Calling Dr. Kildare

Calling Dr. Kildare poster

Calling Dr. Kildare is a 1939 American film directed by Harold S. Bucquet. It is the second in a series of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) productions featuring Dr. Kildare, a character created by author Max Brand. This installment continues the story of young physician Dr. James Kildare, played by Lew Ayres, and his mentor Dr. Leonard Gillespie, portrayed by Lionel Barrymore. The film blends elements of drama and medical fiction, exploring the challenges and ethical dilemmas faced by medical professionals.

Plot

The story follows Dr. James Kildare as he navigates the complexities of hospital life and patient care at Blair General Hospital. In Calling Dr. Kildare, he becomes involved in a mysterious case involving a young woman and a gunshot wound, which leads him into the underbelly of the city. Despite the warnings of his superior, Dr. Gillespie, Kildare risks his career to save the patient and solve the mystery surrounding her injury.

Cast

• Lew Ayres as Dr. James Kildare
• Lionel Barrymore as Dr. Leonard Gillespie
• Laraine Day as Nurse Mary Lamont
• Nat Pendleton as Joe Wayman
• Lana Turner as Rosalie Lewett

Production

Calling Dr. Kildare was produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), with Harold S. Bucquet directing. The film is based on characters created by Max Brand for a series of popular stories. The success of the first film, Young Dr. Kildare (1938), led MGM to continue the series, highlighting the demand for medical dramas and the appeal of the Kildare character.

Reception

Upon its release, Calling Dr. Kildare was well-received by audiences, further cementing the popularity of the Dr. Kildare series. Critics praised the performances of Lew Ayres and Lionel Barrymore, as well as the film's engaging plot and its blend of drama and medical intrigue. The success of this film and its predecessors led to a total of nine sequels, making it one of MGM's most successful series of the era.

Legacy

The Dr. Kildare series, including Calling Dr. Kildare, played a significant role in shaping the medical drama genre in both cinema and television. The character of Dr. Kildare became a cultural icon, representing the ideals of the medical profession and the importance of compassion and integrity. The series also paved the way for future medical dramas and series, influencing the portrayal of doctors and hospitals in media.