to work in spite of those flaws. While Martin’s character journey is a fascinating exploration of a man who is torn between love and career aspirations, it’s the larger themes of morality and science that carry weight here. Without delving into spoilers, seeing what Martin achieves and loses in his tireless efforts to help others in the name of science delivers many big thought provoking questions. Everything comes with a cost as Martin learns which makes the story all the more impactful.
The film is served quite well by the cast with lead Ronald Colman doing a lot of the heavy lifting. Not only does he have a charming chemistry with Helen Hayes, but he gives a very dedicated and believable performance that drives the narrative. Other standouts here include Myrna Loy, Richard Bennett, and A.E. Anson.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.37:1 1080p. How does it look? The digital restoration may not be the most glamorous around (especially compared to other Warner Archive releases), but the image is noticeably sharper which is what counts.
Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Viewers can expect a nice clean audio track.
The lone extra is a 1937 Lux Radio Theater radio drama adaptation featuring Spencer Tracy and Fay Wray. Always love to see these included.
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