The Secret of Dr. Kildare (1939) | Directed by Harold S. Bucquet

The Secret of Dr. Kildare is the fourth film in the popular Dr. Kildare series. It follows the young and idealistic Dr. James Kildare as he continues his medical training under the gruff but brilliant Dr. Leonard Gillespie. In this installment, Kildare is assigned to diagnose and treat the emotionally troubled daughter of a wealthy industrialist, while also helping his mentor secretly battle a serious illness.

Genre: Medical Drama

Director: Harold S. Bucquet

Harold S. Bucquet was a British-born director who made a mark in Hollywood with his work on the Dr. Kildare series. He began his career as an assistant director and worked his way up to directing B-movies and studio dramas. Bucquet was known for his efficient, character-driven storytelling and his collaborations with actors like Lionel Barrymore and Lew Ayres. He died at a young age in 1946, cutting short a promising career.

Star Cast:
Lew Ayres as Dr. James Kildare
Lionel Barrymore as Dr. Leonard Gillespie
Lionel Atwill as Paul Messenger
Helen Gilbert as Nancy Messenger
Nat Pendleton as Joe Wayman
Emma Dunn as Molly Byrd

The film was well received by audiences who had grown fond of the ongoing Kildare saga. Its blend of medical intrigue, character drama, and moral themes made it a steady performer at the box office. Critics praised the chemistry between Ayres and Barrymore, as well as the film’s mix of heartfelt moments and clinical dilemmas. It helped solidify Dr. Kildare as one of the most enduring fictional physicians in American film.

Fun Facts:

* The Dr. Kildare series was so popular that it inspired radio programs, comic strips, and eventually a 1960s television show.
* Lionel Barrymore, who played Dr. Gillespie, was confined to a wheelchair in real life due to arthritis, a condition which was written into the character.
* The film was part of MGM’s effort to create recurring film franchises, a strategy that proved successful with audiences during the Depression and wartime years.
* Lew Ayres’ portrayal of Dr. Kildare made him a household name, though his later conscientious objector status during World War II temporarily stalled his career.

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