The genre known as 'Genius' film, depicting the lives of those who have made an indelible mark on history, is eminently suited to the achievements of medical scientists whose brilliance, dedication and determination have triumphed over adversity to the betterment of mankind.
Directed by Hans Steinhoff, this splendid biopic of Dr. Robert Koch, renowned as the founder of Bacteriology, is said to be Germany's answer to Hollywood's 'Louis Pasteur', the director of which, William Dieterle, also made 'Dr. Erlich's Magic Bullet' starring the inimitable Edward G. Robinson and featuring a brief appearance by Albert Basserman as Dr. Koch.
The effectiveness of films of this type lies in the obstacles these pioneers have to overcome in pursuit of their life-changing discoveries and here the Koch of Emil Jannings is up against the powerful Berliner scientist, Reichstag deputy and Privy councillor Rudolf Virchow played by Werner Krauss. When, in March 1884 Koch announces to the Physiological Society Conference his discovery that Tuberculosis is an infectious disease and not hereditary, the previously sceptical Virchow finally acknowledges Koch's achievement and the final duologue between these two magnificent but since 'demonised' actors is a real treat.
Cinematography is by Fritz Arno Wagner, famous for his classic collaborations with Pabst and Murnau and who decided to remain in Germany during the war.
Billy Wilder referred to Hans Steinhoff as 'a talentless idiot' but this viewer has not yet seen a film of his that he has not enjoyed.
He also directed Jannings in the excellent 'Der Alte und der Junge Koenig' whilst the inflammatory nature of their last collaboration 'Ohm Krueger' proved to be the final nail in Janning's career. Although Krauss continued working after the required period of denazification, he never shook off the stigma of collaboration and died in obscurity. As for Steinhoff, he was aboard a plane leaving Berlin which was shot down by the Russians.
When watching films made during the Third Reich it is of course essential to have one's moral compass handy and this certainly applies to those of Herr Steinhoff! It must be said however that Dr. Koch's story is one that needed to be told and it has been done so here in tasteful and exemplary fashion.
