1 9 5 6 (USA)
40 x 30 minute episodes
This adaptation of the radio series of the same title began when Dr Paul Christian (the featured doctor on the radio series) retired and his nephew, Dr Mark Christian, assumed control of his medical practice in the small town of Rivers End, Minnesota.
The program opened with a visual of Dr Mark reading a letter from his Uncle Paul (while Paul narrated):
“Dear Mark, this might come somewhat as a surprise. I finally decided to take your advice and retire, which means you’ll be falling heir to my patients. You may find that I’ve babied some too much and been too strict with others. I know you’ve long considered me a chronic meddler but it’s been my philosophy that a doctor’s responsibilities exceed those outlined in the Hippocratic Oath. No two doctors work exactly in the same manner. However, you know how I think and I know how you think, so I’m not worried. Mark, the reason why I worked for so long is to make sure you matured sufficiently to handle my patients with wisdom and kindness, I am now sure. With best regards, Uncle Paul.”
Dr Mark Christian
Macdonald Carey
Dr Paul Christian
Jean Hersholt
Nurses
Jan Shepard
Cynthia Baer
Kay Faylen