Undoubtedly more recognizable then than he is today, the now nearly forgotten Robert Donat's image highlights this ad. The main selling point, though, is the fact that it comes from a big name book. The presumption seems to be that one is already familiar with said book. If not, only the word "doctor" in the text hints that this is a medical drama. But even that doesn't reveal the British Isles setting thereof. The casting of Rosalind Russell doesn't help as she is not British. Althogh she'd already had a number of major film appearances prior to this, her greatest triumphs were still ahead of her, starting 2 years later with HIS GIRL FRIDAY.
The chameoeon-like Donat is probably best remembered for his roles in Hitchcock's 39 STEPS as well as for his Oscar-winning turn in the following year's GOODBYE MR. CHIPS.
King Vidor's name as director might have indicated to some that this was to be a heavy, message picture. Vidor, although an excellent filmmaker, was the Stanley Kramer of his day, specializing in "relevant" filmmaking.
The supporting cast list shows the always welcome Ralph Richardson and the young Rex Harrison. Rex could be a fun presence in films through the years but he is here still nearly 3 decades out from his surprising mid-life super-stardom that came via MY FAIR LADY and led to DR. DOLITTLE.
The book itself continues to sell to this day and was generally stocked when I was managing bookstores up through 2008.
Bottom line: It's a pretty ad, well-designed and eye-catching but not particularly informative. I think I'd have to pass.
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