Between Two Women

The penultimate entry in MGM's Dr. Gillespie series focuses more on Van Johnson's Dr. Red Adams than Lionel Barrymore's Dr. Gillespie. I initially thought the title was misleading since Van Johnson isn't torn between two women in this. But then I realized it actually referred to the Gloria DeHaven character's big mystery. Gloria's pretty and sings a great version of "I'm in the Mood for Love." Marilyn Maxwell's been chasing Van for the last two movies and now she's trying a new tactic. I always found Van Johnson's sex appeal somewhat questionable but MGM was working overtime in this series pumping him up as a heartthrob. He even gets to show what a virile he-man he is by tackling a hoodlum. This marks the final Gillespie movie for both Johnson and Maxwell. In addition to the romantic drama, Marie Blake's Sally has collapsed and needs emergency surgery performed by -- you guessed it -- Van.

Blake has been with the series since the first Kildare movie. It's nice she gets a bigger story this time. Also appearing are Lionel Barrymore (of course), Keye Luke, Nell Craig, and Alma Kruger. Early amusing role for Keenan Wynn. All are very enjoyable but, like I said, this is a showcase for Johnson. A little more time with Barrymore and Luke would have been nice. Still, it's a light and pleasant movie. One other thing -- in Young Dr. Kildare, Monty Wooley played an eminent psychiatrist named Dr. Lane Porteus. Here, a Dr. Lane Porteus is referenced but he's an eminent surgeon, not a shrink. A rare slip-up for a series with otherwise great continuity for its time.