Known in the States as 'Carnaby M.D.', 'In Clover' is my favourite 'Doctor' film, made when '60's London was in full swing. British comedy films were fast losing their box office appeal, with only the 'Carry On's' carrying on, so for the Betty E.Box/Ralph Thomas produced series, it was a case of 'if you can't beat 'em, join 'em'. Personally, I prefer the Philips 'Doctor' films to the Bogarde ones. The latter always seemed to me uncomfortable in the role of 'Dr.Simon Sparrow', whereas lounge lizard Leslie was in his element. Here he plays 'Dr.Gaston Grimsdyke' ( a different character to the one he played in 1960's 'In Love' ). Following a spell as a prison doctor, Grimsdyke is lured back to his old hospital by none other than the bombastic 'Sir Lancelot Spratt' ( James Robertson Justice ). Hearing that 'Professor Halfbeck' ( Eric Barker ) is soon to move to Canada, Gaston goes after his well-paid job. He faces competition from his good-looking cousin 'Miles' ( John Fraser, doing a passable imitation of Bogarde ). A naive young doctor, 'Lambert Symington' ( Jeremy Lloyd ) asks Grimsdyke for advice on how to court attractive French physiotherapist 'Jeannine Belmont' ( Elisabeth Ercy ). On meeting her, Gaston is so smitten he sets about trying to woo her himself. When she spurns his advances on the grounds of his age, he heads for Carnaby Street in search of a younger, trendier image...
With Nicholas Phipps having relinquished the writing duties, the hunt was on for a new scribe. 'Carry On' author Talbot Rothwell was commissioned, but the result was rejected in favour of a script by veteran British comedy film writer Jack Davies ( Rothwell's work was filmed in 1969 as 'Carry On Again Doctor' ). I think they were right to do so. Davies' script is chock-full of amusing moments, such as the sight of a reinvigorated Grimsdyke prancing about in front of nurses in his trendy new clothes to the sound of John Scott's beat music! There is a fair amount of slapstick, such as a fire extinguisher going out of control, and spraying Spratt's Rolls Royce, and Spratt, Gaston, and bossy 'Matron Sweet' ( the marvellous Joan Sims ) simultaneously falling into a pool.
Also of note are Arthur Haynes ( who died later that year ) as the obdurate patient 'Tarquin Wendover', and gorgeous Fenella Fielding as man-mad ballerina 'Tatiana Rubikoff'. The party scene where everyone goes under the laughing gas has me in fits each time!
Things To Look Out For - Terry Scott as a camp hairdresser.
Other fleeting appearances come from Norman Vaughan, Alfie Bass, Harry Fowler, Ronnie Stevens, American actor Robert Hutton as Hollywood beef-cake 'Rock Stewart', and 'Love Thy Neighbour' star Jack Smethurst as a bewigged pop star.
The series would not return for four years, when 'In Trouble' brought it to a close. Phillips once again starred, but this time as 'Dr.Tony Burke' ( his character from 'In Love' ). The concept also successfully transferred to television, beginning in 1969 with 'In The House' starring Barry Evans as 'Michael Upton'.
Another I.M.D.B. reviewer expresses bemusement as to why the film suddenly goes into reverse at the end. Well, it is a comedy!
With Nicholas Phipps having relinquished the writing duties, the hunt was on for a new scribe. 'Carry On' author Talbot Rothwell was commissioned, but the result was rejected in favour of a script by veteran British comedy film writer Jack Davies ( Rothwell's work was filmed in 1969 as 'Carry On Again Doctor' ). I think they were right to do so. Davies' script is chock-full of amusing moments, such as the sight of a reinvigorated Grimsdyke prancing about in front of nurses in his trendy new clothes to the sound of John Scott's beat music! There is a fair amount of slapstick, such as a fire extinguisher going out of control, and spraying Spratt's Rolls Royce, and Spratt, Gaston, and bossy 'Matron Sweet' ( the marvellous Joan Sims ) simultaneously falling into a pool.
Also of note are Arthur Haynes ( who died later that year ) as the obdurate patient 'Tarquin Wendover', and gorgeous Fenella Fielding as man-mad ballerina 'Tatiana Rubikoff'. The party scene where everyone goes under the laughing gas has me in fits each time!
Things To Look Out For - Terry Scott as a camp hairdresser.
Other fleeting appearances come from Norman Vaughan, Alfie Bass, Harry Fowler, Ronnie Stevens, American actor Robert Hutton as Hollywood beef-cake 'Rock Stewart', and 'Love Thy Neighbour' star Jack Smethurst as a bewigged pop star.
The series would not return for four years, when 'In Trouble' brought it to a close. Phillips once again starred, but this time as 'Dr.Tony Burke' ( his character from 'In Love' ). The concept also successfully transferred to television, beginning in 1969 with 'In The House' starring Barry Evans as 'Michael Upton'.
Another I.M.D.B. reviewer expresses bemusement as to why the film suddenly goes into reverse at the end. Well, it is a comedy!