Susan Hayward stars in her last appearance on film or TV in this story of a lady who is widowed and goes back to practicing medicine, after being away from it for 15 years, because she was in research with her husband. Forcing a change on herself to move forward, she goes to Chicago to fill a temporary vacancy at a 24-hour urgent care. But will she make the grade in new surroundings and after being away from it for so long? I really have no criticisms of this rather basic made-for-television movie. Any clichés of the story are practically glossed over by credible acting by its stars. Susan Hayward gives a gutsy performance, (but she was gutsy and great in all she was in) as the doctor determined to make good. And, actors Darren McGavin and Michael Constantine give solid support to Ms. Hayward as fellow doctors. Darren and Susan had good rapport together. And, veteran actor Jeanette Nolan is very moving as a somewhat bitter old lady, who says her meanness may be all she has to hold on to. The characters put in front of us become so real to the viewer, we feel we are there in Chicago. TV actress Beverly Garland is on hand as a devoted wife to a patient, who has an undiagnosed condition. I wish this were a TV series, where I could go back and see these characters and Ms. Susan Hayward, as they try to help the people who come in their doors, and in turn, are helping themselves. "Say Goodbye, Maggie Cole" was a worthy effort and a grand exit for one of Hollywood's better actresses.
