A bit of light comedy for this week’s offering. Dirk Bogarde was mostly known for playing strong male characters in powerful roles. He’s played a pilot in Appointment in London right through to one of his most famous roles that of a man being blackmailed over his sexuality in Victim.

Doctor at Sea is based on the ‘Doctor’ books by Richard Gordon. The plot revolves around Dr Simon Sparrow played by Bogarde as a newly qualified doctor working for a physician with a high end clientele. Dr Sparrow has to deal with the bulk of the patients whilst his superior schmoozes his way to success.

Dr Sparrow is the object of attention for his bosses daughter, Wendy, played by Joan Sims made up to look very plain indeed, but this desire is not reciprocated by Dr Sparrow. In an effort to get away from Wendy, Dr Sparrow takes a job on an all male cargo ship captained by the bluff, authoritarian, whisky drinking Captain Hogg.

Various funny things happen to Dr Sparrow and the seasick scene is a classic of its type. Dr Sparrow settles into this all male life but it is disturbed by the arrival of female passengers and his discovery of a singer, played by Brigitte Bardot, in a bar in Rio who Sparrow falls for.

This is a funny, diverting film with some aspects of pathos and sadness and is very much of its time. It’s not one of Dirk Bogarde’s best performances but it’s still worth a watch.