The Secret of Dr. Kildare

Enriched in intrigue, drama, and good old-fashioned medical suspense, The Secret of Dr. Kildare is a 1939 American film that was truly ahead of its time. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Harold S. Bucquet and featuring a lineup of sterling performers including Lew Ayres, Lionel Barrymore, and Lionel Atwill, it follows the ventures of the eponymous protagonist as he finds his path intersecting with several crucial characters.

The film gracefully opens with a young, dynamic, and passionate surgeon, Dr. James Kildare (Lew Ayres), who is brought under the wing of the seasoned Dr. Gillespie (Lionel Barrymore). Dr. Gillespie, who runs Blair General Hospital, is a seasoned and wise physician who carefully mentors and guides Dr. Kildare, preparing him to face not just physical ailments but also the emotional and psychological crises that come with their esteemed profession.

However, Dr. Kildare finds himself in a particularly perplexing case when high-society lady, Pauline French (Helen Gilbert), is admitted to Blair General. She is constantly struggling with a mysterious ailiness that no doctor has been able to diagnose. Pauline retains a high level of secrecy about her condition, hinting at an enigmatic backstory that has left her emotionally scarred and physically ill.

In his earnest attempt to grasp at the crux of Pauline’s undisclosed malady, Dr. Kildare, under Dr. Gillespie’s astute mentorship, edges ever closer to the world of psychosomatic illnesses - a concept much alien in this pre World-War II era. This exploration of psychology in medicine adds an even more fascinating twist to the unfolding narrative.

Simultaneously, Dr. Gillespie is faced with a challenge of a different kind. The character of Barney Schroeder (Robert Kent), a man suffering from a serious but operable condition, comes into the mix, and his obstinate refusal for necessary treatment stirs trouble. His resentment to take aid comes from his deep-seated fear of hospitals and surgery. The intelligent yet gruff Dr. Gillespie must now navigate his way through this veil of fear, proving his excellence not only as a physician but as a compassionate healer.

The movie excellently intertwines these two major plotlines, offering an intriguing portrayal of early 20th-century medicine, patient psychology, and medical ethics, all served with a heaping side of human drama.

Lew Ayers delivers an impressive performance as the young and sometimes naïve, Dr. Kildare, bringing a sense of innocence and idealism to the role. He projects the greatest version of a devoted healer to the audience, endearing himself to the viewers. Conversely, Lionel Barrymore’s interpretation of the wizened Dr. Gillespie is a tower of strength and a beacon of wisdom, as he subtly slips into the shoes of a man who has spent a lifetime tackling medicine’s unpredictable nature.

The supporting cast also includes Lionel Atwill in a smaller but intriguing role, Helen Gilbert as the mysterious and tragically tormented Pauline French, and Nat Pendleton, whose comedic relief as ambulance driver Joe Wayman adds the classic touch of Hollywood entertainment to an otherwise dramatic storyline.

Visually, The Secret of Dr. Kildare is a classic black and white affair, lovingly adhering to the representation of the 1930s style. The film’s proverbial atmosphere is brilliantly captured by Director of Photography John F. Seitz, who aids the narrative with a slick and stylish template, methodically oscillating between the intimate and meandering corridors of the hospital.

Matching the aesthetics step by step, the script, penned by Harry Ruskin and Willis Goldbeck, beautifully brings together the complexity of the characters, the intricacy of the health dilemmas, and the heart-touching human emotions.

The Secret of Dr. Kildare offers not just an engaging mystery but also an insightful exploration of the practice of medicine during an era where the line between physical and psychological health was largely blurred. The movie wonderfully balances the tension of medical drama with the elements of emotional awakening and self-discovery, making it an unmissable gem of cinema’s golden age.