A Man to Remember

A remake of 1933’s One Man’s Journey, A Man to Remember was the auspicious film directorial debut of Garson Kanin. Told in flashback from the vantage point of a funeral, the film details the life of small-town general practioner Doctor Abbott (Edward Ellis). Arriving in the town of Westport during WW1, Abbott continues to practice without fanfare–and with precious little appreciation from his patients–for the next two decades. Working behind the scenes, Abbott endeavors to prevent a budget-cutting move fomented by crooked politicians; and during a deadly polio epidemic, the ever-selfless Abbott performs far above and beyond the call of duty. At last recognized for the true humanitarian that he is, the doctor has little time to bask in this latter-day glory: shortly after the polio crisis, he dies of a sudden heart attack. Written by Dalton Trumbo, A Man to Remember was lensed in 15 days for a budget of less than $120,000. No matter: despite its humble “B” origins, the film was lauded by critics and moviegoers alike as one of RKO Radio’s best 1938 efforts., Moving account of the dedicated life of a country doctor. Well acted, directed.