Friday, July 23, 2021

Doctor in Distress (1963)

A typical early 1960s British comedy romp which were churned out by the dozen and one of the long-running Doctor series. The theme of the film is love with both Dr Sparrow (Dirk Bogarde) and Sir Lancelot Spratt (James Robertson Justice) both falling in love. Sir Lancelot needs the help from Dr Sparrow though in these matters of the heart.

As for Dr Sparrow he has fallen for one of his patients, an aspiring actress Delia (Samantha Eggar). Things take a turn for the worse when she heads off to Rome after getting a part in a film. Sir Lancelot is in love, for the first time, with Iris (Barbara Murray) the physiotherapist. To try and woo her he tries to lose his belly with the help of a corset and even enrols in a health farm!

Every situation of course ends up in predictable chaos and mild nonsense. Most of the jokes and situations are rather familiar but enjoyable enough. The likes of Leo McKern, Richard Briers and Ronnie Barker appear in minor roles, and spotting them is great - maybe the best part of the film. Its not earth shattering but plenty of fun.