The Citadel

  • 1938
  • NR
  • 110m
movieMx RATING
6.4
32
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
The Citadel poster
The Citadel backdrop
🖼️PHOTOS14🎬VIDEOS0
Drama Romance

Andrew Manson, a young, idealistic, newly qualified Scottish doctor arrives in Wales takes his first job in a mining town, and begins to wonder at the persistent cough many of the miners have. When his attempts to prove its cause are thwarted, he moves to London. His new practice does badly. But when a friend shows him how to make a lucrative practice from rich hypochondriacs, it will take a great shock to show him what the truth of being a doctor really is.

DirectorKing Vidor
StarsRobert Donat • Rosalind Russell • Ralph Richardson
🎯 Hit or Flop? ⚡ Visual Story 📖 Story Analysis 🤔 Worth Watching? 🎬 Ending Explained 👨‍👩‍👧 Parents Guide 📺 Watch Online
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The Citadel Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict

Last updated: April 10, 2026

movieMx Editorial
📅 Updated: April 10, 2026 🎟️ Verified Screening

Movie Overview: The Citadel

MovieThe Citadel
Release Year1938
DirectorKing Vidor
GenreDrama / Romance
Runtime110 minutes
LanguageEN

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is The Citadel (1938) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.

🎭 Cast & Character Study

The performances in The Citadel are led by Robert Donat . The supporting cast, including Rosalind Russell and Ralph Richardson , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.

💡 movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?

After analyzing the verified data, our assessment of The Citadel (1938) is mixed. It has its moments but fails to leave a lasting impression. With a platform rating of 6.4/10, it currently stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our database.

✅ What Works in the Movie

While The Citadel does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Drama films.

  • Interesting concept or premise
  • Some entertaining scenes
  • Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights

❌ What Doesn't Work

Despite its strengths, The Citadel has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.

  • Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
  • Some predictable plot developments
  • May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase

Story & Plot Summary: The Citadel

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1938, The Citadel is a Drama, Romance film directed by King Vidor. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Robert Donat.

Read Full Story Analysis & Plot Breakdown →

Ending Explained: The Citadel

The Citadel Ending Explained: Directed by King Vidor, The Citadel wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core drama themes developed throughout the film.

The emotional resolution focuses on the transformation of its main characters, particularly in scenes involving Robert Donat. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.

Key Elements of the Ending

  • Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
  • Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
  • Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the drama themes introduced earlier in the film.

The final moments of The Citadel reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.

Read Complete Ending & Twist Breakdown →

Who Should Watch The Citadel?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of Robert Donat or the director
  • Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
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Top Cast: The Citadel

All Cast & Crew →
Robert Donat
Character: Dr. Andrew Manson
Robert DonatDr. Andrew Manson
Rosalind Russell
Character: Christine Manson
Rosalind RussellChristine Manson
Ralph Richardson
Character: Dr. Philip Denny
Ralph RichardsonDr. Philip Denny
Rex Harrison
Character: Dr. Frederick Lawford
Rex HarrisonDr. Frederick Lawford
Emlyn Williams
Character: Owen
Emlyn WilliamsOwen
Penelope Dudley-Ward
Character: Toppy LeRoy
Penelope Dudley-WardToppy LeRoy
Francis L. Sullivan
Character: Ben Chenkin
Francis L. SullivanBen Chenkin
Mary Clare
Character: Mrs. Orlando
Mary ClareMrs. Orlando
Cecil Parker
Character: Dr. Charles Every
Cecil ParkerDr. Charles Every
Nora Swinburne
Character: Mrs. Thornton
Nora SwinburneMrs. Thornton
Edward Chapman
Character: Joe Morgan
Edward ChapmanJoe Morgan
Athene Seyler
Character: Lady Raebank
Athene SeylerLady Raebank
Felix Aylmer
Character: Mr. Boon
Felix AylmerMr. Boon
Joyce Bland
Character: Nurse Sharp
Joyce BlandNurse Sharp
Percy Parsons
Character: Mr. Stillman
Percy ParsonsMr. Stillman
Dilys Davies
Character: Mrs. Page
Dilys DaviesMrs. Page
Basil Gill
Character: Doctor Page
Basil GillDoctor Page
Joss Ambler
Character: Dr. A.H. Llewellyn
Joss AmblerDr. A.H. Llewellyn
Cameron Hall
Character: Man Who Buys Microscope (uncredited)
Cameron HallMan Who Buys Microscope (uncredited)
Bryan Herbert
Character: Husband Whose Wife Has Typhoid (uncredited)
Bryan HerbertHusband Whose Wife Has Typhoid (uncredited)
David Keir
Character: Mr. Wickes (uncredited)
David KeirMr. Wickes (uncredited)
Joan Kemp-Welch
Character: Nurse Assisting at Childbirth (uncredited)
Joan Kemp-WelchNurse Assisting at Childbirth (uncredited)
Eliot Makeham
Character: Jack the Pharmacist (uncredited)
Eliot MakehamJack the Pharmacist (uncredited)
Elliott Mason
Character: District Nurse (uncredited)
Elliott MasonDistrict Nurse (uncredited)
Gus McNaughton
Character: Tom Evans (uncredited)
Gus McNaughtonTom Evans (uncredited)
Bernard Miles
Character: Medical Aid Society Committee Member (uncredited)
Bernard MilesMedical Aid Society Committee Member (uncredited)
Leslie Phillips
Character: Girl (uncredited)
Leslie PhillipsGirl (uncredited)
Kynaston Reeves
Character: Doctor (uncredited)
Kynaston ReevesDoctor (uncredited)
Harry Terry
Character: Miner (uncredited)
Harry TerryMiner (uncredited)
Ben Williams
Character: Evan Lewis (uncredited)
Ben WilliamsEvan Lewis (uncredited)
D.J. Williams
Character: Old Thomas (uncredited)
D.J. WilliamsOld Thomas (uncredited)
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Where to Watch The Citadel Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

🏷️ Buy on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

Availability might vary by region. Check The Citadel on these digital platforms for the latest catalog status.

Full Streaming Guide & OTT Status →View on TMDB →

The Citadel Parents Guide & Age Rating

1938 Advisory
NR

Official Age Rating

Wondering about The Citadel age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

The Citadel is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains romantic content.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of The Citadel is 110 minutes (1h 50m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.4/10, and global performance metrics, The Citadel is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1938 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for The Citadel. Rating: 6.4/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Citadel worth watching?

The Citadel is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.4/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find The Citadel parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for The Citadel identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of The Citadel?

The total duration of The Citadel is 110 minutes, which is approximately 1h 50m long.

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How The Citadel Compares & Where it Ranks

🎯 The Citadel Hit or Flop? ⭐ Is The Citadel Worth Watching? 🎬 The Citadel Ending Explained 📖 The Citadel Story Analysis 📰 The Citadel Real Story vs Reel 📺 Where to Watch The Citadel ⚖️ The Citadel vs Similar Movies 🎭 Best Drama Movies 🎭 Best Romance Movies

Critic Reviews for The Citadel

No reviews found for this filter.

🛡️

movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Useful Links

Latest Movie Reviews→New OTT Releases→Global Hit-or-Flop Verdicts→Is it Worth Watching? Guide→Best Hollywood Movies→Is The Citadel Worth Watching?→The Citadel Box Office Verdict→The Citadel Collection & Budget→Where to Watch The Citadel Online→The Citadel Story Analysis→The Citadel Ending Explained→The Citadel Real Story vs Reel→The Citadel Visual Story→More Drama Movies→More Romance Movies→Robert Donat Movies & Hits→Trending Movies This Week→
Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.4
The Citadel
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