Based on the true story of Canadian doctor Norman Bethune, this film traces his life from his beginnings with his deeply religious family in Ontario, through his medical studies in school, where he developed his overwhelming compassion for those less fortunate, and his driving desire to see that they get the medical attention they need. Most of his life after college was spent either working in war zones around Europe or developing new treatment techniques in his home country.
Acting
Sutherland's full-body commitment to Bethune's chaotic idealism.
Production
Made-for-TV budget stretched into respectable period detail.
Director
Eric Till
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Sutherland was so obsessed with Bethune he spent years trying to make a larger biopic—this TV movie was his consolation prize.
In China, Bethune remains a national hero taught in schools; this Canadian production barely made a ripple at home.
CA
US
