The Girl In White (1952)

Set in the early 20th century, a young woman doctor (June Allyson) struggles to gain access to the male dominated medical world when prejudice toward female doctors governs. Based on the autobiography BOWERY TO BELLEVUE by the pioneering female surgeon Emily Dunning Barringer and directed by John Sturges (THE GREAT ESCAPE). This low keyed feminist drama is an interesting look at how women doctors were perceived (as freaks) in the early 20th century. We've come a long way but I still know a few people who won't go to women doctors! The film isn't preachy on the subject and the screenplay tells Dunning's story in a straight forward and engrossing manner. As the film's ending approached, I was nervous that it would go all 1940s on us (where career women finally realized their place was at home) but the film stands firm and doesn't cave in. Allyson as the determined trailblazer is excellent in one of her strongest performances. The score is by the great David Raksin (LAURA). With Arthur Kennedy, Gary Merrill, Mildred Dunnock (just wonderful), Marilyn Erskine and Don Keefer.