BasedonthetruestoryofCanadiandoctorNormanBethune,thisfilmtraceshislifefromhisbeginningswithhisdeeplyreligiousfamilyinOntario,throughhismedicalstudiesinschool,wherehedevelopedhisoverwhelmingcompassionforthoselessfortunate,andhisdrivingdesiretoseethattheygetthemedicalattentiontheyneed.MostofhislifeaftercollegewasspenteitherworkinginwarzonesaroundEuropeordevelopingnewtreatmenttechniquesinhishomecountry.Hediedin1939whileworkingwiththeChinesearmy,caringforbothsoldiersandciviliansintheirfightagainstJapan.