The Interns (film)

Poster of the movie The Interns

The Interns is a 1962 American drama film directed by David Swift and starring Cliff Robertson, Buddy Ebsen, Nick Adams, and Stefanie Powers. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Richard Frede and follows the lives of a group of young interns at a large metropolitan hospital, highlighting their professional and personal challenges.

Plot

The story revolves around a group of new medical interns at a busy city hospital. The film explores their intense work environment, the pressures of the medical profession, and the impact on their personal lives. The main characters include Dr. John Paul Otis (played by Cliff Robertson), who struggles with the demands of his profession and his personal life; Dr. Sid Lackland (played by Nick Adams), who faces ethical dilemmas; and Dr. Lew Worship (played by James MacArthur), who deals with the challenges of patient care and hospital politics. The interns navigate through various medical cases, relationship issues, and the harsh realities of the healthcare industry, learning valuable lessons along the way.

Cast

• Cliff Robertson as Dr. John Paul Otis
• Buddy Ebsen as Dr. Sidney Wohl
• Nick Adams as Dr. Sid Lackland
• Stefanie Powers as Nurse Gloria Mead
• James MacArthur as Dr. Lew Worship
• Telly Savalas as Dr. Dominic Riccio
• Michael Callan as Dr. Alec Considine
• Haya Harareet as Lisa Cardigan

Production

The film was directed by David Swift, known for his work on both television and film. The screenplay was adapted from Richard Frede's novel, which provided a candid look at the lives of interns in a hospital setting. The production aimed to capture the essence of the medical profession, with a focus on the personal growth and challenges faced by the interns.

Reception

Upon its release, The Interns received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the film for its realistic portrayal of the medical field and the performances of the cast, while others criticized it for its melodramatic elements. Despite the mixed critical reception, the film was a commercial success and led to a sequel, The New Interns, in 1964.

Legacy

The Interns is remembered for its contribution to the medical drama genre. It paved the way for future films and television shows that explored the lives of medical professionals in a realistic and engaging manner. The film's portrayal of the challenges faced by interns and the ethical dilemmas in the medical field remain relevant, making it a noteworthy entry in the history of medical dramas.