Disputed Passage (1939)
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Idealism vs. Practicality is the Disputed Passage in this lavishly mounted soap opera. Based on a novel by Lloyd C. Douglas (The Robe, Magnificent Obsession) the film stars John Howard as young medical student John Wesley Beaven. In the course of his education, Beaven is torn between two philosophies: the cold pragmatism of Dr. Forster (Akim Tamiroff) and the humanistic attitudes of kindly Dr. Cunningham (William Collier Sr.), who of course is author Douglas' alter ego. The crisis within Beaven comes to a head when he must choose between his career and his impending marriage to Audrey Hilton (Dorothy Lamour). A literally explosive climax in war-torn China brings the story to a logical and satisfying solution. Kudos again to director Frank Borzage for bringing warmth and credibility to the most sloppily sentimental of storylines. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Complete Cast:
- Dorothy Lamour - Audrey Hilton
- John Howard - John Wesley Beaven
- William Collier, Sr. - Dr. William Cunningham
- Gordon Jones - Bill Anderson
- Elizabeth Risdon - Mrs. Cunningham
- William Pawley - Mr. Merkle
- Philip Ahn - Dr. Fung
- Paul MacWilliams - Doctor
- David Alison - Intern
- Kitty McHugh - Telephone Operator
- Paul England - Britisher
- Gaylord "Steve" Pendleton - Lawrence Carpenter
- Roger Gray - Gibson
- James B. Carson - Hotel clerk
- Akim Tamiroff - Dr. "Tubby" Forster
- Judith Barrett - Winifred Bane
- Victor Varconi - Dr. La Ferriere
- Keye Luke - Andrew Abbott
- Billy Cook - Johnny Merkle
- Renie Riano - Landlady
- Dorothy Adams - Nurse
- Joleen King - Nurse
- Gloria Williams - Nurse
- Patsy Mace - Nurse
- Charles Trowbridge - Dean
- Fay McKenzie - Nurse
- Richard Denning - Student
- Jack Chapin - Terrence Shane
- Director(s):
- Frank Borzage
- Writer(s):
- Anthony Veiller, Sheridan Gibney
- Producer(s):
- Harlan Thompson
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