The Last Angry Man

This was one of the better made-for-TV movies in the 1970s. It is a remake of a 1959 movie with many differences. Pat Hingle is the dedicated doctor in this film, and no, he does not seem the least bit Jewish, as in the novel and original movie, but why should that be a problem for anyone?

He's been in the same Brooklyn neighborhood forever, treating many poor people who can't pay, and he feels tired of it all. The neighborhood is drastically changing, with increased crime, and the city wants to cut down the tree in front of his home. He is seriously considering moving out; taking his wife, daughter and practice with him; to a better neighborhood.

Mr. Hingle does an excellent job, as he always does in his roles, portraying a man in confict with his ideals and beliefs. He is gruff at times, but truly cares for others and expects everyone else to care, which, of course, they do not. His wife (Lynn Carlin) understands him better than he understands himself, and they have taught their teenage daughter well by example. A '70s film well worth the time.

How can you call this a remake when the first film takes place in 1959? When a TV crew has the good doctor on an early reality show. That's right no TV back then. True the names are the same and that bit with the sick teen. Pat Hingle is far from Jewish, I know this was a pilot for a series which think goodness didn't take place. That was the Depression looked more like the gay 90s? What a waste of some very fine talent. Pat Hingle, Sorrell Booke Penny Santon etc must have kept this off their resumes. The first film WAS Shot in Brooklyn and Manhattan true 1930s or 1890s or what ever time that was don't look like that anymore. Lastly that pretty awful theme music. A big fat ZERO