The Doctor's Dilemma

Director: Anthony Asquith Anthony Asquith

Overview

Dirk Bogarde, a worthless philanderer, comes down with consumption. His wife, who loves him despite his unfaithfulness, seeks to prove to his doctors that he deserves to be given the serum that might help to save his life when they suggest that someone more worthy might be found to be given a second chance at life. Written in the early 1900s and based on a George Bernard Shaw play, the movie loses something in the translation from stage to screen.

Product Details

Release Date:	03/10/2015
UPC:	0888574144890
Original Release:	1958
Rating:	NR
Source:	Warner Archives
Presentation:	[Wide Screen]
Language:	English
Time:	1:39:00
Sales rank:	43,083

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Leslie Caron	Mrs. Dubedat
Dirk Bogarde	Louis Dubedat
Alastair Sim	Cutler Walpole
Robert Morley	Sir Ralph Bloomfield-Bonington
John Robinson	Sir Colenso Ridgeon
Felix Aylmer	Sir Patrick Cullen
Michael Gwynn	Dr. Blenkenson
Maureen Delaney	Emmy
Alec McCowen	Redpenny
Colin Gordon	Newspaperman
Gwenda Ewen	Minnie
Terence Alexander	Mr. Lanchester,Mr. Lanchester
Derek Prentice	Head Waiter
Peter Sallis	Secretary at Picture Gallery
Clifford Buckton	Butcher

Technical Credits

Anthony Asquith	Director
Anatole de Grunwald	Producer

Editorial Reviews

While the specific situation which causes The Doctor's Dilemma may be outdated to modern audiences, the general quandary that it studies -- what does a person do when s/he is, in effect, forced to play God and determine which of two people shall live and which shall die -- still has great dramatic relevance. Viewers will likely be divided on the issue, but they'll be both challenged and entertained by George Bernard Shaw's take (via a screenplay adaptation by Anatole de Grunwald on it. Being a Shaw property, there's plenty of witty and length debate -- perhaps a bit too lengthy for some, but Shaw's way with words and ideas is likely to impress even those who find it a bit long winded. Anthony Asquith has directed with equal emphases on the comedy, the debate and the emotions, and has given Dilemma a handsome and sumptuous production to boot. As the doctor in question, John Richardson is in excellent form, even if many of his scenes are stolen by the irreplaceable likes of Alastair Sim, Robert Morley and Felix Aylmer. Dirk Bogarde is entirely believable as a cad whose charms more than mask his failings, but Leslie Caron doesn't really register as the wife who loves him above all else in the world.