Question 1

Why were most of Myrna Loy's scenes cut from Arrowsmith?

Accepted Answer

Censorship at the time meant that the subplot of Arrowsmith's liaison with another woman while still married led to most of Myrna Loy's scenes being drastically cut. About 10 minutes are still missing despite restoration efforts.

Question 2

What groundbreaking portrayal did Arrowsmith feature for Black characters in early sound film?

Accepted Answer

It was the first American sound film to feature a Black character (Dr. Oliver Marchand, played by Clarence Brooks) with a university degree who speaks perfect English, does not shuffle, and avoids stereotypical depictions.

Question 3

How did John Ford describe working with Ronald Colman on Arrowsmith?

Accepted Answer

Ford said Colman was already cast when he joined Goldwyn, they were friends, and Colman was a superb actor who did everything easily. Ford considered him the greatest actor he ever knew, noting Colman never played drunken scenes or grew a beard for awards.

Question 4

What condition did Samuel Goldwyn impose on John Ford for directing Arrowsmith?

Accepted Answer

Goldwyn insisted Ford lay off the booze during the shoot. Ford complied but shot at an increased pace, eliminating scenes he felt didn't add anything, leaving Helen Hayes mystified that some of her scenes weren't shot.

Question 5

How old was Ronald Colman when he played the idealistic young student doctor Martin Arrowsmith?

Accepted Answer

Ronald Colman was 40 years old when he took on the role of idealistic young student doctor Martin Arrowsmith.

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Arrowsmith

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