Doctor in the House

Dirk Bogarde was at the height of his matinée idol handsomeness when he made "Doctor in the House," a 1954 film that led to a series of films. It also stars Kenneth More, Kay Kendall, Muriel Pavlow, James Robertson Justice, and Donald Sinden.

The story concerns the hijinks of the young medical students as they flirt with the nurses, attempt to pass their boards (sometimes more than once), drink, and party.

Bogarde is Simon Sparrow, the naive, serious-minded young man who comes into this den of playboys. Everyone is very good, especially James Robertson Justice as Sir Lancelot Spratt, a role he truly made his own.

Bogarde, as always, injects some shyness and gentleness into the proceedings, and his scene with a new young mother when he delivers her baby is especially sweet.

Bogarde had a fascinating career path - he wasn't really interested in being a "movie star," as such, and worked his way into character parts and finally working with directors like Visconti in prestigious, if not widely distributed, films. He also had a very prolific writing career.

If you like these "Doctor" films, this one is probably the best, so you're sure to enjoy it.

I was truly surprised to see this film was not as well received as I might have expected. Enter a young med student. He's surrounded by older students who can't seem to get out of the first year of studies. I'm told that does happen in Britain at least.

He does have some allies in navigating the unfamiliar course of study. There's the nurse who takes a liking to him and then there are some patients possibly malingerers on the ward who are won over to the inexperienced student.

Will our good med student make it through or will he be left by the wayside with the circle of students marking time and filling up space.

Certainly this film inspired such worthy American films as GROSS ANATOMY and BAD MEDICINE, which seemingly brought the essential plot up to date by eliminating the nurse scheming to become a doctor and substituting for her a female medical student.

Doctor In The House was so successful that it spawned not only six sequels (of diminishing quality) but also a television spin-off. Oddly enough this success works against it, as it is easy to forget how good the original was.

Medical school provides a good background for the comedy capers, as well as providing a sound plot structure that some of the sequels lacked.

Dirk Bogarde leads a very strong cast, which includes such familiar British comedy faces as Joan Sims and Shirley Eaton in small roles. Kenneth More provides strong support to Bogarde but the great James Robertson Justice, in his signature role as Sir Lancelot Spratt steals the movie. Despite only appearing in a handful of scenes, Justice dominates the screen, notably in the famous `What's the bleeding time' scene.

Luscious colour photography adds to the enjoyment as the movie delivers a great hour and half of escapist fun, still fresh and breezy after almost fifty years, I'd recommend this move to any one who is interested in British comedy.

James Robertson Justice was born to play Sir Lancelot Spratt, an iconic figure who can't fail to bring a smile to your face simply by walking into a room......you just know what is coming next! I grew up with this film and the other Doctor films, and whilst the rest were average to good, this just stands out as the perfect example of British comedy making in the 1950's. The bridge from Ealing to Carry On! The cast is to die for, J R J, Kenneth More (so underrated), Donald Houston, Muriel Pavlow, Kay Kendall and Donald Sinden. The dialogue is superb...what's the bleeding time...ten past ten sir!!! I can't recommend this film high enough, if you ever are feeling a little low or just want to sit and watch something innocent and intelligent that will make you laugh.....Doctor in the House is just what should be ordered!!!!

Dirk Bogarde is a marvellous innocent in the lead as Dr. Simon Sparrow enduring a four-year trial in Saint Swithens Medical School. But Kenneth More and James Robertson Justice each steal every scene they are in. The dialogue is hilarious and the sight gags even better, but the movie also works for me on a "truth and beauty" level as well. Marvellous, fast-paced entertainment that holds up well to this day!