Blandly translated for the English-language market as 'Forgotten Love', Znachor ('The Quack') is based on a hugely popular Polish prewar novel about a gifted and moral surgeon who is mugged after his wife has left him, presumed dead and wanders the country for 15 years stricken with amnesia, trying to remember even just his name. The one thing that he has not forgotten is his medical talent, and so he provides illicit care to the poor inhabitants of a rural village. Meanwhile, through a fantastical contrivance, his now adult daughter turns up in the same village to work at the inn. She then falls in love with the son of the domineering local countess and the course is set for a classic resolution, which can only be a happy ending.
Even when the novel was published in 1937, it would have been very old-fashioned in its themes and formulaic structure. It revolves entirely around social class and injustice, forbidden love and a fallen hero's quest, and would fit right into the milieu of the 19th century potboiler. Too many suspensions of disbelief are required. But besides that, it is beautifully shot, warmly humanistic and Leszek Lichota is a commanding presence as the doctor.
6/10
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