The Girl in White

Emily Dunning was a determined young woman when she decided to go into the medical field. What attracted her to this area of science was a role model she met during a family crisis involving her mother at their arrival in New York. When the mother collapsed, she goes out trying to get help, but there are no physicians in the neighborhood, except the kind Dr. Yeomans, a woman doctor, who not only treats her mother, but is instrumental in inspiring young Emily to follow in her foot steps.

This story takes place at the end of the XIX century, when women were a rarity in pursuing a medical career. The determined Emily Dunning enters Cornell, where she is the only female in the class. All the male students realize she is in because the love of medicine, but they are not too kind to her. The handsome Ben Barringer is the only one that seems taken by Emily.

When Emily is ready for her internship, she is accepted by a New York hospital. The head of the department makes it clear about his feelings toward a woman in the hospital and gives her the worst assignments. Dr. Dunning accepts what's given to her until she proves herself to be an asset to the institution that has been unkind to her. After an outbreak of typhoid fever, Dr. Yeomans comes to the hospital to help and the two women are reunited. Dr. Barringer confesses his love for Emily as he is leaving for Paris on a research trip.

This biopic was presented recently by TCM. The movie, rarely seen these days, should be seen more often because director John Sturges' inspired take on the life of a woman who overcame all odds against her. June Allyson plays Emily Dunning with her usual spunk, given the subject matter a great reading. Arthur Kennedy also did an excellent job as Ben Barringer. Gary Merrill, Mildred Dunnock are seen in supporting roles.

The Girl in White might be seen as a feminist drama by some. It concerns a woman at the turn of the century who wants to become a doctor (June Allyson) who faced adversity when the men around her try to squash her dreams. She prevails and wins their respect including that of the man who wants to marry her (Arthur Kennedy). The reason this movie works is that the message isn't pushed upon the audience the way it would be if the film were remade today. It is somewhat inspirational, but mostly it just tells a story.

Allyson is great as always and very sweet. A line from the movie describes her well, "You just make people feel good so that they forget themselves, their own troubles. Sometimes that means more than any medicine." The man who speaks the lines, Kennedy, is excellent in this film. He has mastered the art of showing emotions without verbally referencing them first.

I loved this movie. June A. gives a great performance of the underdog female fighting for her dream despite the obstructive male bastion of turn of the century medicine. I was especially moved by the wonderful actress who played Dr. Yoman. She performed the role with a demure yet powerful presence. She is also one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen on film. It is she who carries the day for June and all her gender. Sadly, I never heard of her before. I hope to find other work she has done through IMDb. What else made this film? No raw sex, no violence, no gruesome scenes, just a great story that makes you feel good in the end.Wasn't a young James Arness fine as the burley tattooed sailor with the dislocated shoulder? Mothers: show this film to your daughters.

It's the turn of the century New York City. Emily Dunning (June Allyson) is taken with Dr. Marie Yeomans who saved her mother's life. Yeomans is an established doctor who still faces sexist treatment all the time. She helps Emily get into Cornell medical school. Fellow student Ben Barringer falls for Emily and proposes to her but he's still holding onto old fashion ideals.

It's a female empowerment biopic. The premise is straight forward. For me, the most compelling may be the horse drawn ambulance. I don't think I've seen one of those in any movie. Sure, the movie is not about the ambulance but I find it great fun thrills. All in all, it's a solid well-acted standard biopic.

What can I say about June Allyson, that hasn't been said, not much. I have enjoyed here work for many many years, when ever I see her photo I think to myself "high bar-ber-ree," and Van Johnson. This movies tells the story of a Woman's struggle to be a doctor in a male dominated field, but she handles herself very well, and truly makes her point. No, no, no, no blood, not a drop, and you can use the four letter words in this movie, in church, but it is not dry, no, no, no. Have to mention the scenes of the good doctor and the nurses trying to sober up a man who has a little too much of the creature, it is funny. Young Women, from pre-teens up, can get a boost from this movie, and have them feeling like they can make it, which ain't bad. Don't kiss of this movie guys, you may like it as much as I, she is very cute, and the way she works around things is masterful at times.

Well worth the price of rental/buy, give it a chance.