Laikals
The greatest movie ever made..!
Aedonerre
I gave this film a 9 out of 10, because it was exactly what I expected it to be.
Myron Clemons
A film of deceptively outspoken contemporary relevance, this is cinema at its most alert, alarming and alive.
Ezmae Chang
This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.
JohnHowardReid
Although it starts off in familiar Kildare territory, this forceful Kingsley play soon introduces a powerful complication unknown to the upright medical staff of Blair General Hospital. The plot moves relentlessly forward to a knock-out Third Act that rates as one of the most poignant and moving I've ever seen in the cinema.
Oddly, the movie version opened in New York whilst the play was still running in its initial Broadway season. No-one had anticipated it would become such a success. When the movie rights were sold the usual restriction against presenting the film in competition with the stage offering was not imposed. However, this gave New Yorkers a rare opportunity to compare the two versions. Would you believe that most critics felt the stage presentation had it all over the film so far as writing, acting and direction were concerned? The complaints alleged that Kingsley's attack on hospital administrations had been watered down, that Gable's performance was more in keeping with his movie star image than that of a dedicated surgeon and that the vigor of the play had been weakened by an approach that changed the emphasis of individual scenes, heightening some and deflating others. Personally, I found Boleslawski's direction not only smooth and stylish but captivating in the undercurrent symbolism and atmosphere evoked through the magnificent sets and impeccable lighting.
Needless to say, the one film actor who did attract universal praise was critics' favorite Jean Hersholt who was thought to be at least the equal of J. Edward Bromberg on the stage.
My opinion is the opposite. I thought Hersholt's performance a trifle mannered, whereas Gable came across with far greater authority and insight. One of his most virile roles, in my opinion. I was not over-enamored of Myrna Loy (hampered it's true by unflattering photography and costumes), and I thought the comic relief somewhat tedious, - though I did enjoy Wallace Ford's escape on the stairs when he shouts out, "Good evening, Dr Hochberg!" But the rest of the players, particularly Elizabeth Allan and C. Henry Gordon, hit right home.
Robert Gold
This was an interesting Clark Gable film, which showed off the actor's more vulnerable side, especially in the scenes with sick children.The hospital itself was rather ultra modern. I got a kick out of the art deco staircase in this rather glamorous hospital.As for the actual plot, I, too, was a bit confused by the nurse's supposed illness. I thought maybe she had poisoned herself since Dr. Ferguson was set to marry Myrna Loy's character. True, the nurse does sit on Gable's bed (when he is not there), but the implication that they were intimate together wasn't made clear. I had to look it up in a book of films on Gable to get the whole picture made clear. It presents little information to the viewer. I knew she did something to herself, but a botched abortion wasn't clearly shown.It was an enjoyable look at a time when doctors were really thought of as gods.
Scott Lanaway
I stumbled across this and TIVOed it -- curious to see a young Clarke Gable, with Myrna Loy.The thing that grabbed me most was the cinematography. The use of shadows was very evocative, almost Citizen Kane-like. Beautifully framed shots, sometimes looking slightly up or down, slightly angled. Very poetic. A few crane shots. Worth seeing for the cinematography alone.All the early 30s doctors in their white robes look like they exist and work in some idealized, futuristic art deco spaceport. Very odd and interesting to look at.The other reviewer here pointed out that there was no music. Without the sappy over the top music to help tell the story, we instead experience the evocative camera-work in it's splendor.Definitely worth a watch.
MartinHafer
First, I MUST mention that I LOVE Clark Gable and Myrna Loy flicks and I adore the films of Hollywood's Golden Age. So, my mediocre review is not the result of some prejudice against the actors or type of film being produced at the time. The problem is that the story is just too earnest and preachy to be of much interest. Sure, we can see that Gable is a dedicated young doctor and a heck of a guy--but so what? Most will probably find the film boring and hokey at times. Those who are real film buffs will probably be able to look past this, though most teens and the cynical will want to avoid this film. That's because these viewers MIGHT tend to discount older films or these great actors based only on this turgid experience.