"Doctor at Large" is a 1957 British comedy film directed by Ralph Thomas and starring Dirk Bogarde, Muriel Pavlow, Donald Sinden, James Robertson Justice, and Shirley Eaton.
The film is the third installment in the "Doctor at Large" series, based on the 1955 novel by Richard Gordon.
The story follows Dr. Simon Sparrow (Dirk Bogarde), who loses out to Dr. Bingham for a senior house surgeon position at St Swithin's. Sparrow then takes a general practice job in an industrial town, where he faces challenges and humorous situations. He later moves to a rural practice where patients pay in kind, and eventually returns to St Swithin's after saving the life of a governor. The film's plot is a mix of comedy and satire, poking fun at the medical profession and the challenges faced by doctors in different settings.
The film features an ensemble cast, including Dirk Bogarde, Muriel Pavlow, Donald Sinden, James Robertson Justice, and Shirley Eaton. The direction by Ralph Thomas and the screenplay by Nicholas Phipps effectively bring the story to life, with the cinematography by Ernest Steward and editing by Frederick Wilson contributing to the film's overall visual and pacing. The music by Bruce Montgomery adds to the film's lighthearted tone.
"Doctor at Large" was a commercial success, ranking as the second most popular movie of the year at the British box office. Critics praised the film's blend of comedy and satire, with some noting that it was a bit formulaic but still entertaining. The film received a rating of 6/10 on IMDb. Overall, "Doctor at Large" is a classic British comedy that continues to entertain audiences with its witty humor and engaging storyline.