Night Call Nurses

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Night Call Nurses

Night Call Nurses is a 1972 American exploitation film directed by Jonathan Kaplan. It is the third installment in the "nurses" cycle of films by Roger Corman, following The Student Nurses (1970) and Private Duty Nurses (1971). The film explores the lives and loves of a group of young nurses who deal with the personal and professional challenges of working in a Los Angeles hospital.

Plot

The narrative follows three young nurses, Janis, Barbara, and Sandra, who work the night shift at a busy hospital. Each nurse faces her own set of challenges: Janis gets involved with a drug-addicted patient, Barbara is stalked by a mysterious assailant, and Sandra seeks to break free from her domineering boyfriend. As they navigate their complex personal lives, they also have to deal with the demands of their profession, including caring for patients and handling emergencies. The film combines elements of drama, romance, and thriller, with a focus on the empowerment of the female protagonists.

Cast

• Patty Byrne as Janis
• Alana Collins as Barbara
• Mittie Lawrence as Sandra
• Clint Kimbrough as Dr. Bramlett
• Felton Perry as Jude
• Dick Miller as a patient

Production

Night Call Nurses was produced by Roger Corman's New World Pictures, a company known for its low-budget, high-profit exploitation films. Directed by Jonathan Kaplan, who was at the beginning of his career, the film was made to capitalize on the popularity of the nurse film genre of the early 1970s. Kaplan, under Corman's mentorship, was able to craft a film that was both commercially successful and critically noted for its attempt to blend exploitation elements with more serious themes.

Reception

Upon its release, Night Call Nurses received mixed reviews. Critics acknowledged the film's attempt to address serious issues such as drug addiction, sexual assault, and women's liberation, albeit within the constraints of the exploitation genre. The performances of the lead actresses were also praised for their sincerity and depth. However, some reviewers criticized the film for its exploitative elements, particularly its gratuitous sex and nudity, which were seen as undermining its more serious intentions.

Legacy

Night Call Nurses has since gained a cult following among fans of exploitation cinema and is considered a notable example of early 1970s American exploitation films. It is also recognized for its contribution to the development of the nurse film genre, which combined elements of social commentary with the conventions of exploitation cinema. The film's blend of drama, humor, and social critique has been re-evaluated by contemporary critics, who have noted its influence on later films in the genre.

See Also

• Exploitation film
• Roger Corman
• Jonathan Kaplan
• The Student Nurses
• Private Duty Nurses