White Corridors

6.6
19511h 42m

White Corridors was based on Yeoman Hospital, a novel by Helen Ashton. Told episodically, the story concentrates on the day-to-day activities in a busy hospital, where research pathologist Neil Marriner (James Donald) conducts experiments in the hopes of curing diseases impervious to penicillin. Marriner is aided in this endeavor by lady surgeon Dr. Sophie Dean (Googie Withers), who happens to be in love with him. After a tragedy occurs for which Marriner holds himself responsible, the film builds steadily to an exciting climax involving a untested -- and potentially dangerous -- serum. The top-rank British supporting cast includes Barry Jones, Moira Lister, Petula Clark, Basil Radford, Dagmar (later Dana) Wynter, Bernard Lee, and, in a minor role, future "Dr. Who" Patrick Troughton.

Cast

Photo of Googie Withers

Googie Withers

Dr. Sophie Dean

Photo of James Donald

James Donald

Neil Marriner

Photo of Godfrey Tearle

Godfrey Tearle

Mr. Groom Sr.

Photo of Petula Clark

Petula Clark

Joan Shepherd

Photo of Jean Anderson

Jean Anderson

Sister Gater

Photo of Moira Lister

Moira Lister

Dolly Clark

Photo of Jack Watling

Jack Watling

Dick Groom

Photo of Barry Jones

Barry Jones

Dr. Shoesmith

Photo of Megs Jenkins

Megs Jenkins

Mrs. Briggs

Photo of Gerard Heinz

Gerard Heinz

Dr. Macuzek

Photo of Fabia Drake

Fabia Drake

Miss Farmer

Photo of Henry Edwards

Henry Edwards

Phillip Brewster

Photo of Basil Radford

Basil Radford

Retired Civil Servant

Photo of Johnnie Schofield

Johnnie Schofield

Night Porter

Photo of Jean Lodge

Jean Lodge

Night Nurse

Photo of Avice Landone

Avice Landone

Sister Jenkins

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Reviews

G

CinemaSerf

6/10

James Donald is "Dr. Marriner", a trailblazing surgeon in 1950s England, who is working on a method of treating infections that resist penicillin. He is optimistic that he can develop something in time to save the life of a young boy who is fighting septicaemia. Meantime, aspiring surgeon "Sophie" (Googie Withers) is facing a dilemma of her own. She is in love with the doctor, but has the opportunity to relocate to a London hospital where her career can blossom more fully. Things come to an head when "Marriner" becomes accidentally infected, too - and she has to make a tough decision that could, quite literally, kill or cure. It's maybe a bit too long, this, but for the most part is glides along well with some strong leading characterisations to support this more substantial plot. The supporting cast of British household names - Godfrey Searle, Petula Clark and Moira Lister add flesh to the bones, and there are a couple of sub-plots to let us come up for air every now and again from the main, quite thought provoking, narrative. Perhaps the ending is a little too predictable, but still - it's worth a watch.

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