Themes: Work Ethics, Generation Gap, Doctors and Patients
Main Cast: Charles Dance, Miranda Richardson, Clive Owen, Robert Stephens, Lena Headey, Joan Hickson
Release Year: 1993
Country: US/UK
Run Time: 112 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Plot
Set near the end of 1899, as a new century is due to arrive and many people struggle to keep up with an era in flux, this drama follows the goings-on at a medical clinic operated by Professor Mandry (Charles Dance). Mandry appears somewhat progressive to his top student and right-hand man, Paul Reisner (Clive Owen), given his willingness to hire women and blacks - but Reisner's unchecked enthusiasm for Mandry soon fades when he discovers Mandry's hesitancy to acknowledge the importance of Felix's work on diabetic disorders, and his willingness to propagate eugenics via the enforced sterlization of impoverished British women. Eventually, their disagreements lead to the younger man's suspension; Paul then turns to Clara (Miranda Richardson), a free-thinking young woman working at the clinic who shows tremendous professional and emotional support to him. Soon they become lovers, but have disagreements of their own regarding medical ethics. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
Carlton Chance - James; Bruce Alexander - Interogator; Allie Byrne - First Girl in Basement; Trevor Cooper - Posse Man; Fiona Walker - Mrs. Pritchard; Liza Walker - Katie; Ian Shaw - Meredith; Katherine Best - Sick Girl; Dorothea Phillips - Lady at Party; Anna Chancellor - Woman in Police Station; Mark Hadfield - Club Performer; Mark Strong - Policeman; Geoffrey Beevers - Lecturer; Joseph Bennett - Edwin
Credit
Daphne Dare - Costume Designer, Anushia Nieradzik - Costume Designer, Sean Guest - First Assistant Director, John Spencer - First Assistant Director, Stephen Poliakoff - Director, Michael Parkinson - Editor, Mark Shivas - Executive Producer, Ruth Caleb - Executive Producer, Michael Gibbs - Composer (Music Score), Michael Pickwoad - Production Designer, Witold Stok - Cinematographer, Stephen Poliakoff - Screenwriter
