dglink Despite mid-1960's star power and an Oscar-nominated screenplay, "Captain Newman, M.D." has dated badly. Set in a military "cuckoo's nest" during World War II, the uneven comedy-drama swings from vignettes that depict the effects of combat fatigue to scenes of lame comedy that undercut the intended serious tone. Unfortunately, the dramatic scenes are often as unconvincing as the comedy is flat. Although several supporting performers show off their acting chops in brief hospital scenes, most come off as actors acting. Perhaps the scenes featuring then-recording idol Bobby Darin are most glaring; although Darin snagged a supporting actor Oscar nomination for his performance, his is a showy part that lacks depth, especially in contrast to the restrained performance from Gregory Peck as Captain Newman and a similarly underplayed part played by Angie Dickinson. Peck is particularly good in the lead, and he even survives a clichéd drunken scene with his dignity intact. Among the "cuckoos" in the military psych ward, two seasoned pros do stand out: Eddie Albert and Robert Duvall. Both actors play convincingly without the tempting "hamminess" displayed by many of the others. Tony Curtis also appears as an orderly, but his attempts at comedy are out of place and add little.Directed by David Miller, the see-saw drama to comedy to drama to comedy induces viewer whiplash and results in an uneven film that plods at times. A Christmas show finale seems like little more than padding and could have been cut to trim the running time. A choir of Italian prisoners of war singing "Hava Naguilla" during the Christmas show is something one of the ward patients could have dreamed up. "Captain Newman, M.D." is not a bad film, just disappointing given the credentials. Perhaps seen in the mid-1960's before films like "MASH" redefined service comedy-dramas, the film would have worked better. Contemporary audiences will likely find it old fashioned, but patient viewers will savor Peck's fine performance and his able support from Dickinson, Albert, and Duvall as well as a plethora of other fine players like Jane Withers, James Gregory, and Dick Sargent.

DrMike-2 I recorded this, for some light-hearted relief as it was billed on ITV as a "romantic comedy classic". When I sat down to watch it, I was immediately drawn in by the narrative of the story and great acting from Gregory Peck. Eventually, Tony Curtis turns up and injects a modicum of humour, but it remained very far from comedy and even further from romance. Instead what I found was a poignant, sensitive, accurate portrayal of serious post-war mental illness that was handled delicately and realistically. For me, this was a positive as I'm fed up with the shock, horror, attention seeking treatment of modern Hollywood films. Indeed the whole film was a welcome change from the Too Fast Too Furious shovel-ware that constitutes modern entertainment. This had a story, a meaning and acting in spades, from all involved.If you're looking for romantic comedy, don't watch this! It's like One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest on an airbase, without the laughs, so if you liked that you'll like this.

jochphllpsn This a serious and Harrowing tale of the psychological traumas suffered by American Servicemen .. and Gregory Peck as the struggling Doctor trying to mend damaged minds.. I find it difficult to understand why this Film has been categorised as 'Comedy' when clearly it isn't..!! Especially Bobby Darrin, delivers an outstanding performance as Corporal Jim Tompkins .. I would put this film up there with to 'To Kill a Mocking Bird ' -an outstanding performance from Gregory Peck .. There is NO comedy in this film .. the film deals direcly with the consequences of Horror in Warfare.. especially the Psychological trauma of the soldiers who survive, when they have witnessed the death of their buddies at first hand.. A film way before it's time .. -this is NOT a comedy.. but a deeply moving, serious film..

grossharv From humor to tears, drama to terror. Very few movies have had the lasting impact of Captain Newman, MD. Once you watch this movie, you will want to see it again and again. Gregory Peck is his faultless acting self. Bobby Darin puts on quite a show while on sodium-pentothal. Eddie Albert is about as creepy as possible. Larry Storch and Tony Curtis will have you cracking a rib laughing.The behind-the-lines wartime drama is probably the finest of any movie of its eraThis one easily rates 10 stars.Harv