The Secret of Dr. Kildare

The Secret of Dr. Kildare, released in 1939, is a romantic comedy film based on the popular novel 'Internes Can Tell' by Richard Sale. The movie is part of the popular 'Doctor Kildare' series and introduces us to the charming and talented Dr. Kildare, played by Lew Ayres. The film revolves around Dr. Kildare's new internship at a prestigious hospital, working alongside the intelligent and strict Dr. Gillespie, portrayed by Lionel Barrymore. Gillespie is a seasoned doctor with an excellent track record, known for his exceptional diagnostic skills and unyielding adherence to the hospital's rules. Kildare, on the other hand, is a young and ambitious doctor with remarkable diagnostic skills and a charming bedside manner. During his internship, Kildare becomes fast friends with one of the hospital's top nurses, Mary Robinson (played by Laraine Day). Mary is beautiful, intelligent, and has a kind heart, which instantly draws Kildare to her. As the story unfolds, Mary becomes the object of Kildare's affections, but they never express their feelings openly, as Mary is not yet sure if she can open her heart to him. One day, a chance encounter leads Kildare to a beautiful and wealthy socialite known as Lily Merrick (played by Donna Reed). Lily's wealthy father, millionaire Reginald Merrick, hires the best doctors in the city to cure his daughter's life-threatening condition. Dr. Gillespie recommends several top doctors, but Kildare is eager to prove himself and takes it upon himself to diagnose and treat Lily. After successfully diagnosing and treating Lily's illness, she is expected to be out of the hospital within a month. As her health improves, Dr. Gillespie learns of the situation and decides to use Lily's case to his advantage. He sees this as an opportunity to take a much-needed vacation and asks the hospital administration if he can go on leave. Meanwhile, Dr. Gillespie, suspicious of Kildare's intentions, asks him to cover for him while he's on vacation. Dr. Gillespie wants Kildare to convince the hospital administration that he is the one who made the discovery, making it seem as if Gillespie was the driving force behind Lily's recovery. Gillespie knows that if people believe he found the cure, they will think that his methods are the best, and it will boost his reputation. Kildare, initially hesitant to deceive his mentor, eventually agrees to go along with the plan. Kildare's cleverness and charm are put to the test as he tries to convince everyone that Gillespie was the genius behind the miraculous healing. Throughout the story, Mary Robinson tries to warn her boss, Dr. Gillespie, about Kildare's intentions but is rebuffed. In the end, Mary becomes increasingly frustrated with Gillespie's narrow-mindedness, realizing that Kildare is not as unscrupulous as he is made to seem. The climax of the film revolves around Kildare's secret being revealed. Reginald Merrick becomes suspicious when Gillespie disappears, thinking that Kildare took the credit for his discovery. Merrick confronts Gillespie about Kildare's possible malfeasance. In a dramatic turn of events, Kildare reveals the truth about Gillespie's secret plan to take credit for the recovery. In the end, the hospital administration and the medical community learn about Gillespie's deception, and he loses the respect of his colleagues. As a consequence, Kildare gains the respect of his peers and the affection of Lily Merrick and Mary Robinson. The Secret of Dr. Kildare is a heartwarming film with plenty of humor and intrigue. It showcases Lew Ayres's charming portrayal of Kildare and highlights Lionel Barrymore's talented acting as the tough but lovable Dr. Gillespie. The movie is a great portrayal of friendship, romance, and the importance of integrity in the medical profession.