The English Surgeon

Geoffrey Smith was nominated for a Directors Guild of America Award for helming this compelling PBS documentary profile of Dr. Henry Marsh, a British brain surgeon who has made it his mission to provide much-needed medical care in Ukraine, where he practices in a crowded, poorly equipped hospital, often alongside Dr. Igor Kurilets, a dedicated Ukrainian colleague. Marsh's involvement began during a visit to Kiev in 1992 that made him aware of the appalling local conditions, and his effort to save Ukrainian lives has continued despite what appears to be the determination of the nation's government and medical establishment to discourage the availability of quality healthcare for its citizens. A great deal of Marsh's inspiration springs from empathy and compassion—he notes that his own son required surgery, as a baby, to remove a brain tumor. Marsh has not grown rich from his career; indeed, he has self-financed much of his work, including the importation of medical equipment. The centerpiece of the film is one particular surgery to remove a young man's large tumor, and much of the footage is graphic as it shows how Marsh penetrates the skull to perform the operation. Despite working under stressful conditions (leavened by occasional joking banter between the two surgeons), Marsh remains both focused and indefatigable. The English Surgeon is a worthy tribute to his character and his accomplishments. Highly recommended. [Note: The English Surgeon is also available with public performance rights for $295 from The Cinema Guild (www.cinemaguild.com).] Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)