Dr. Finlay's Casebook

Dr Finlay's Casebook title card

Dr. Finlay's Casebook is a television series based on the novels of Scottish author A. J. Cronin. The series revolves around the practice of Dr. Finlay, a general practitioner in the fictional Scottish town of Tannochbrae during the late 1920s and early 1930s. The show was first broadcast on the BBC in 1962 and continued until 1971. It was created by Cronin as part of his larger body of work, which often explored themes of medicine, morality, and the human condition.

Plot

The series focuses on the professional and personal lives of Dr. Finlay, his senior partner Dr. Cameron, and their housekeeper, Janet. Dr. Finlay, fresh from his studies and training, returns to the small town of Tannochbrae to join Dr. Cameron's medical practice. The series explores the challenges they face in treating the town's residents, who suffer from various ailments and the limitations of medical practice at the time. It also delves into the social issues of the era, including poverty, prejudice, and the changing role of women.

Characters

• Dr. Finlay - The young, idealistic doctor who is the protagonist of the series. His modern methods and views often clash with those of his more traditional senior partner.
• Dr. Cameron - The senior partner in the practice, he is a father figure to Dr. Finlay and provides wisdom and experience, though he is sometimes resistant to new ideas.
• Janet - The housekeeper and receptionist for the doctors' practice, she is a pivotal character who provides support and often sage advice to the doctors and their patients.

Production

The series was notable for its high production values, including the use of authentic period costumes and settings that accurately depicted rural Scottish life in the 1920s and 1930s. The show was filmed in black and white, which added to its historical authenticity. The stories were a mix of directly adapted works from A. J. Cronin's novels and new tales written for the series that stayed true to the characters and settings Cronin had created.

Legacy

Dr. Finlay's Casebook is remembered fondly by audiences for its heartwarming stories, complex characters, and its portrayal of a bygone era. The series also had a significant impact on the portrayal of medical professionals on television, paving the way for future medical dramas. It remains a significant part of British television history and continues to be enjoyed by audiences through reruns and DVD releases.

See Also

• A. J. Cronin
• Medical drama
• BBC Television