A Doctor's Story

The treatment of the elderly is addressed in this thought-provoking 1984 hospital drama about an ultra-dedicated doctor and his various vulnerable patients. Though dated in looks and execution, the gently engaging TV movie tackles issues that are sadly still relevant today and centres on a physician (Howard E Rollins Jr) who faces friction at home and work as he battles to prove a confused pensioner (Art Carney) isn't senile. Other geriatric characters and their equally poignant experiences reinforce the medic's respectful views on ageing, with a delightful Viveca Lindfors an especially good advert for the social value of OAPs and the need for the medical profession in particular to reassess how to handle them. Admittedly, not all the acting matches her high standard (even the sincere Rollins Jr is rather stilted), and the sentimental events often seem unrealistic. However, the film's so warm and compassionate, that such quibbles scarcely matter, while its strong messages deserve special praise.