The Young Doctors *** (1961, Fredric March, Ben Gazzara, Dick Clark, Ina Balin, Eddie Albert, Aline MacMahon, Edward Andrews, Arthur Hill, George Segal) – Classic Movie Review 11,298

‘Desires and Fears Screaming to Explode!’

Director Phil Karlson’s 1961 black and white film The Young Doctors stars Fredric March, Ben Gazzara, Dick Clark, Ina Balin and Eddie Albert, in this humdrum hospital drama adapted by Joseph Hayes from Arthur Hailey’s novel The Final Diagnosis.

Ben Gazzara plays young pathologist Dr David Coleman who clashes with his experienced department head pathologist Dr Joseph Pearson (Fredric March) over the treatment of pregnant Elizabeth Alexander (Phyllis Love) and the possible cancer of Gazzara’s girlfriend, student nurse Cathy Hunt (Ina Balin).

The classy acting by the talented group of performers playing interesting characters and Karlson’s efficient handling are a prescription for the recovery of the ailing, sickly script.

RIP George Segal (1934–2021).

It is George Segal’s feature film début, as Dr Howard.

Also in the cast are Aline MacMahon, Edward Andrews, Arthur Hill, George Segal, Rosemary Murphy, Barnard Hughes, Dick Burton, Joseph Bova, Matt Crowley and Dolph Sweet.

Ronald Reagan narrates.

This film is dedicated to the medical profession for its constant and devoted service to mankind.

Dr Joseph Pearson: ‘A pathologist is the one who examines the surgeon’s mistakes when it’s too late.’

The Young Doctors is directed by Phil Karlson, runs 100 minutes, is made by Millar/Turman Productions and Drexel Films, is released by United Artists, is written by Joseph Hayes, based on Arthur Hailey’s novel The Final Diagnosis, is shot in black and white by Arthur J Ornitz, is produced by Stuart Millar and Laurence Turman, and is scored by Elmer Bernstein.

© Derek Winnert 2021 Classic Movie Review 11,298

Check out more reviews on http://derekwinnert.com