The Secret Of Dr.
Kildare (Roan)
Picture: C
Sound: C Extras: C- Film: C+
Dr. Kildare is a sort of clichéd character of the good
doctor with the moral center and heart of gold, but in his time, he was very,
very popular. Lew Ayres was the best
actor in the role and until his conscientious objector status was submitted
during WWII for whatever reasons, the series of MGM B-movie dramas was his and The
Secret Of Dr. Kildare (1939) was a typically above average at best entry
where Kildare is juggling two very ill patients and his own personal life.
This was fourth Kildare film, third in the MGM series, so
the situation was still fresh and interesting to viewers. Running 80 minutes, Lionel Atwill and series
regular Lionel Barrymore make this one of the better installments from what was
Classical Hollywood’s peak year. It is
not the greatest B film ever made, but a melodrama some may still enjoy.
The 1.33 X 1 image is a little soft despite the best
efforts of Roan and Troma to do a good transfer, while the print shows its
age. This is still the best version on
the market at present. The Dolby
Digital 2.0 Mono is also a few generations down with audio imperfections and
older compression throughout. Extras
repeat some previews, then adds a Lou Lembeck intro and Frank Thompson
discussing Kildare.
- Nicholas Sheffo
