DISPUTED PASSAGE,

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 10, 11 July 1940, Page 18

DISPUTED PASSAGE,

The dramatic conflicts concealed behind the stern and sterile features of young men of medicine—their loves and glories, enmities a . failures—comprise the provocative theme of "Disputed Passage," which Paramount announces as an early release in Wellington. Based on the best-selling Lloyd C. Douglas novel, the picture presents Akim Tamiroff, Dorothy Lamour, and Jonn Howard in top roles. "Disputed Passage," like previous Douglas stories, is ideally suited for screen adaptation. Just as his "Magnificent Obsession" and "Green Light"- made perfect vehicles for the cinema in that they offered three-dimensional characterisations in exciting settings, so "Disputed Passage" will bring to moviegoers a scrutinising and moving study of doctors' problems. Dorothy Lamour is given her first really big dramatic role, that of an American girl, born in the Orient, who is brought up by Chinese foster parents when her true parents have died. She meets and falls in love with Howard, a brilliant young surgeon and protege of Tamiroff, who plays a world-renowned medical professor and neurological surgeon. Tamiroff, who has been the young doctor's inspiration and guiding star, is a stubborn, vitriolic professor, worshipping science as a god. Human emotions count for nothing with him. "There is a standing - -ward," he states, "to anyone who can find the human soul." Hearing of Howard's contemplated marriage and convinced that it will ruin a great career, Tamiroff explains his belief to the girl and persuades her his opinion is correct. She sails for China and resumes her work at the battlefront. "Disputed Passage" was directed by Frank Bprzage, who has piloted such previous screen masterpieces as "Farewell to Arms," and the more recent "Three Comrades."