If a film made in 1960 portrays real, up-to-the-moment drama and situations...and you only see cars on the street from 1960 or earlier, does that make the film "Dated?" Similarly, the medical technology and practices in a small-town, UNDER-funded hospital in 1961 (as shown in this film) should be regarded as EXACTLY THAT: a reflection of the real-world at that time.
If the film is honest in its portrayal, it's quality or reputation does not suffer 60 years later due to the passage of time, except in the opinions of younger, snark-prone "critics" who can't seem to appreciate the culture and history from the past as preserved on film.
The Young Doctors is an excellent film in every respect: script, direction, acting, pacing, cinematography, etc. Fredric March again displays his unique brand of confident, natural underplaying and the ability to totally dominate a scene..in a good way. His Dr. Pearson may be cantankerous and authoritarian, but he is also good-humored and willing to learn and change.
The rest of the cast is first-rate, a sure sign of the director's strong, guiding hand. There is a true-to-life, natural feel about all of the performances, with Eddie Albert contributing a couple of intense dramatic scenes. Dick Clark also "holds his own" very well alongside the pros. Solid all around.
OK...when Ina Balin wakes up after her surgery near the end, she's fully made-up and coiffed...which is DATED, I suppose, since that was the rule in film and TV back in the day. Still, she is photographed and lit to look like an alluring goddess, emerging from a deep, mystical trance. It's quite an effective use of the old, "dated" on-screen custom where actresses were concerned.
Also-- in reading the other comments here, I understand the disappointment in discovering the events from the novel that were OMITTED from the screenplay. But:
1.) The death of Alexander infant would have been too much of an emotional blow for audiences of the day; the film may not have even been approved for release (I was squirming and near tears during this intense scene; excellent direction, editing, and a superb performance by Eddie Albert).
2.) At 102 minutes, the film seems perfectly balanced and structured as it is: a "chamber" drama with fascinating characters and situations that resolve themselves beautifully at the end. A full-length novel MUST be pared down for the screen for running time considerations.
3.) Without having been aware of the differences with the novel, I thoroughly enjoyed "The Young Doctors" and was totally engrossed in its artful storytelling.
----------------------------------------------- Note: actor Joe Bova (who plays Dr. Shawcross in the opening autopsy scene.."Right this way, ladies...") had recently created the role of the wimpy Prince Dauntless in Broadway's "Once Upon a Mattress", the 1959 musical that made a star of Carol Burnett.
Just thought you'd like to know. LR.
If the film is honest in its portrayal, it's quality or reputation does not suffer 60 years later due to the passage of time, except in the opinions of younger, snark-prone "critics" who can't seem to appreciate the culture and history from the past as preserved on film.
The Young Doctors is an excellent film in every respect: script, direction, acting, pacing, cinematography, etc. Fredric March again displays his unique brand of confident, natural underplaying and the ability to totally dominate a scene..in a good way. His Dr. Pearson may be cantankerous and authoritarian, but he is also good-humored and willing to learn and change.
The rest of the cast is first-rate, a sure sign of the director's strong, guiding hand. There is a true-to-life, natural feel about all of the performances, with Eddie Albert contributing a couple of intense dramatic scenes. Dick Clark also "holds his own" very well alongside the pros. Solid all around.
OK...when Ina Balin wakes up after her surgery near the end, she's fully made-up and coiffed...which is DATED, I suppose, since that was the rule in film and TV back in the day. Still, she is photographed and lit to look like an alluring goddess, emerging from a deep, mystical trance. It's quite an effective use of the old, "dated" on-screen custom where actresses were concerned.
Also-- in reading the other comments here, I understand the disappointment in discovering the events from the novel that were OMITTED from the screenplay. But:
1.) The death of Alexander infant would have been too much of an emotional blow for audiences of the day; the film may not have even been approved for release (I was squirming and near tears during this intense scene; excellent direction, editing, and a superb performance by Eddie Albert).
2.) At 102 minutes, the film seems perfectly balanced and structured as it is: a "chamber" drama with fascinating characters and situations that resolve themselves beautifully at the end. A full-length novel MUST be pared down for the screen for running time considerations.
3.) Without having been aware of the differences with the novel, I thoroughly enjoyed "The Young Doctors" and was totally engrossed in its artful storytelling.
----------------------------------------------- Note: actor Joe Bova (who plays Dr. Shawcross in the opening autopsy scene.."Right this way, ladies...") had recently created the role of the wimpy Prince Dauntless in Broadway's "Once Upon a Mattress", the 1959 musical that made a star of Carol Burnett.
Just thought you'd like to know. LR.