Paul Ehrlich isn't the hero type. Yet, using intellect and compassion as weapons, Ehrlich is the greatest of heroes ' one who conquers disease and prejudice and save tens of thousands of lives. Tuberculosis. Diphtheria. Syphilis. Ehrlich's work led to medical breakthroughs in each. But other foes blocked his battle against the last of these plagues: scientists who naysayed his progressive formulations. Edward G. Robinson portrays Ehrlich, his favorite role in a long career. And William Dieterle directs this work that breaks the era's taboos and stands alongside ' perhaps eclipses ' his The Story of Louis Pasteur and The Life of Emile Zola.