Classic TV: Dr. Kildare (1961)

MGM had a film franchise that had also conquered radio in the Golden Age. Thus, it made sense that they would return to said franchise, Dr, Kildare, and bring it to television.

Richard Chamberlain became a huge star as the result of playing Dr. James Kildare, as the series follows Kildare's career at Blair General Hospital. Film veteran Raymond Massey played Dr. Gillespie, Kildare's mentor. The series lasted five seasons on NBC (1961-6), and should've gone further, except for one thing. Someone at NBC, seeing how ABC had successfully adapted Peyton Place into a twice-weekly, half-hour soap opera, decided that Kildare would be split into two half-hour installments in season 5, hoping to siphon off Peyton's audience. All that did was ensure Kildare's cancellation.

Like many popular shows of the day, Dr. Kildare was adapted into comic books by Dell Publishing, and Chamberlain scored a #1 hit with "Three Stars Will Shine Tonight", which put new lyrics to Jerry Goldsmith's theme from the show.

Six years after the series ended, MGM decided to go back to the wellspring with Young Dr. Kildare in syndication. It lasted one season.

Edit, 5/18/22: Had to change the video. Following is a 1st season sample clip:

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Keep an eye out, in case Decades or Me-TV acquires the show.

Rating: A.