The Carey Treatment

Thecareytreatmentposter

The Carey Treatment is a 1972 American crime film directed by Blake Edwards. It stars James Coburn as Dr. Peter Carey, a pathologist who moves to Boston and gets involved in a murder investigation when his friend is accused of performing an illegal abortion that leads to a patient's death. The film is based on the novel A Case of Need written by Michael Crichton under the pseudonym Jeffrey Hudson. It explores themes of medical ethics, abortion, and the complexities of the legal system in the context of the early 1970s.

Plot

Dr. Peter Carey, a pathologist with a strong sense of justice, starts working at a prominent Boston hospital. Shortly after his arrival, a friend and colleague is accused of performing an illegal abortion that results in the death of the daughter of a prominent hospital administrator. Despite facing opposition from the hospital's establishment and the legal system, Carey decides to investigate the case to uncover the truth and prove his friend's innocence. His quest leads him into a web of corruption, ethical dilemmas, and legal battles, reflecting the societal tensions surrounding abortion and medical ethics of the time.

Cast

• James Coburn as Dr. Peter Carey
• Jennifer O'Neill as Georgia Hightower
• Pat Hingle as Captain Pearson
• Michael Blodgett as David Tao
• Elizabeth Allen as Nurse Teresa
• Dan O'Herlihy as Dr. J.D. Randall

Production

Directed by Blake Edwards, The Carey Treatment was adapted from the novel A Case of Need. The film's production involved adapting the complex medical and legal issues presented in the book into a cinematic narrative that would engage audiences while also provoking thought about the controversial issues it addresses. The setting in Boston and the focus on the medical community add to the film's atmosphere, creating a backdrop that emphasizes the ethical and moral dilemmas faced by the characters.

Reception

Upon its release, The Carey Treatment received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the film for its engaging plot and James Coburn's performance, while others criticized it for not fully exploring the ethical issues at its core. Despite the mixed critical reception, the film has gained a following over the years, particularly among fans of Blake Edwards and James Coburn, as well as those interested in films that address medical ethics and legal issues.

Themes

The film delves into several significant themes, including medical ethics, the legality of abortion, and the conflict between personal morality and the law. It reflects the societal debates and tensions of the early 1970s, a time when the issue of abortion was highly contentious in the United States. The Carey Treatment challenges the audience to consider the complexities of these issues, presenting a narrative that questions the boundaries of legal and ethical responsibilities in the medical profession.

Legacy

While not one of Blake Edwards' most well-known films, The Carey Treatment is notable for its exploration of themes that remain relevant today. It offers a snapshot of the early 1970s societal attitudes towards abortion and medical ethics, serving as a cultural artifact that captures the complexities of the era's legal and moral debates.