Medic, Vol. 7 [DVD]

Though it now risks being forgotten, the NBC anthology series Medic (1954-1956) once made headlines and broke new ground for its frank, unflinching portrayal of physicians' lives, challenges and accomplishments. Realism was the central guiding principle behind the program: episodes not only took place in L.A. County Hospital, but were shot there; doctors participated in the filming and had editorial control over the content - stipulations that would be unthinkable in an early 21st Century climate. However, the authenticity of the depictions did pave the way for later medical dramas such as St. Elsewhere, E.R. and Chicago Hope. The program also boasted an outstanding cast, with Richard Boone as the regular host, Dr. Konrad Styner, plus guest turns from such stars as Charles Bronson, Lee J. Cobb, Vera Miles and Dennis Hopper. This box set offers four series episodes: All My Mothers, All My Fathers, Breath of Life, My Very Good Friend Albert and The World So High.