Doctor in Distress [DVD]

VCI Entertainment and The Rank Collection presents "DOCTOR IN DISTRESS" (1963) (103 min/Color) -- Starring: Dirk Bogarde, James Robertson Justice, Samantha Eggar, Dennis Price, Leo McKern, Mylene Demongeot, Donald Houston, Barbara Murray

Directed by: Ralph Thomas

Another great film from the British Invasion which VCI has restored and brought from their vaults.

This movie sees the return, after an absence of six years, of Dirk Bogarde to the role of Doctor Simon Sparrow.

'Doctor In Distress' is my personal favorite of the 'Doctor' series. To be honest, Bogarde is largely wasted in this film; still it is nice to see Simon Sparrow for one final time. The film main emphasis is not placed on the young, bungling medic, but, refreshingly, focuses on the wonderful James Robertson Justice as Sir Lancelot Spratt. It's a joy to see James Robertson Justice take center stage for a change, whether bashfully admitting his childhood nickname of 'Porker' or visiting a health farm; he never fails to raise a smile. It is a real pleasure to see these two fine actors reunited once again.

You do come away with a smile of satisfaction, the supporting cast is a real who's who of British screen acting, with people like Timothy Bateson, John Bluthal, Donald Houston and a nice surprise to see Michael Flanders as the food writer at the health farm.

But for James Robertson Justice, his acting credentials are priceless in the early 60s, simply perfect.

For product description and editorial review check this out on the Amazon site above my review

SPECIAL BONUE FEATURES:
Photo Gallery

BIOS:
1. Ralph Thomas (Director)
Date of Birth: 10 August 1915 - Hull, Yorkshire, England, UK
Date of Death: 17 March 2001 - London, England, UK

2. Dirk Bogarde [aka: Derek Jules Gaspard Ulric Niven van den Bogaerde]
Date of Birth: 28 March 1921 - Hampstead, London, England, UK
Date of Death: 8 May 1999 - Chelsea, London, England, UK

3. James Robertson Justice [aka: James Norval Harald Justice]
Date of Birth: 15 June 1907 - Lewisham, London, England, UK
Date of Death: 2 July 1975 - Winchester, Hampshire, England, UK

4. Samantha Eggar [aka: Victoria Louise Samantha Marie Elizabeth Therese Eggar]
Date of Birth: 5 March 1939 - Hampstead, London, England, UK

Mr. Jim's Ratings:
Quality of Picture & Sound: 4 Stars
Performance: 5 Stars
Story & Screenplay: 4 Stars
Overall: 4 Stars [Original Music, Cinematography & Film Editing]

Total Time: 103 min on DVD ~ VCI Entertainment #8664 ~ (August 2, 2011)

It's not like you never saw it before! This is an engaging romp - the values of the 60s - when all girls were curvy, all men lustful and the best car on the road was a mini. Nothing to make grandma blush! Pure delightful, untaxing escapism.

One of the funniest movies from the 'Doctor' series.

This one opens with a scene that will have you in stitches immediately as it opens with Peter Butterworth as an Ambulance driver giving an hilarious performance!

Many other names in this give outstanding performances too - among the ones in particular are; Donald Houston, James Robertson Justice, Leo McKern, Finella Fielding, the aforementioned, Peter Butterworth and Jessie Evans - one of Britain's finest character actresses. Jessie's scenes are all too short - oh but how memorable and funny they are! The one in the Hospital bed is particularly rib-tickling, and she consequently steals the whole show at that point. James Robertson Justice is as 'feisty' as ever. (sadly, none of these great actors can ever be replaced...)

Other outstandingly funny moments include Finella Fielding as a rather 'cranky' and uptight spinster-ish lady on a train that will have you feeling your funny bones in minutes too!

Also has a guest appearance of Ann Lynn in a particularly sad and touching scene within this kind of comedy, as a rather 'tragic' figure (but beautiful as always) who doesn't have long to live, and has a neglecting husband to make things even worse. Both she and her scenes seem distinctly out of place here - yet her final scene is simply captivating, and will delight fans.

There's another guest appearance in Dennis Price (still looking good before his personal problems took their toll on his image) as a rather 'racy' boss who's involved with a young and rather 'saucy' Amanda Barrie!

Includes so many numerous other familiar faces you will lose count!

A great movie at this ridiculously low price!