Dr. Kildare Goes Home

Young Dr. Kildare has to take some time off from Blair General Hospital when he learns that his doctor-father is working himself to death, trying to cover the patient needs in two communities. Kildare and a couple of other young associates decide to open a clinic in one of the communities, but find the locals up-in-arms over a socialized medicine proposal where people would pay a very small weekly fee to be covered. One influential village leader is opposed, but Kildare realizes that he has a serious medical condition. If he can only save him, then the chances of opening the clinic can be realized. Lew Ayres is the star here and does another nice job as the young doctor. Dr. Gillespie's role here is secondary, but the wonderful Lionel Barrymore still puts in a strong performance. Laraine Day is featured as Kildare's love interest. Gene Lockhart is entertaining as the village leader whose fate rests in Kildare's hands. I really liked this film of the series.

I too enjoyed this entry into the world of neophyte doctor, Dr. Kildare. It's nice to see his parents once again, as in several of the earlier films, playing such important roles in his life. Both his parents are fine, but his mother is simply adorable. I was also surprised at Dr. Marsh's depiction. A "colored" man (the terminology of the time) who happens to be an amazing doctor and one who speaks standard English. I would imagine this scene was often cut in the South since it doesn't directly impact the main plot, but it was fascinating to see. A nice addition to the Dr. Kildare series.

A good entry in the Dr. Kildare series, with some aspects surprising me. First was the idea of a clinic to which people subscribe for medical care, paying ten cents a week. I had no inkling the medical insurance concept was around back in 1940. I wondered what the doctors of the era thought about that. Second, was the treatment of one of the black characters in the film, Dr. Marsh, played by Jack Carr. He is intelligent, articulate, and gets praise from Dr. Gillespie for an accurate diagnosis based on very little evidence. This was a very uncharacteristic treatment of blacks in 1940. It's a short scene that has little to do with the main plot, but it made me appreciate the film so much more.