Doctor in Distress (1963)
The fifth entry in Britain's beloved Doctor comedy series, where the formidable Sir Lancelot Spratt discovers the bewildering agony of falling in love.
Doctor in Distress - Movie Information
- Original Title: Doctor in Distress
- Release Year: 1963
- Directed by: Ralph Thomas
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy
- Runtime: 1h 42m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): July 30, 1963 (United Kingdom - PG), July 7, 1964 (United States)
- Alternative Titles: Doktorn på vift (SE), 风流医生俏护士 (CN), Um Médico em Apuros (BR)
- Production Companies: The Rank Organisation
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Doctor in Distress - Plot
"Doctor in Distress" is the fifth of the seven films in the "Doctor" series, and focuses on Sir Lancelot Spratt, Simon Sparrow's old teacher and sometimes nemesis. When the eternal bachelor Sir Lancelot injures his back and falls in love with his physiotherapist Iris Marchant, he becomes very distressed and turns to Simon for help. Simon, who now is a senior doctor at fictional Hampden Cross Hospital and hopelessly in love with aspiring actress Delia, sends him to a nature cure clinic in a vain attempt to help him lose weight, but Sir Lancelot can't get Iris off his mind and has her followed, first by a private investigator and eventually by himself. When he finally proposes, she rejects him and marries an old army major, which distresses Sir Lancelot even more.
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Doctor in Distress - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Ralph Thomas
Main Cast
- Dirk Bogarde
- Samantha Eggar
- James Robertson Justice
- Donald Houston
- Barbara Murray
- Dennis Price
- Mylène Demongeot
- Jill Adams
- Timothy Bateson
- Jessie Evans
Writers
- Nicholas Phipps
- Ronald Scott Thorn
Producers
- Betty E. Box
Doctor in Distress - FAQs
Where can you stream Doctor in Distress?
Doctor in Distress is available to watch for free in the United States on Mometu (with ads) and Fawesome (free). You can compare all current streaming and viewing options available in your region by visiting JustWatch, which tracks platform availability in real time.
Which entry in the Doctor series is this film?
Doctor in Distress is the fifth film in the long-running British Doctor comedy series. It shifts focus from the usual medical misadventures to the romantic tribulations of the formidable Sir Lancelot Spratt, played by James Robertson Justice, making it a standout entry in the franchise.
Who are the main actors in Doctor in Distress?
The film stars Dirk Bogarde as Dr. Simon Sparrow and James Robertson Justice as the irascible Sir Lancelot Spratt. The supporting cast includes Samantha Eggar, Donald Houston, Barbara Murray, Dennis Price, Mylène Demongeot, Jill Adams, Timothy Bateson, and Jessie Evans.
What is Doctor in Distress about?
The film follows the lovesick Sir Lancelot Spratt, a lifelong bachelor who falls head over heels for his physiotherapist after injuring his back. He enlists former student Dr. Simon Sparrow for help, leading to a series of comic misadventures involving private investigators, a nature cure clinic, and unrequited romance.
Who directed Doctor in Distress?
Doctor in Distress was directed by Ralph Thomas, who helmed the majority of the Doctor film series for The Rank Organisation. Thomas was a reliable hand at British comedy and worked closely with producer Betty E. Box across numerous successful productions throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
When was Doctor in Distress released?
Doctor in Distress was released in the United Kingdom on July 30, 1963, with a PG rating. It subsequently received a US theatrical release on July 7, 1964. The film was produced by The Rank Organisation and written by Nicholas Phipps and Ronald Scott Thorn.
Is Doctor in Distress based on a true story?
No, Doctor in Distress is not based on a true story. It is a fictional comedy and the fifth installment in the Doctor series, which originated from Richard Gordon's humorous novels about life in British medicine. The characters and situations are entirely invented for comic effect.
What are some movies similar to Doctor in Distress?
Fans of Doctor in Distress may enjoy other entries in the same series, such as Doctor in Clover (1966) and Doctor at Large (1957). Other comparable British comedies of the era with similar wit and charm include Bank Holiday (1938) and Scoundrel in White (1972).
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