Nurse on Wheels

Nurse on Wheels is a delightful British comedy film from 1963 that highlights the charm and quirks of rural England during that time period. It tells the heartwarming and at times hilarious tale of a young, newly qualified nurse named Joanna Jones, who is portrayed brilliantly by the charismatic Juliet Mills.

As the film's title suggests, Nurse Joanna Jones heads to an idyllic and rural setting with an adapted vehicle or ‘nurse on wheels,’ providing community healthcare for the villagers in the quiet hamlet of 'Bale' in the county of Kent. Unlike the hustle and bustle of life in the city hospital where she qualified, she is hoping to settle down into a life of tranquility in the countryside. But, the inhabitants of the village bring about their own form of chaos and humor, filling Joanna's life with unforeseen surprises and amusing incidents.

One of the main storylines of the film revolves around the inevitable misunderstandings and miscommunications that occur when city life meets country living. The quirky and colorful characters that inhabit the village provide an endearing backdrop for this comedic exploration of clashing cultures. The village people range from the overly dependent elderly woman, the hypochondriac farmer, to the outdoorsy gentleman who keeps trying to catch Joanna's eye. How Joanna navigates her relationships with each of these characters, while trying to maintain her professional decorum, forms the heart of this film.

Jones isn't just working with the difficulties of her job. She also has to wrestle with her overprotective mother, played to perfection by the accomplished British actress Esma Cannon. One of the highlights of this film is the tumultuous but deeply loving relationship between the young Nurse and her slightly neurotic mother. Their relationship is entertaining to watch, with plenty of laughs to be had from their frequent misunderstandings.

Ronald Lewis plays the handsome love interest, the charming and rugged Dr. Harold Golfrey. He brings a level of sophistication and class to the film with his poised and nuanced performance. There's a budding romance between Joanna and Dr. Golfrey, but the course of true love never did run smooth. Look out for some humorous hiccups along the way as Joanna finds herself torn between her professional duties and her romantic desires.

Joan Sims, another well-known figure in British cinema, adds her fair share of hilarity with her role as Mrs. Jones' old school friend, Mrs. Beacon. Her comically exaggerated facial expressions and dramatic performance style are sure to keep audiences chuckling throughout the movie.

Nurse on Wheels does an incredible job with its depiction of 1960’s Britain. The setting lends the movie a quaint, nostalgic quality, and there's a distinct sense of time and place that's effectively conveyed through the costumes, set designs, and even the language used by the characters. The movie authentically celebrates and humorously criticizes the idiosyncrasies of the British country folks, while at the same time maintaining a fondness for this bygone era. This film is not just a comedy, but also a slice of life depiction of a simpler time.

At the heart of the movie is Juliet Mills' outstanding performance. Joanna Jones is a character that requires equal parts vulnerability and strength, and Mills manages to strike this balance with apparent ease. She is relatable, appealing and brings a lot of spirit and warmth to her character. Mills portrays a strong protagonist that is not only sympathetic but also proves self-determination, patience, and resilience in dealing with both her professional and personal life.

Directed by Gerald Thomas, known for his prolific work in British comedy, Nurse on Wheels is a film that exemplifies the genre during the period. It's a happy blend of gentle humor, mild romance, quaint rural scenes, and character-driven stories. Thomas uses his know-how to get the best out of his actors and paces the film to ensure that there are plenty of laughs whilst never letting the heartwarming side of the story get lost.

Overall, Nurse on Wheels is a charming movie that combines elements of comedy and romance against a backdrop of picturesque 1960’s rural Britain. Whether you're a fan of British comedies or just want a light, entertaining film that will transport you back to a simpler time, Nurse on Wheels is well worth your time. It is a film that leaves a warm feeling of nostalgia long after the credits roll.