This medical drama contains plotlines that certainly wouldn't be seen on that popular TV series at the time, let alone the "Dr. Kildare"/"Dr. Gillespie" series of films (1937-1947). The closest any movie series of the time came to dealing with issues like this was on daytime, ironically on "Another World" in 1964, not medical based dramas "The Doctors" and "General Hospital". The early 70's had some interesting medical based films, dark comedies like "The Hospital" and "National Health". With "Roe vs. Wade" about to be passed, this movie fighting for the cause of safe abortions was definitely ahead of its time, and better than the reviews I read lead me to believe.
While silver haired James Coburn isn't my idea of a romantic leading man (once again getting a younger woman, Jennifer O'Neill, to fall in love with him), he's quite good as a pathologist (think "Quincy") who helps old friend James Hong who has been accused of a young woman's death as the result of a botched abortion. Hong admits to performing these procedures, but his methods were based on safe practices, not butchery. The whole hospital, mostly the scandal fearing administration, seems to be against Hong which leads to issues for new arrival Coburn. But he perseveres and gets himself in danger as he nears discovering the truth.
The fact that the girl who died was the daughter of wealthy parents makes Hong's issues worse, and subtle prejudices are revealed when Coburn speaks to her socialite mother, Elizabeth, obviously seeking revenge. Coburn has a great chat with lab doctor Olive Dunbar, a great one scene cameo, and in a good supporting role, veteran actor Regis Toomey is quite commanding. A very intelligent screenplay indicates that this isn't pushing the agenda of legalizing abortions, but revealing the harshness of backroom abortions in comparison to safe ones. Well directed by Blake Edwards, a rare drama for him.
While silver haired James Coburn isn't my idea of a romantic leading man (once again getting a younger woman, Jennifer O'Neill, to fall in love with him), he's quite good as a pathologist (think "Quincy") who helps old friend James Hong who has been accused of a young woman's death as the result of a botched abortion. Hong admits to performing these procedures, but his methods were based on safe practices, not butchery. The whole hospital, mostly the scandal fearing administration, seems to be against Hong which leads to issues for new arrival Coburn. But he perseveres and gets himself in danger as he nears discovering the truth.
The fact that the girl who died was the daughter of wealthy parents makes Hong's issues worse, and subtle prejudices are revealed when Coburn speaks to her socialite mother, Elizabeth, obviously seeking revenge. Coburn has a great chat with lab doctor Olive Dunbar, a great one scene cameo, and in a good supporting role, veteran actor Regis Toomey is quite commanding. A very intelligent screenplay indicates that this isn't pushing the agenda of legalizing abortions, but revealing the harshness of backroom abortions in comparison to safe ones. Well directed by Blake Edwards, a rare drama for him.