Society Doctor: When the rich get sick, they pay for the privilege

If you're looking for a breezy, slightly cynical look at the medical profession back in the day, Society Doctor might scratch that itch. It’s for the folks who like their vintage dramas with a side of moral posturing and a lot of tuxedoes. If you prefer your movies to have a bit of punch or genuine grit, you’ll probably find this one a total snooze-fest.

The whole premise starts with our hero getting fired for actually doing his job. He performs an emergency appendectomy, which is apparently a huge no-no because of some hospital red tape. It’s a bit silly, honestly. The tension is supposed to be high, but it feels more like a bureaucratic spat than a life-or-death crisis.

After he gets the boot, he pivots to private practice for the ultra-wealthy. It’s funny watching him trade his ethics for silk sheets and fancy cocktails. You can almost feel the movie trying to warn you about the corrupting power of money, but it’s more interested in the fashion.

There’s a scene early on where he’s walking through a hospital hallway, and the lighting is just so dramatic. It feels like he’s walking into a trap, which I guess he is. But the dialogue? Man, it’s stiff. It’s like everyone is reading from a rulebook on how to sound sophisticated.

I couldn't help but think about The Devil's Holiday while watching this, mainly because of the way characters are constantly trading their morals for a better seat at the table. It’s a common trope, but Society Doctor plays it safer. Too safe, maybe.

The supporting cast is packed with faces I recognize from other dusty reels, like Wild Gold, but they don't get much to do. They’re basically furniture that talks occasionally.

The pacing is a bit weird. It lingers on scenes where people are just drinking tea and looking annoyed, but then speeds through the actual medical drama. I found myself checking my watch when the doctor starts agonizing over his new rich friends. We get it, the rich are annoying.

There’s this one moment where a nurse gives a side-eye that lasts for like, ten seconds too long. It’s clearly meant to be a significant reaction, but it just looks like she’s trying to remember if she left the stove on. It made me laugh, though that wasn't the point.

It’s not a masterpiece, and it doesn't try to be. It’s a movie that knows its audience is at home with a cup of coffee. It does the job, it ends, and you move on.

• The hospital sets look suspiciously clean, like they were scrubbed ten minutes before filming.
• I’m still not sure why he chose the private practice route instead of just going to a different hospital.
• The hats in this movie deserve their own credit roll.
• If you like watching people argue in drawing rooms, you’re in luck.

Is it groundbreaking? Not even a little. But if you're in the mood for some mid-30s drama, it’s harmless enough. Just don't expect it to change your life.