Dr. Kildare: Living or Dead?

About Dr. Kildare

Dr. Kildare was a groundbreaking medical drama that aired on NBC from 1961 to 1966. The show followed the life and career of young doctor James Kildare, played by Richard Chamberlain, as he navigated the challenges of working in a busy hospital and caring for his patients.

At the time, Dr. Kildare was a revolutionary show that tackled important social issues such as race relations, mental illness, and the role of women in medicine. It was also one of the first shows to feature a strong, independent female character in the form of Nurse Mary Lamont, played by Barbara Eden.

The show was a huge success, spawning a spin-off series, several movies, and even a comic book. It also helped launch the career of Richard Chamberlain, who went on to become a major Hollywood star.

Despite its popularity, Dr. Kildare was not without controversy. Some critics accused the show of being too sentimental and unrealistic, while others praised its groundbreaking approach to storytelling and social issues.

Overall, Dr. Kildare remains a classic television show that broke new ground in the medical drama genre. Its impact can still be felt today in shows like Grey's Anatomy and ER, which owe a debt of gratitude to this groundbreaking series.

References:

- "Dr. Kildare: A Television Classic." The New York Times, 22 July 2011, www.nytimes.com/2011/07/24/arts/television/dr-kildare-a-television-classic.html.

- "Dr. Kildare." IMDb, www.imdb.com/title/tt0054557/.

- "Dr. Kildare: The Complete First Season." DVD Talk, 28 Nov. 2006, www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/25268/dr-kildare-the-complete-first-season/.