The Story of Louis Pasteur (1936)

Paul Muni is super in this early biopic of the visionary French scientist who was the first to discover microbial causes for anthrax and rabies - and to develop a vaccine. Building upon his previously successful efforts to preserve wine, he struggles - despite opposition from first his Emperor, then his President and, of course, the highly sceptical scientific community in both his native France and overseas, to make any real headway against a staggering degree of intellectual bigotry. Gradually, though, by proving his theories in practice - and saving the lives of both animals and people, the tide begins to turn. It's an impressive film to watch, this - there is much more of the science on display (and in the writing) - the use of imagery of the test tube slides, the practical testing on man and beasts alike as well as his own medical issues all feature strongly and Muni delivers very well. His associates - for and against - are well represented by an ensemble of efficient character actors and the film has a poignancy that isn't cluttered by sentiment. Muni got his one Oscar (out of 6 nominations) for this and it's easy to see why.