 The story of Dr. Kildare. Whatsoever house I enter, there will I go for the benefit of the safety. And whatsoever things I see or hear concerning the life of men, I will keep silence thereon, counting such things to be held as sacred trusts. I will exercise my arts only for the people. The story of Dr. Kildare, starring Lou Ayers and Lionel Barrymore. Metro Goldwyn Mayer brought you those famous motion pictures. Now this exciting, heartwarming series is heard on radio. In just a moment, the story of Dr. Kildare. But first, your announcer. Ayers as Dr. Kildare and Lionel Barrymore as Dr. Gillespie. Blair General Hospital, one of great citadels of American medicine. Plump of gray white buildings planted deep in the heart of New York. The nerve center of medical progress where great minds and skilled hands wage man's everlasting battle against death and disease. Blair General Hospital, where life begins, where life ends, where life goes on. Morning, Miss Parker. Isn't this an enchanting morning this morning? Not especially. Well, maybe it's just me then. Oh, there's good news today. There is? Oh, yes, indeed. Guess who's right. Well, I don't have to guess. I've already heard. Isn't this wonderful? Terrific. Is Dr. Gillespie here? Yes. He's there in his office. Dr. Kildare's with him. Well, I'll just go right on in in surprise. Oh, they're going to be happy to hear about this. I wasn't that honest. Good morning to both of you gentlemen. Well, now, what's all this, Dr. Karoo? You're walking about two feet above the carpet. Jimmy, it's one of two things. The vitamins or benzodiazepines. Now, Dr. Kildare, Dr. Gillespie, don't start tweeting me. You'll be just as excited when you find out about this. Find out about what? About the arrival from England on the 11 o'clock plane of Lady Donneby. Lady Donneby? Yes. I just thank Wave and Drew Bringer from the airport. You mean she's back again this year for another one of those month-long rescuers? No, Dr. Kildare, that's not be for teachers. She's entering their hospital for observation and examination. Observation and examination. She merely comes here to recover from the year's social world. She wastes our time and takes up a suite that could be used by someone who really needs it. Karoo, you must have a hole in your head. Oh, why did so hope you'd act differently about it this year? Different about it? Why doesn't she go to a hotel like anybody else? Oh, dear. Dr. Karoo, would this attitude of yours have anything to do with that donation you tried to get from Lady Donneby last year? Dr. Kildare, must you be so insubprably blocked by the carnation? That's it. Well, after all, this hospital does need funds, you know. And no one knows it better than we do, Dr. Karoo. But do we have to take in borders in order to raise money? Oh, now, that is a complete misinterpretation, Dr. Kildare. Aside from the question of money, Lady Donneby does suffer ill health, I feel. We are honored to have such a charming young woman. Ah, young woman. According to rumor, Lady Donneby, before she managed to hook Lord Donneby in a weak movement, was one of the original Floridora gals. It's still third from the end, as I heard this morning. It's just no use trying to reason with you too. It's just no use at all. Karoo, suppose we make a bargain with you. A bargain? Yeah. This woman is coming here for observation and examination. So that's exactly what she gets. Oh, good heavens, no. I'm sure she wouldn't like that talk. No, do I imagine the Board of Regents would like it if they knew a patient was spending a month here without even a diagnosis being made? Oh, dear. And, of course, that would reflect back on me as head diagnostician. Oh, dear, dear. I think it's only your duty to inform them right away, Dr. Gillespie. Here. Can you reach the phone? Oh, dear, dear, dear, dear, dear. No. Thank you, Jimmy. Thank you. Now, let's see. No. Stop. Oh, dear gentlemen. You will be as easy on her as possible. Now, just relax, Karoo. Don't worry about it. You know us. You there. Young woman. Yes, ma'am? I assume you're employed here from that get-up your way. That's right. I'm a nurse. Diana Verner. Is there something I can do for you? You certainly can. You can get me a room and some service and the manager. Do you mean Dr. Karoo? That's it, Karoo. Well, if you'll just have a seat there and long. Hey, not this. She is talking to Miss Verner. How are you, Lady Hood? So, you finally remembered leaving me here, you hack-witted feed maniac? She's talking about when I brought her from the airport back. You're still a little shook up, huh? I'll shake you up. Well, young man, who are you? I'm Dr. Kildare. I assume you're Lady Donnerby. You never made a better assumption. You met Wayman, of course, and then Miss Verner. Oh, yes, we've met. And this is Dr. Gillespie, our chief diagnostician. Oh, very well and good. But I don't need a doctor. I need a room. Of course you do. So, if you would just go up to the registry desk on the second floor, they'll be glad to take you there. I will not. I have never registered in this hospital before, and I won't start now. Where's that little pepsque caroo? I'm afraid you're out of luck, Lady Donnerby. He's barricaded in his office. You'll have to deal with us. I see. All right, let's start dealing. I demand that you have my luggage brought from the airport at once. I demand a suite within five minutes. I demand the presence of the hospital dietician within 10 minutes. Lady Donnerby, shut up. What? In this hospital, I give the order. It's not the patients. Well... And you can take one or two choices. Either get up there and register or call a taxi and get out. Now make up your mind. Shall we go, Jimmy? Right. See you later, Diana. Okay, Jimmy. Well, now, you don't find a man like that very often these days. He's quite a lad. Well, I think so. He knows his own mind. He can be awfully stubborn when he thinks he's right. And he's not too bad looking either. Most people think Dr. Kildare is rather handsome. Kildare? Well, who said anything about Kildare? Oh, um... Now, where did Dr. Gillespie tell me I must go to register? You realize that this is the first chance I've had this week to be alone with you. Of course, Jimmy. Why do you think I cornered you here in your office? Baby, well, you're involved. I corner awfully easy. Oh, I'm not so sure. No? Well, it has been a week, you know. I've been stuck to work every single night. I never had a fuller schedule. However, I'm not working right at this moment. Yes. Dr. Kildare, would you mind looking over to... It's all right, Parker. What is it? It's a great sample of actual exit. Well, her heart's in the right place. I suppose. How about yours? Oh, it's showing some rather strange symptoms lately. Jumpy, my God. Interesting coincidence. Mine's been doing the same thing. I wonder if there's any connection. You tell me, Jimmy. You have a doctor? Well, I... Good morning, Jimmy. Miss Burner? It was a good morning. Why is everyone acting so unfriendly? Parker just tried to shoo me away. I don't pay any attention to Jimmy, Dr. Gillespie. He doesn't mean it. It's all right. It's a very good attitude in view of the examination we're due to make in about five minutes. Oh, yes. Lady Donabee. I haven't forgotten about them. Well, if you're going up in five minutes, that better get her ready. You mean you got stuck with her? How come? Oh, I asked for it, Jimmy. Oh. You should be on the stage. Bye. Of course, I don't know what a general condition may show, but I think we should concentrate on that game leg. Game leg? Diana? Jimmy. Oh, Lady Donabee. Yes, well, from what she said, her trouble is apparently sciatica, so it may be tough to do anything. Sciatica nearly always had an uncertain etiology. Yes, I agree. But we've still got to make a stab at it. We're out on a limb with Karoo, you know. Yeah, I know. All right, Doctor. Lioness lurks in her den. For two days now, you've embarrassed me with undignified questions, poked me full of needle holes, and I don't mind telling you I'm fed up with it. Ah, fiddlestick. You haven't had so much attention in years. I didn't come here for attention. I came here for a rest. Well, now at least you know a little more about yourself. Art, lungs, general physical condition, all perfect. Young man, I knew that before I ever laid eyes on this place. There's nothing wrong with me that a little peace and quiet won't cure. What about this bad leg? Peace and quiet won't help you get rid of that cane. No, well, anything else. I've had sciatica off and on for five years. Been to the best doctors in Europe, boiled myself in the best hot springs on the continent. Though worked. And I won't have you messing around with it. It can't be cured. I'm not so sure of that. Oh, Jimmy, sleeping dogs. I've got an idea. It may be a particular type of sciatica, and I'd like to take some x-rays of your spine in order to find out. X-rays? Well, I thought I'd already had the full treatment. And now it's x-rays. Well, that's the only way to be sure. Decisions up to you, of course, but I strongly advise agreeing with it. Dr. Kildare, I won't do it. I absolutely will not do it. Oh, that's all right, Jimmy. She'll do it. Dr. Gillespie, you're a fascinating man in a primitive sort of way. Oh, I know. A diamond in the rough with a heart of gold to mix a pair of metaphors. Maybe, but that still doesn't give you any right to order me around. Well, it's up to you. We haven't found a thing wrong with you. And if you won't permit further examination, you can't stay here in the hospital. What? So I might as well call the front office and arrange to have you released at two o'clock this afternoon. Now, wait a minute. Wait a minute, boys. Let's not be too hasty about this. Come in. Hiya, boss. I got the stretcher here to take her down to x-ray. They got the machine all set up and waiting. Well, now, somebody must have been pretty sure of himself. I guess it's all of two choices again. Taxi to a hotel or wayman stretcher down to x-ray. I'll push it slow, you're excellent. Honest, I will. My arm, ladies, on a base. Oh, thank you. Here, wayman. You take her feet. Found it, Jimmy. You're sticking your neck out a mile and a half. You're going off the deep end and jumping at conclusion. And you're mixing metaphors again. No, I started on a hunch all right, thinking maybe it was something we could diagnose definitely. But now, I'm sure of it. Well, I'm not. Now, there's no doubt of it. It's a herniation of the nucleus poposis. It's a wild guess. Tie it up with wishful thinking. Why? Everything points to it. In fact, only one leg is affected. The pain is intermittent. It disappears suddenly sometimes. That's insufficient evidence. It doesn't mean a thing. I'll go on record with it. Sure, Nick, Jimmy. I'll wait for the x-rays. All right. Take a look at these. Buy the great horn spoon. A double cross. I'd already seen him. It was a dirty trick. Yeah, look at this one. Notice the cartilage disc between the last lung of our vertebrae and the sacrum. Yeah, yeah. There's a crack all right on the left side. And the poposis is protruding into the spinal canal, pushing against the nerve root. And there's your sciatica. Why argue, Jimmy? All right, all right, all right. I doubt about it. We're lucky. This is one we know what to do about it. Well, now you are jumping at conclusions. She's a hard-headed dame, and there's a limit to how far you can push her. Furthermore, she's had the opinions of the best doctors in Europe. Jimmy, you'll never convince her. No, I think I will. In fact, I'm not only going to convince her, I'm going to operate on her. And I'm going to cure her. Now, you wait and see. It works. We return to the story of Dr. Kildare in just a moment. Blessed be all I know is that he's on his way down here, and he's in a tizzy. Yeah, I bet he is. I just can't imagine who could have told him. Ah, come now, Pug. I can imagine very easily. Really? Who? You. Huh? You confounded idiot shooting off that big mouth of yours all over the hospital. I did not. One of these days, I'm going to remove that flapping tongue of yours and pickle it. What's going on here? Oh, come in, Jimmy. Come in. Come in. Well, here's the man who's let Karoo find out the whole story on the Donabee diagnosis. He's on his way down now. Dr. Kildare, I just... That woman is a positive genius at doing the wrong thing. Oh, I don't think it did any real harm. Why, you're blowing time. I know, I know. But I think I can cork him up again. Well, I hope so, Jimmy. Come in. Dr. Kildare. Oh, I hope I'm here in time. In time for what, Dr. Karoo? Dr. Kildare, you haven't told Lady Donabee you're a diagnosis. No, not yet. Ah, thank heaven. Any reason I shouldn't? Of course there is. Can't you see? Why, she'll blame us for recommending an operation. Well, he didn't give her sciatica. That is not the point. She'll still remember Blair's place that wanted to operate on her. And we won't have the slightest chance of getting any finest... Oh, Dr. Kildare, I absolutely forbid you to say a word to her about the diagnosis. All right, you're the boss. What? You mean you're going to be reasonable about this? Yeah, I'm amazed myself. Why not? It isn't my responsibility. Well... Of course, some other doctor will probably make the same diagnosis sometime. Oh, yes, possibly, but that's no concern of ours. And we are on record here as having made a thorough examination complete with X-rays. Yes, we know did always for our... What do you mean? A wealthy woman like Lady Donabee undoubtedly has very competent legal advisers. I'd say they'd probably sue for 50 or maybe a hundred to thousand dollars. Oh, dear. I never thought for that. Something else, you mean? There'll probably be a lot of notoriety. She's prominent enough. Oh, dear, dear. Oh, sure, I can see the headlines. Society doctor indicted in malpractice conspiracy. Oh, dear, dear, dear. The head of Blair Hospital begins prison term today. She paged two for pictures. Oh, dear. Well, there flew Cabrure. Yes. But I'm afraid we're going to find Lady Donabee a whole lot tougher. Do you boys really mean to stand there and try to convince me that I ought to be operated on nearly because of a little shadow on a piece of film? Well, it's not quite that ridiculous, Lady Donabee. That's only one final piece of evidence that ties in with the symptoms I mentioned. Evidence symptoms, Topicock. Why didn't those European doctors find out about it? I couldn't say. If it's the operation you're worried about, forget it. It's comparatively simple and Kildare is one of the best surgeons in the country. You agree with this idea of his, Dr. Gillespie? No, I have no question about it. An operation would mean you could throw away that cane. Be free of any more discomfort and forget you ever had sciatica. If you're right, of course. I know I'm right. Oh, you do, huh? Well, of course it's up to you to decide, Lady Donabee. Well, I'll tell you. The whole thing sounds just too simple. So simple I'm not going to have it done. Well, I think you're making a mistake. Jimmy, it's no use, no use. We're wasting our time. I never saw a more contrary human being in my life. Well, you just try looking in a mirror, you old air dale. Air dale? Yes, I got you figured out perfectly. You're me all over again. Oh, I certainly hope not. Come on, Jimmy, let's go. All right. Lady Donabee, I still hope you'll reconsider your decision. I have already, Dr. Kildare. When do you want to operate? Hm? Oh, okay. When do you want to operate? Hm? Oh, Grouch, you was right, you know. I am contrary. Well, I look great on board. I simply don't believe the operation is going to help. And I want to have the horse laugh on both of you. We'll take the chance. How about nine o'clock tomorrow morning? Nine's too early. I'm a late sleeper. Make a ten. Ah, cantanker's stubborn mean. A woman after my own heart. Dear, oh dear. Stop. Dr. Gillespie, stop. Hold everything. Stop what? What's the matter with you? You should know what's the matter. Where is Dr. Kildare? How do I know? I'm not running a hospital information service. Please. No, quit, Dr. Gillespie. This is the price. It's fine. It's been over three hours since the last one. We've got to find him at once. Well, I'll look through my desk if you like. Miss Parker said the last time she saw him, he was headed for surgery. That's quite possible. That's exactly what we've got to stop. All right. Go stop it. I'm busy myself. Dr. Gillespie, I do wish you'd learn to cooperate. All right. Dr. Gillespie, are you causing trouble again? Kildare. Oh, good. We're saved. Didn't even know we were lost. Dr. Gillespie, I have made a final and absolute decision. The done-to-be operation. Plus, be careful. Well, that's a very interesting decision anyway. There is nothing that can change my mind. You see, I have a long talk with our legal advisor. Indeed, someone said he died months ago. Please. Now, as for all those terrible things you said might happen, our attorney advises me that they were nothing but, well, to put it boldly, flim-lam. That's certainly bald, all right. Sir, I think it's time both of you listened to reason. Oh, that's too much to hope for. Well, Dr. Carew, you seem to be holding all the cards. What do you propose? That this operation be cancelled at once. I see. Of course, Dr. Carew, if those are your instructions, people will certainly think I'm out of my mind. I don't see why. You will, when I tell you I operated on Lady Donna B. two hours ago. Oh, no. Oh, yes. Oh, dear. My nation, I put those smelling stones. Oh, never mind, Dr. Carew. Let's be here. I'll just wave a dollar bill under his nose. Now, don't rush me, boys. As far as I can tell, you cured that dang sciatica, all right. But you've given me aches and pains. I never had it full. So are muscles. Ones you haven't been using because you were favoring that leg. Just walk slowly now and dig it easy. Well, work loose. And you know you ought to stop every few steps now and give us the horse lap. Oh, be quiet, old billy goat. If I hadn't been confident, I wouldn't have agreed to the operation no matter what I said. I think we'd better head back to your room now, Lady Donna B. You've been walking nearly half an hour. Yeah, doing very well at it, too. Why will have your dancing by the end of the week? That's a good idea. I'll take you up on it. Oh, well, indeed. I only meant to do the... I don't care what you meant. I've already accepted. Well, that's what I like in a woman. Sufferly. Piffle. Well, well, well, well. Now, isn't this a happy little group? Good morning, Dr. Carew. You're looking much better this week. I feel fine, Dr. Carew. Good morning, my dear lady Donna B. Mr. Carew, stop nibbling my hand. Oh, forgive me, your ladyship. It's just my exuberance at seeing you looking so well, your old charming self again. But that's their hospital. We always get results when we go into action. Well, I don't know about that we stuff, but actually I have changed my mind about this place. Always regarded it as a glorified rest home. And I'm a little amazed to find at least a couple of the staff are medically competent. Boys, you've got more important work than walking an old woman up and down the hall. Mr. Carew will take me back to my room. He's not doing anything. Well, and now I... I mean, of course. Delighted. Don't forget that date of ours, Dr. Gillespie. Oh, to be sure, to be sure. My arm. Lady Donna B. Thank you. You call this an arm? I found bigger muscles in clam chowder. Well, now, Dr. Cabe, how does it feel to be royal court physician? It's like riding a merry-go-round backwards, Dr. G. Ask me the next time I come fast. I'm still spinning. In just a moment, we will return to the story of Dr. Kildare. Story of Dr. Kildare, starring Lou Ayers as Dr. Kildare and Lionel Baramore as Dr. Gillespie. It's after 12 o'clock. And Dr. Gillespie never goes out of the hospital at night. What do you suppose he is? I don't know, sweetie. He was very mysterious about the whole thing. Slipped out around 7 o'clock without a word to anybody. Well, after all, something could have happened to him, you know. Well, if he can't take care of himself at this age, there's not much use in it. Here we go. What's all this? Oh, hiya, Doc. Well, look, it's Dr. Kildare and Ms. Baineth. Oh, carnation. What's the idea of the stretcher, Dr. Gillespie? Nothing, Jimmy, nothing at all. I've had an emergency call to come over and get him at the Kobanya Club. So that's it. And at your age. Jimmy, I am not intoxicated. Maybe it's sciatica, Dr. Gillespie. Oh, young lady, you keep out of this. Come on now. Let's have it. What's wrong with you? Ah, confound it. I am merely suffering from a well-known tropical disease called the conga. The conga? Oh, Lady Donabee. That woman is the original whirling dervish. Oh, Jimmy, with you, who set up an X-ray room in the morning, think I'm out of joint in 14 different places. Be glad to. And putting it another way, you might say, was caused by being out of place in 14 different joints. Good night, Dr. You have just heard the story of Dr. Kildare starring Lou Ayres and Lionel Barrymore. This program was written by Les Crutchfield and directed by William P. Russo. Original music was composed and conducted by Walter Schuman. Supporting cast included Virginia Gregg, Ted Osborne, Georgia Ellis, Ed Maxx, and Isabel Randolph. Dick Joy speaking.