Doctor in Trouble

Doctor in Trouble FilmPoster

Doctor in Trouble is a British comedy film released in 1970, directed by Ralph Thomas and produced by Betty E. Box. It is the seventh and last of the Doctor series of films, based on the books by Richard Gordon. The film stars Leslie Phillips as Dr. Tony Burke, a character who finds himself embroiled in a series of comedic situations aboard a cruise ship. The cast also includes Harry Secombe, Robert Morley, and James Robertson Justice, reprising his role as Sir Lancelot Spratt.

Plot

The story follows Dr. Tony Burke (Leslie Phillips), who, after being mistaken for a stowaway, ends up on a cruise ship. Trying to return to England to propose to his girlfriend, Dr. Burke encounters various humorous obstacles. His journey is further complicated by the presence of his ex-girlfriend, played by Angela Scoular, and the formidable Sir Lancelot Spratt (James Robertson Justice), who also happens to be on board. The film is a mix of romantic entanglements and comedic misunderstandings, all set against the backdrop of the cruise ship and its eccentric passengers and crew.

Cast

• Leslie Phillips as Dr. Tony Burke
• Harry Secombe as Captain George Spratt
• Robert Morley as Major Proudfoot
• James Robertson Justice as Sir Lancelot Spratt
• Angela Scoular as Ophelia O'Brien
• Irene Handl as Mrs. Dailey
• Simon Dee as Simon Dee
• Graham Chapman as Roddy

Production

Doctor in Trouble was directed by Ralph Thomas and produced by Betty E. Box, marking the end of the popular Doctor series. The screenplay was written by Jack Davies and Gerald Thomas, adapting from the original books by Richard Gordon. The film's production took place in the United Kingdom, with scenes shot both on location and in studios, capturing the essence of the late 1960s and early 1970s British comedy.

Reception

Upon its release, Doctor in Trouble received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised its light-hearted comedy and performances, particularly those of Leslie Phillips and James Robertson Justice, others felt it was a weaker entry in the Doctor series. Despite the mixed critical reception, the film has maintained a cult following among fans of British comedies and the Doctor series.

Legacy

As the last film in the Doctor series, Doctor in Trouble holds a special place in British cinema history. It represents the end of an era for the genre of British comedic films that began in the 1950s. The series, known for its humorous take on the medical profession and British society, left a lasting impact on comedy films in the UK.