"Doctor at Sea" is the sequel to the popular "Doctor in the House",with Dirk Bogarde reprising his role as Dr. Simon Sparrow,now a newly qualified and overworked GP,who flees from the amorous advances of his Senior Partner's daughter. He decides to sign on as a ship's doctor and escape!
Various amusing situations occur on the outward voyage,instigated by the vessel's somewhat eclectic crew. These range from the overbearing,bombastic Captain Hogg(James Robertson Justice),to the loopy,hallucinating ship's carpenter(George Coulouris).
At their tropical Port of Call Simon encounters pretty club singer Helene: A young Brigitte Bardot managing to radiate modesty,charm and a kind of demure sexuality,all at the same time!
Of course,Simon falls for her,and his affection increases when the misogynistic Captain Hogg is ordered to give return passage home to the daughter of the Shipping Line owner,Muriel(Brenda de Banzie),and her friend ...Helene!
Muriel sets her sights on the irascible Captain,while Simon romances Helene(Lucky chap!).
Other comic situations abound,including the Merchant ship's Dance,and Crewman Noel Purcell's dental visit.
The film,although not having many real "Laugh-out-loud" moments,is constantly amusing. And BB does get to deliver one of the funniest lines after the crew present Dr. Sparrow with a caged bird,in thanks for his successful operation on one of the seamen. The viewer has to be quick,as the scene is faded just as Helene speaks her line!!
The movie reaches it's zenith with Hogg growing even more cranky and cantankerous(Not entirely his fault), and with Helene and Simon's shipboard romance looking to be scuppered,as Helene now has a singing contract in Rio...But wait?
Well played by Dirk Bogarde,James Robertson Justice,Brenda de Banzie and a radiant Brigitte Bardot,in her debut British film performance.
There are several good cameo and supporting performances too,and the whole concoction is tidily directed by Rank stalwart Ralph Thomas. All in all an agreeable British movie.
Review of Doctor at Sea
