The Secret of Dr. Kildare

Secret of dr kildare poster

The Secret of Dr. Kildare is a 1939 American film directed by Harold S. Bucquet. It is the third installment in the popular Dr. Kildare film series, which began with Young Dr. Kildare (1938) and was based on the fictional character created by author Max Brand. The series follows the life and work of Dr. James Kildare, played by Lew Ayres, a young and idealistic physician working under the guidance of the experienced and wise Dr. Leonard Gillespie, portrayed by Lionel Barrymore. The Secret of Dr. Kildare continues to explore themes of medical ethics, personal and professional dilemmas, and the complexities of doctor-patient relationships.

Plot

In The Secret of Dr. Kildare, Dr. James Kildare takes on the case of Nancy Messenger, the daughter of a wealthy man, who is suffering from a mysterious ailment. Against the advice of his mentor, Dr. Gillespie, and without the consent of the hospital administration, Kildare decides to use an experimental treatment in hopes of curing her. The film delves into the risks and responsibilities inherent in the medical profession, as well as the personal growth of Dr. Kildare as he navigates the challenges of his career and the expectations placed upon him.

Cast

• Lew Ayres as Dr. James Kildare
• Lionel Barrymore as Dr. Leonard Gillespie
• Laraine Day as Nurse Mary Lamont
• Lionel Atwill as Paul Messenger
• Helen Gilbert as Nancy Messenger
• Nat Pendleton as Joe Wayman
• Alma Kruger as Molly Byrd

Production

Directed by Harold S. Bucquet, The Secret of Dr. Kildare was produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), a studio known for its high production values and star-studded casts. The film's screenplay was adapted from the original stories by Max Brand, with a focus on humanizing the medical profession and highlighting the emotional and ethical challenges faced by doctors.

Reception

Upon its release, The Secret of Dr. Kildare was well-received by audiences and critics alike, who praised its engaging storyline, strong performances, and thoughtful exploration of medical themes. The film was successful at the box office, further cementing the popularity of the Dr. Kildare series and contributing to the continuation of the franchise with several more films and eventually, a television series.

Legacy

The Dr. Kildare series, including The Secret of Dr. Kildare, played a significant role in shaping the medical drama genre in American cinema and television. It introduced audiences to the inner workings of hospitals and the complexities of the medical profession, themes that continue to be explored in contemporary medical dramas. The series also helped to establish Lew Ayres and Lionel Barrymore as major stars of their time.