Films

 

Calling Dr. Kildare (MGM 1939)

I'm city people. I like great big shiny limousines and orchids in a vase. I love the cold wind whipping around a skyscraper- and a sable coat to keep it out.

Early MGM publicity for 1939's "Calling Dr. Kildare". Lou Valentino Collection.

Production Dates: February 13, 1939-March 27, 1939

Release Date: April 28, 1939.

Credited Cast and Crew:

Lew Ayres, Lionel Barrymore, Laraine Day, Lana Turner.

Directed by: Harold S. Bucquet

Writing Credits: Max Brand (story), Harry Ruskin and Willis Goldbeck (screenplay)

Produced by: Lou L. Ostrow

Original Music by: David Snell

Cinematography by: Alfred Gilks and Lester White

Synopsis: When wise old Dr. Gillespie tries to teach young Dr. Kildare a lesson by giving him an assignment in a street clinic, the young doctor gets more than he bargained for.

My Review: Despite the fact that is was filmed on a shoestring budget with a tight production schedule, Calling Dr. Kildare is a very entertaining and touching film. Lew Ayres is adequate as the young, passionate Dr. Kildare but it's actor Lionel Barrymore who steals the show as the old curmudgeon with the heart of gold, Dr. Gillespie. Barrymore makes you laugh one minute ( when he's telling one of his patients "Keep up with that diet and you'll be the prettiest woman in the cemetery") and cry the next (when he's helping a handicapped child try and walk across the room). Ayres and Barrymore compliment each other beautifully, even when Gillespie is trying to "teach Kildare a lesson".

Ingénue Lana has a small part as the kid sister of the patient that Dr. Kildare helps out in his hour of need. In her fourth film for MGM, the "Lana Turner" persona, the man killing vamp, who in reality just wants to be loved, is already starting to come to light. Even at this early stage of her career she seems pretty sure of herself and has no trouble seducing the young, single Dr. Kildare. Her hair has not yet been colored her trademark blonde shade and in fact Ayres makes a comment about to her "red hair". Turner and Ayres work well together and there is a definite chemistry between them, but one can't help but wonder: is he just a little too "boy next door" for MGM's future golden-haired goddess?

Your Review: What are YOUR thoughts on this film? Contact me at Liza@lanaturneronline.com

 

Photo Gallery

Lionel Barrymore takes center stage while Lana and Lew Ayres look on in 1939's "Calling Dr. Kildare".    Ingenue Lana looking sexy and provocative beyond her years while Laraine Day and Lew Ayres look on in 1939's "Calling Dr. Kildare".    Does anyone else besides me think that Lana looked just as ravishing as a red-head as she did as a blonde in this scene from 1939's "Calling Dr. Kildare"?    Lana knows something that Lew Ayres doesn't in this publicity still for 1939's "Calling Dr. Kildare".    Robert Young just LOVES Lana in this publicity photo for 1938's "Calling Dr. Kildare".    Lana and Robert Young are amused by Lionel Barrymore in this publicity still for 1938's "Calling Dr. Kildare".    Lana looking over Robert Young's shoulder in this publicity still for 1938's "Calling Dr. Kildare".   

 

 

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