As strict Head Nurse Beatrice Fain, veteran character actress Jean Inness shines in this episode of D. Kildare in the titular role of "The Dragon". Although new nurse Lori Palmer (Margaret O'Brien) is well-meaning and conscientious, she is scared and constantly intimidated by the harsh criticism and reprimands from Mrs. Fain. Enter cocky and brash intern, Dr. Eddie Moore (Scott Marlowe), who wants to run things his own way and on his own schedule. Dr. Eddie easily seduces Lori and then tries using her to cover his own mistakes and shortcomings.
This episode makes for a wonderful character study. Although Jean Inness played Mrs. Fain in 22 episodes of Dr. Kildare, this story provides her with the opportunity to convey the character of this wonderful, loyal and considerate older nurse. In the early scenes, she properly scolded Lori for openly crying in front of the parents of a small child who has died – and yet, with her back turned, also weeps for that same child. There are several heart-breaking scenes with her estranged, wayward husband Cary Fain (Jack Albertson) — who has not seen his wife or son in seventeen years – now comes back to touch her for a few bucks and an overnight stay. By the end, Mrs. Fain demonstrates her genuine caring and affection to the young nurse as she tries to impart her hard-earned wisdom and understanding to Lori.
Margaret O'Brien gives a great performance here as the vulnerable and attractive Lori; one sees how earlier movie audiences were so easily charmed by this talented child actress. She went on to become a fine adult actress as well, starring in many TV series of the 1950s and 60s. One memorable performance was as a brave nurse fighting off an anthrax epidemic in the Rawhide episode "Incident of the Town in Terror".
Scott Marlowe plays his part well as the contemptible Dr. Moore. The contrast of his selfish, dishonest character with that of Dr. Kildare (Richard Chamberlain) is striking. It also so very enjoyable when the erudite and astute Dr. Gillespie (Raymond Massey) is able to bring down his judgment and devastating critique to those who so fully deserve their comeuppance. Massey delivers such condemnation like no-one else—and it is always a revelation to this viewer of just how great an actor he was.
After watching this episode, I always pay particular attention to the other appearances of Mrs. Fain. Even in the smallest of these roles, Jean Inness (also wife to actor Victor Jory) made her character a real person. It's a tribute to this fine actress.
This episode makes for a wonderful character study. Although Jean Inness played Mrs. Fain in 22 episodes of Dr. Kildare, this story provides her with the opportunity to convey the character of this wonderful, loyal and considerate older nurse. In the early scenes, she properly scolded Lori for openly crying in front of the parents of a small child who has died – and yet, with her back turned, also weeps for that same child. There are several heart-breaking scenes with her estranged, wayward husband Cary Fain (Jack Albertson) — who has not seen his wife or son in seventeen years – now comes back to touch her for a few bucks and an overnight stay. By the end, Mrs. Fain demonstrates her genuine caring and affection to the young nurse as she tries to impart her hard-earned wisdom and understanding to Lori.
Margaret O'Brien gives a great performance here as the vulnerable and attractive Lori; one sees how earlier movie audiences were so easily charmed by this talented child actress. She went on to become a fine adult actress as well, starring in many TV series of the 1950s and 60s. One memorable performance was as a brave nurse fighting off an anthrax epidemic in the Rawhide episode "Incident of the Town in Terror".
Scott Marlowe plays his part well as the contemptible Dr. Moore. The contrast of his selfish, dishonest character with that of Dr. Kildare (Richard Chamberlain) is striking. It also so very enjoyable when the erudite and astute Dr. Gillespie (Raymond Massey) is able to bring down his judgment and devastating critique to those who so fully deserve their comeuppance. Massey delivers such condemnation like no-one else—and it is always a revelation to this viewer of just how great an actor he was.
After watching this episode, I always pay particular attention to the other appearances of Mrs. Fain. Even in the smallest of these roles, Jean Inness (also wife to actor Victor Jory) made her character a real person. It's a tribute to this fine actress.
