Lew Ayres Starts Being A Doctor

Radio Record, Volume XII, Issue 30, 6 January 1939, Page 14

Lew Ayres Starts Being A Doctor

{"Young Dr. Kildare.’ M.G.M. Directed by Harold S. Bucquet. Starring Lew Ayres, Lionel Barrymore. First release (approx.): Wellingtan, January 20-] OCTORS continue to vie with newspapermen for the honour of being the screen’s most overworked characters. Yet, although there is no sign of the medical cycle ceasing to roll-in fact, it has been given fresh impetus-there is evidence that it is moving in a slightly different direction. Dr. Cronin’s "The Citadel" (not yet seen as a film) is, I suspect, largely responsible both for the new. impetus and the change of course, Newest of the anaesthetic series is M.-G.-M.’s "Young Dr. Kildare" in which Lew Ayres is starred. He is, in several ways, the American counterpart of Cronin’s Dr. Manson. He has high ideals, he wants to be a diagnostician rather than a surgeon, he is beset by colleagues who think more of their dignity and their fees than of the Hippocratic Oath. Contrary to screen tradition, however, and in keeping with the new trend, he is not involved in love affairs with blonde nurses. In fact, Dr. Kildare’s own heart bothers him comparatively little, being but lightly pledged to an attractive country lass (Lynne Carver), who has the insight to see that, for the time being, Dr. Kildare’s calling is his first love. Miss Carver can comfort herself however, with the thought-and

the public can take pleasure in the fact also-that "Young Dr. Kildare" is but the first of a series of films which M.-G.-M. are goitg to make about this likable young medico. There is thus plenty of time for him to fall in love with her. A Year To Live T the most she will have but one year to wait for the. wedding bells. That is the time limit the series has imposed upon itself by making the other central character-crusty, morose, brilliant Dr. Leonard Gillespie (Lionel Barrymore)-due to die of cancer within twelve months-unless, perhaps, young Dr. Kildare can diseover a cure. For twelve months, however, we can look forward to seeing the development of the relationship between famous Dr. Gillespie and his eager young protege which is founded in "Young Dr, Kildare." It. comes , .ahout . when, . Kildare aa

defies the might of the mercenary hospital board in order to have truck with gangsters gad thereby cure a _ millionair daughter whom self-important specialists have condemned to the mad-house. Crusad ing Zeal HE mystery element of the film, centring round the reason for the dark state of mind of the millionaire’s daughter, is sufficient to hold the interest; not enough to

detract attention from the central theme of Dr. Kildare’s altruism and crusading zeal in conflict with hide-bound tradition, and _ his brushes with the fiery but admirable Dr. Gillespie. Lionel Barrymore plays the latter in his best manner-but hardly a bedside one! Also taking an affectionate interest in the young medico’s career, and adding weight to the entertainment, are his country-doctor father (Samuel S. Hinds), his Irish mother (Zmma Dunn) and ambulance driver Nat Pendleton. Welcome Back! "YOUNG DR, KILDARE" marks about the third new picture in as many weeks in which I have encountered Lew Ayres. When, as a juvenile, he made "All Quiet" and then faded out through bad handling, Ayres had forgotten more about sereen acting than many present-day leading men have ever learnt. However, I feel like forgiving Hollywood for its bad mistake: in neglecting him, since it now seems to be recognising his great ability and giving him plenty to do. So long as screen doctors can be portrayed as ably and as interestingly as Lew Ayres does it in "Young Dr. Kildare," I shall refrain from wishing that they would chloroform themselves and the producers who are still push- ing the hospital cycle.