Welsh actor and comedian Rob Brydon stars in The Best Of Men this evening, a new BBC drama that tells the story of Dr Ludwig Guttmann, the founder of the Paralympic movement.
Eddie Marsan as Dr Ludwig Guttmann and Rob Brydon as Corporal Wynne Bowen
Talented Jewish neurologist Dr Guttmann left Nazi Germany for England in 1939. In 1944 he was given the task of running the spinal injuries unit at Stoke Mandeville Hospital and against the odds transformed it into a place of hope and determination. Today it is one of the largest specialist spinal units in the world.
Guttmann used sport to help build physical strength, as well as self-respect, in his patients. His belief in sport aiding rehabilitation led to him holding the first national athletic event for disabled athletes in the summer of 1948, on the same day as the opening ceremony of the 1948 London Olympics.
Eddie Marsan plays Dr Guttmann in the drama, while Brydon portrays Corporal Wynne Bowen.
George McKay as Private William Heath and Brydon as Corporal Bowen
Bowen is a Welsh soldier with a large personality whose life is forever changed after he is paralysed and admitted to Stoke Mandeville under Guttmann's care.
Watch a preview clip from the programme, in which Bowen's resentment of Guttmann's treatment regime shines through:
Corporal Bowen (Rob Brydon), is resentful of Dr Guttmann's (Eddie Marsan) care regime
The Best Of Men is on BBC Two Wales and BBC HD tonight at 9pm, and will be available on the BBC iPlayer for seven days after trasmission.
Read an article on the BBC TV Blog by actor David Proud who also stars in the drama.
Brydon as Corporal Bowen
