Dr. Kildare's Wedding Day is a 1941 American romantic drama film starring Lew Ayres and Lionel Barrymore. The film was directed by Harold S. Bucquet, and it's based on the popular radio series of the same name. It was the third in the series of nine Dr. Kildare films released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer between 1938 and 1947. The film follows the story of young doctor Dr. Kildare, who is about to marry the love of his life, nurse Mary Lamont. But his plans are thrown into disarray when he discovers that his mentor and father figure, the famous Dr. Gillespie, is dying.
The Story Behind the Film
Dr. Kildare's Wedding Day is based on the popular radio series Dr. Kildare, which was broadcast from 1937 to 1947. The radio series was a medical drama that followed the adventures of young Dr. Kildare and his mentor, Dr. Gillespie. The radio series was so popular that it spawned a series of nine feature films. The third of these films was Dr. Kildare's Wedding Day.
The film follows Dr. Kildare as he prepares to marry Mary, the nurse he has been in love with since the first film. But his plans are thrown into disarray when he discovers that his mentor and father figure, the famous Dr. Gillespie, is dying. Kildare must put aside his own happiness in order to take care of his beloved mentor. The film is a romantic drama that explores the depths of friendship and loyalty as Dr. Kildare learns the true meaning of self-sacrifice.
The Cast and Crew
Dr. Kildare's Wedding Day starred Lew Ayres as Dr. Kildare and Lionel Barrymore as Dr. Gillespie. The film was directed by Harold S. Bucquet, who also directed several of the other Dr. Kildare films. The screenplay was written by Willis Goldbeck and Harry Ruskin, who also wrote the screenplay for the first two films in the series. The film also featured some of the radio series' supporting cast, including Nat Pendleton, William Gargan, and Nella Walker.
The Legacy of Dr. Kildare's Wedding Day
Dr. Kildare's Wedding Day was a critical and commercial success, earning $2.3 million at the box office. It was the third-highest grossing film of 1941 and was highly praised by critics. The film also earned two Academy Award nominations for Best Original Score and Best Supporting Actor for Lionel Barrymore.
Dr. Kildare's Wedding Day is an enduring classic of the Dr. Kildare film series, and it remains one of the most beloved films of the 1940s. The film is a touching tribute to friendship and loyalty, and it serves as a reminder that self-sacrifice is sometimes necessary in order to do what is right. It is a timeless classic that continues to be appreciated by audiences today.
The Impact of Dr. Kildare's Wedding Day
Dr. Kildare's Wedding Day was a major hit in 1941, and it helped to cement the success of the Dr. Kildare film series. The film was a major success for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, and it helped to establish Lew Ayres and Lionel Barrymore as major stars of the era. The film also helped to popularize the medical drama genre, which was a major influence on later shows like ER and Grey's Anatomy.
Dr. Kildare's Wedding Day is a classic film that has stood the test of time. It is a timeless story of friendship and loyalty that continues to touch audiences to this day. The film is a reminder of the power of self-sacrifice and the importance of putting others before ourselves.