Category Archives: ET
Beyond the Scrubs: How St. Elsewhere Set the Standard for TV Dramas
St. Elsewhere, the critically acclaimed medical drama series that aired from 1982 to 1988, boasted an ensemble cast of talented actors, including William Daniels, David Morse, Denzel Washington, and Tim Robbins. In Season 1, viewers were introduced to the doctors, nurses, and staff of the fictional St. Eligius Hospital (derisively called as St Elsewhere) in Boston, and each actor brought their own unique energy and perspective to the show.
William Daniels, who played the tough yet brilliant Chief of Surgery, Dr. Mark Craig, gave a standout performance in Season 1. His strong views and opinions often clash with others, yet his loyalty to his profession steers him clear out of those, and his commitment earns respect from others. But Daniels was not the only one who shone in the show. David Morse, who portrayed Dr. Jack Morrison, and Denzel Washington, who played Dr. Phillip Chandler, brought their own unique talents to the table, creating a dynamic and diverse cast that kept audiences engaged.
Tim Robbins, who played Andrew Reinhardt, who sets off a bomb in a bank and becomes responsible for the death of a woman, makes his mark as the icy and remorseless man. In the making feature of the series, he acknowledged this as a big break and it opened doors in Hollywood.
Howie Mandel, who played Dr. Fiscus, the likable and mischievous resident, added a touch of levity to the often-heavy subject matter of the show. His character’s antics and humorous one-liners provided a much-needed break from the intense medical cases and complex ethical issues that the show tackled.
The making of St. Elsewhere during that time was a fascinating glimpse into the world of television production, with long shots and camera moving from one action to the other, without cuts. The show was groundbreaking in its willingness to tackle difficult and controversial topics, including AIDS, euthanasia, sex-change operation and mental illness. The show also touched upon some uncommon and sensational stuff like a character posing as a patient just to confuse the doctors, a pregnant woman with a gun with intent to kill a doctor etc. The writers and producers worked tirelessly to ensure that the show was both engaging and thought-provoking, which ultimately led to its niche yet very loyal audience.
Overall, Season 1 of St. Elsewhere was a compelling and groundbreaking series that challenged viewers on conventional viewpoint about the world around them. With its talented ensemble cast, powerful performances, and willingness to take on tough subjects, the well crafted show set a new standard for medical dramas and paved the way for the many that followed.
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Freedom and Punishment: Midnight Express
“Midnight Express,” a gripping drama film released in 1978, has been the subject of controversy since its release due to its depiction of Turkish prisons and the country’s justice system. The Turkish government criticized the film, calling it anti-Turkish and inaccurate, and requested that it be banned in several countries.
Despite the controversy, the film was received positively at the Cannes Film Festival, where it was nominated for Palme d’Or, the festival’s top prize.The film gained critical acclaim, receiving six Oscar nominations and winning two, including Best Original Screenplay (Oliver Stone).
From a critical standpoint, “Midnight Express” is a powerful film that highlights the harsh realities of prison life and the treatment of inmates in Turkey. The movie is a testament to the power of filmmaking to raise awareness of social and political issues and spark meaningful discussions. The film’s unapologetic portrayal of the Turkish justice system and the treatment of foreign prisoners is a reflection of the real-life situation at the time.
As for regular moviegoers, “Midnight Express” is a compelling and emotional movie that can engage and captivate audiences with its powerful storytelling and exceptional performances. The movie’s message about the importance of justice and freedom is universal and resonates with viewers across cultures and backgrounds.
“Midnight Express” stands the test of time, despite the controversy it generated and is in the watch list of many. “Midnight Express” portrays the loss of freedom and basic human rights that imprisonment entails. The character of Billy Hayes serves as a powerful embodiment of this reality as he endures the physical and emotional tolls of confinement in Turkish prisons or for that matter anywhere in the world. Through his personal transformation and evolving views on crime and punishment, Hayes challenges the very notion of severe punishment as a means of rehabilitation.
The film also highlights the small pleasures we often take for granted, and how they become a luxury that is often denied to prisoners. This theme forces us to reflect on the value of our own liberty and to appreciate the many small joys in life that we may otherwise overlook. In the end, “Midnight Express” is a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving human dignity and individual rights, and challenges us to rethink our assumptions about crime and punishment.
Tailpiece (Source: Wikipedia)
The quote ‘Have you ever been in a Turkish prison?’, in the American comedy film Airplane! (1980), is a reference to Midnight Express.
Susan’s prison visit was spoofed in the 1996 film The Cable Guy, where Jim Carrey opens his shirt, presses his naked breast against the glass, and cries, ‘Oh, Billy!’