Dr. Kildare's Strange Case (1940)

Dr. Kildare's Strange Case Poster

Kildare tries brain surgery, advised by Dr. Gillespie, and faces a rival for nurse Lamont.

Intro
"Dr. Kildare's Strange Case" (1940) is the 5th movie in an American movie series checking out the life and profession of Dr. James Kildare, an imaginary character produced by author Max Brand name. Directed by Harold S. Bucquet, the top-billed cast consists of Lew Ayres as Dr. Kildare, Lionel Barrymore as Dr. Leonard Gillespie, and Laraine Day as Mary Lamont.

Plot Summary
In this installment, Dr. Kildare examines brain surgery strategies, focusing on a young man struggling with a mental illness. The patient, Gregory Lane (Shepperd Strudwick), is an associate and clearly gifted doctor who appears to have actually all of a sudden developed a psychosis. His unusual behavior and dementia seem to originate from exhausting. However, conventional treatment approaches prove fruitless, which triggers Kildare to think a physical cause.

Kildare's Experimental Approach
Kildare thinks that Lane's mental disorder is caused by a brain tumor, although recognized diagnostics can not verify his hypothesis. Focusing on the possibility of surgical intervention, Kildare secretes Lane in the health center's pathological lab to quietly run tests without alarming him or his family. To money these unconventional procedures, Kildare even resorts to gambling with hospital staff, highlighting his dedication and willpower.

Scandal and Redemption
Meanwhile, Kildare's extracurricular activities prompt scandal, making him the subject of a healthcare facility board investigation. Health center administrator Carew (Walter Kingsford) tries to prevent his expulsion by designing a scheme versus him, suspecting Kildare of utilizing the hospital's resources for individual gain.

In an unexpected twist, when the Board attempts to get rid of Dr. Kildare from the health center, his mentor, Dr. Gillespie, increasingly concerns his defense. Gillespie informs the board that Kildare was compromising his name and personal life to save a fellow physician's life, not pursuing personal gain. Kildare eventually vindicates himself by effectively carrying out fragile brain surgical treatment on Lane, which restores his peace of mind and confirms Kildare's theories.

Conclusion
"Dr. Kildare's Strange Case" is a mentally interesting piece, pitch-perfectly blending medical drama, detective work, and ethical decision-making. The movie highlights the healing potential of a mix of science, innovation, compassion, and determination. It also testifies to the value of mentorship, with Dr. Gillespie constantly directing Kildare, verifying his hypotheses, and motivating his dogged pursuit of uncharted medical area.

Moreover, Kildare's relationship with his sweetheart Mary Lamont (Laraine Day) includes a romantic subplot that humanizes his character while underlining the individual sacrifices demanded of a devoted doctor. This movie leaves the audience with an abundant tapestry of feelings and an outstanding example of the guts it takes to practice medicine in the face of dangerous unpredictability.

Top Cast

  • Lew Ayres (small)
    Lew Ayres
    Dr. James Kildare
  • Lionel Barrymore (small)
    Lionel Barrymore
    Dr. Leonard Gillespie
  • Laraine Day (small)
    Laraine Day
    Nurse Mary Lamont
  • Shepperd Strudwick (small)
    Shepperd Strudwick
    Dr. Gregory 'Greg' Lane
  • Samuel S. Hinds (small)
    Samuel S. Hinds
    Dr. Stephen Kildare
  • Emma Dunn (small)
    Emma Dunn
    Mrs. Martha Kildare
  • Nat Pendleton (small)
    Nat Pendleton
    Joe Wayman, Ambulance Driver
  • Walter Kingsford (small)
    Walter Kingsford
    Dr. S.J. 'Walter' Carew, Hospital Administrator
  • Alma Kruger (small)
    Alma Kruger
    Molly Byrd, Superintendant of Nurses
  • John Eldredge (small)
    John Eldredge
    Henry Adams, Amnesia Patient
  • Nell Craig (small)
    Nell Craig
    Nurse 'Nosey' Parker