Doctor At Large – 1971
Continuing our look at the largely forgotten Doctor series, commonly referred to as Doctor On The Box. This is where it starts to get complicated. Doctor At Large was the second series to be based on the books and films of the same name by Richard Gordon. Although it was the second series based on the popular books it was the third series to be broadcast as ITV broadcast the first, Doctor In The House, over two series.
Produced by London Weekend it pick up directly where Doctor In The House left off. It’s a great shame that with all these channels we have these shows have not had a repeat airing as they are written by some legendary names and feature a host of well known comedy actors as you’ll see from the cast list.
There were twenty nine episodes broadcast back to back in 1971. It’s a sign of the then times that the first six episodes were recorded in Black and White due to an ITV colour strike.
Summary
Newly qualified Doctor Michael Upton begins life in his chosen profession of medicine. Obtaining a series of posts, that include working in Otolaryngology and as a general practitioner, before returning to St Swithin’s Hospital (where he received his training) as a Junior Registrar.
There are some great laugh out loud moments as we also follow Upton’s(and other young doctors in their pursuit of women.
Clips
Cast
Barry Evans – Dr.Michael Upton
George Layton – Dr. Paul Collier
Geoffrey Davies – Dr. Dick Stuart-Clark
Richard O’Sullivan – Dr.Lawrence Bingham
Ernest Clark – Professor Geoffrey Loftus
Arthur Lowe – Dr. Maxwell
Madeline Smith – Sue Maxwell
Fabia Drake – Dr.Whiteland
Brian Oulton – Dr.Griffin
Details
Channel: ITV
Produced By: London Weekend Television for ITV
Written By:
Bill Oddie
Graeme Garden
John Cleese
Graham Chapman
Bernard McKenna
Geoff Rowley
Andy Baker
Jonathan Lynn
David Yallop
George Layton (under the pseudonym of “Oliver Fry”).
Original Transmission Dates: 28th February 1971 – 12th September 1971 (dates are based on London ITV region)
Merchandising
A complete DVD box set containing all eight series is available from Network DVD, http://www.networkdvd.net/product_info.php?products_id=729
