Cast
View All
Walter Reed
as Police Sgt. Paul Arnold
Margaret Lindsay
as Dr. Janet Carey
John Archer
as Dr. Ellis
Byron Palmer
as Ben Caldwell
Rita Johnson
as Head Nurse Norma Mullen
Peg La Centra
as Nurse Fran Richards
Robert Keys
as A Policeman
Rhodes Reason
as Juvenile Officer Ross
Joy Lee
as Nurse Mitzi (uncredited)
Vera Frances
as Nurse Vera Winston (uncredited)
Jan Englund
as Marie Johnson (uncredited)
Maxine Gates
as Sylvia Tatlow (uncredited)
Gary Gray
as Earl Fanmorn (uncredited)
George Cisar
as Mr. Fanmorn (uncredited)
Tito Vuolo
as Ramon Corden (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Lee Sholem
Producer
- Howard W. Koch
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Emergency Hospital examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Lee Sholem brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1956, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Emergency Hospital took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 82 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 119 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 1390 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1956, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Emergency Hospital shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Talk to Her, which focuses more on action than character development, Emergency Hospital subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Open Hearts and Emma's Bliss explore similar territory, Emergency Hospital stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 2, 1956
- Runtime: 1h 22m
