Superior drama, effectively recounting Donat's progress from innocent idealism through corrupted morals and back, just in time for the movie climax. Based on a best-selling contemporary novel, the movie plays almost inevitably episodically but the tale is well told in "rise, fall and rise again" fashion, reaching a suitably noble climax as Robert Donat rediscovers his true self and at the same time rekindles the dying love of his wife Rosalind Russell. The contrasts between the poor living conditions of the working class Welsh village he initially serves to the opulence of the high - society aristocrats who seduce his ideals (largely out on the golf - course) are well brought out by director Vidor but above all else he's aided by a top cast on top form. Donat effortlessly moves from youthful high hopes (and spirits!) in the company of Ralph Richardson (especially the drunken comedic scene where they blow up the sewers to ward off a typhoid risk) to lazy disaffectation, in the company of the ever - urbane Rex Harrison with equal elan. Although his role is speechy at times, he is always convincing and believable. The afore - mentioned Messrs Richardson & Harrison show their already established talents in contrasting roles and Russell is youthfully radiant as his supportive wife. Illness was to deprive Donat of making the most of his talents, but just consider the disparate movies he adorned of those he managed - "Goodbye Mr Chips", "The Thirty Nine Steps" and right at the end of his life "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness". That he shines in the artistic company which surrounds him here is further testimony to an underrated talent.
Review of The Citadel
