Apuros de um Médico

I you are a fan of the British 'Doctor' films, this one is an example of one of the movies without the familiar Dirk Bogarde playing Dr. Sparrow. Instead, this one focuses on two other doctors, Burke and Hare (see IMDb Trivia for more about that)--two screw-ups who spend much of their time chasing women and trying to make a go of it in jobs outside of the hospital. As usual, James Robertson Justice is on hand but Dr. Spratt is seen less in this one because so much of the picture is set outside the hospital.

Like the other Doctor films, this one is a combination of light comedy and drama. A few of the funnier bits involved Burke and Hare hanging out at a research center investigating the common cold as well as Dr. Spratt attending a naughty show when the police make a raid. But the movie also has its touching moments, such as the dying boy. All in all, a very good film but also light and enjoyable as well--more an excellent time-passer than anything else.

No Dirk Bogarde?! Well this Doctor installment is doomed before it even begins. No Sparrow, no Joy - Burke and Hare are adequate, but it's not the same calibre as the last films. Though James Robertson Justice is wonderful, his Lancelot Spratt seems to get better as they go along. His performance in this, as he is about to go under the knife himself, is indescribable, and not to be missed. Priceless comedy! Almost makes up for the silliness of the rest. Another great moment is when he and two young strippers (who have luckily not yet stripped!) burst through a screen showing a great ape and into an auditorium, full of stately old gentleman; who all seem pretty pleased at the disturbance. 6/10

The first 'Doctor' film without Dirk Bogarde is also the first to strongly resemble a 'Carry On', with several veterans of the 'Carry On' series (including Joan Sims, also in the original 'Doctor in the House') and several others who became features of the smuttier parallel series. The humour was already becoming more off-colour here (and it's in colour, which the budget of the 'Carry On's didn't yet run to).

We actually see Lady Spratt in this episode (played by Ambrosine Phillpotts), but James Robertson Justice is himself absent much of the time; while in place of Bogarde we get the more abrasive Michael Craig, who plainly doesn't fit in with such frivolity and otherwise steered well clear of either series.

The plot such as it is is so light in substance but I must say the movie is pleasant. I very much doubt people who never sat in a cinema watching these movies will enjoy it, for me its a lovely memory.Not much happens in the movie and you might smile but don't expect any big laughs.James Robertson Justice as always walks away with the film. I sometimes find Leslie Philips a little annoying and although very sauve he comes across as rather sleezy. Joan Sims has a delightful, all too brief cameo. Its funny how the world has changed, these days the guys in this movie would be up on sexual harrassement charges. Its perfectly normal in this movie for doctors to flirt with nurses. This was a much kinder time. THese days men cant flirt and its safer to be gay. Dirk is not there but Michael Craig is a pleasant leading man. He is very good looking and he gives a gentle performance. Its all very sweet, restrained and under played. Craig came to Australia for the JCW management to star in a few west end comedies and later residing here and became much loved as a TV performer in shows such as Medical Centre"

Just caught this film on the Talking Pictures TV channel, and thought I might as well watch it.

I thought that I had seen them all but apparently not, it's ok and pretty much par for the course.

There is absolutely no need to look for any kind of plot in these movies, they were always bereft of such frivolities.

Rather like the Carry On movies that I suppose should be thought of as their successors, or rather more of the Follow On's.

Oh dear I am afraid that is an example of my jokes and also somewhat, of the level of humour presented in these films.

They are all both improbable and predictable in their sets, scenes and characters, which fits in perfectly with the plethora of different actors.

What saved the movie for me from the usual run of them is the inimitable, James Robertson Justice as the irascible Sir Lancelot Spratt.

Personally he is the film he has by far the best lines and provides easily, the funniest scenes in the entire film.