Year: 2000
Runtime: 122 min
Language: English
Director: Robert Altman
Budget: $23M
Dr. Sullivan Travis is a successful gynecologist in Dallas who has centered his life around the women he cares for. His carefully constructed world is challenged when unexpected events occur, pushing him to examine his methods and the importance of faith. Facing a crisis, he must grapple with the limits of his influence and ultimately rediscover his purpose.
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Dr. Sullivan ‘Sully’ Travis, affectionately called “Dr. T,” is a prosperous gynecologist serving some of the most affluent women in Texas. However, his seemingly perfect life unravels when his wife, Kate, suffers from a rare condition known as the “Hestia Complex.” This stigmatization syndrome manifests dramatically when Kate disrobes in a shopping mall fountain while preparing for their daughter’s wedding registry at Tiffany’s. Subsequently, she is committed to a state mental hospital. During a visit, Dr. T is met with a chilling rebuff when Kate perceives his affection as improper, showing him that her former self may never return.
Their daughter, Dee Dee, is caught in her own web of secrets. A Southern Methodist University student and Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders alternate, she is set to marry, all while secretly in a romantic relationship with Marilyn, her former college friend and maid of honor. Meanwhile, the other daughter, Connie, a conspiracy theorist, uncovers the truth about Dee Dee and Marilyn’s affair and conveys her shocking discovery to their father.
One of the most awkward moments for Dr. T arises during a medical examination when Marilyn, who he comes to realize is Dee Dee’s lover, confesses that her stress stemming from her role as maid of honor affects her well-being. This revelation catches him off guard, leading to an embarrassed request for the nurse to take over.
At work, Dr. T is oblivious to the feelings of his devoted secretary, Carolyn, who harbors romantic affection for him. In a comical attempt to show her interest, she locks his office door and offers a shoulder massage while shedding her clothes, leaving him flustered and unaware of her intentions as he inadvertently discovers her disrobing.
Dr. T’s chaotic life is further complicated by his sister-in-law Peggy, a recently divorced woman who moves into his home with her three daughters, unwittingly stirring up drama wherever she goes.
A chance encounter at the golf club introduces Bree, a golf pro who, after a sprinkler mishap, joins Dr. T for a round of golf. Their chemistry leads to dinner at her place, where things heat up progressing quickly from casual conversation to intimacy as they find solace in each other during tumultuous times.
As Dee Dee’s wedding approaches, stormy weather foreshadows turmoil. In an impulsive act of defiance amid swirling winds, Dee Dee chooses to kiss Marilyn instead of her groom, prompting guests to scatter for shelter. Inspired by this act of love, Dr. T seeks Bree and proposes they marry and escape together. However, Bree wisely questions his plan, hinting that such a fantasy could lead down the same troubled path that ensnared Kate. As Dr. T’s desperation grows, he confronts the reality of his emotions and the storm clouds that surround him, leading to a dramatic turn when he drives into the heart of a tornado.
In the aftermath of the storm, dawn reveals his car stranded in a barren landscape. He’s miraculously discovered by a group of locals. A little girl, noticing his doctor’s badge, calls out to him, igniting a flicker of hope. At the sight of a woman in labor, Dr. T springs into action, washing his hands and casting aside his wedding ring as he embraces his calling, delivering the baby and joyfully proclaiming, “It’s a boy!” Thus, in the most unexpected of circumstances, Dr. T discovers a renewed purpose amidst the chaos of his unraveling life.
Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 19:28
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Stories where family chaos and secrets are treated with humor and heart.If you enjoyed the comic, chaotic feel of Dr T and the Women, you'll find more movies like it here. These films balance family drama with a lighthearted touch, weaving serious themes into stories that are more funny than heavy, perfect for viewers who like their relationship stories with a dose of satire.
These narratives typically center on a protagonist, often a parent or professional, whose carefully ordered life is upended by the whims and secrets of their family members. The plot unfolds through a series of farcical or awkward situations, leading to a climax that forces a re-evaluation of priorities, usually ending on a hopeful note of acceptance or renewal.
Movies are grouped here for their shared ability to tackle real family drama with a deft, comic touch. They share a specific mood—a blend of soul-searching and lightheartedness—where the pacing is steady and the emotional weight is manageable, preventing the story from becoming overly bleak.
Character-driven tales of professionals reevaluating their purpose amid personal storms.Fans of Dr T and the Women's narrative of a gynecologist finding new purpose will enjoy these similar movies. This group features character-driven stories about professionals on a soul-searching journey, blending drama with comic moments as they navigate a crisis to find a more authentic life.
The narrative follows a capable but perhaps complacent protagonist whose worldview is challenged by unexpected events—often involving family or romance. This forces a period of introspection and awkward fumbling as they shed old assumptions. The arc concludes not with a return to the old normal, but with a forward-looking, hopeful sense of renewal and a clearer, more personal purpose.
These films are united by a specific character arc: the midlife reevaluation. They share a moderate narrative complexity, weaving subplots into the main character's journey, and a steady pacing that allows for both comic mishaps and sincere soul-searching. The tone is rarely dark, instead focusing on human folly and hopeful resolution.
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