Dr. Kildare

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Dr. Kildare is a fictional character who has appeared in various media since the 1930s. Created by Frederick Schiller Faust under the pen name Max Brand, Dr. Kildare is a young, idealistic physician who works in a large metropolitan hospital. The character has been featured in a series of films, radio programs, television series, and comic books.

History

Dr. Kildare first appeared in a series of pulp fiction stories written by Max Brand. The character quickly gained popularity, leading to a series of films produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) in the late 1930s and early 1940s. The films starred Lew Ayres as Dr. Kildare and Lionel Barrymore as his mentor, Dr. Leonard Gillespie.

Films

The Dr. Kildare film series began with Young Dr. Kildare in 1938. The success of the initial film led to a total of nine sequels, including Calling Dr. Kildare (1939), Dr. Kildare's Strange Case (1940), and Dr. Kildare's Victory (1942). The films were known for their blend of medical drama and personal stories, often focusing on the challenges faced by young doctors.

Radio

Dr. Kildare was also adapted into a popular radio series that aired from 1949 to 1951. The radio show featured Lew Ayres reprising his role as Dr. Kildare, with Lionel Barrymore also returning as Dr. Gillespie. The series followed a similar format to the films, with episodes focusing on medical cases and the personal lives of the characters.

Television

The character of Dr. Kildare was revived for television in the 1960s. The TV series Dr. Kildare aired on NBC from 1961 to 1966, starring Richard Chamberlain as Dr. James Kildare and Raymond Massey as Dr. Gillespie. The show was a significant success and helped to launch Chamberlain's career. It was known for its realistic portrayal of medical issues and its focus on the ethical dilemmas faced by doctors.

Comic Books

Dr. Kildare also appeared in a series of comic books published by Dell Comics in the 1960s. The comic book series was based on the television show and featured stories that combined medical drama with personal and ethical issues.

Legacy

Dr. Kildare has had a lasting impact on popular culture and has influenced many subsequent medical dramas. The character's blend of medical expertise and personal integrity has made him a beloved figure in American fiction.

See Also

• Medical drama
• Max Brand
• Lew Ayres
• Richard Chamberlain
• Lionel Barrymore
• Raymond Massey