The Doctor’s Dilemma

Year: 1958

Runtime: 99 mins

Language: English

Director: Anthony Asquith

DramaComedy

Four doctors face a serious dilemma when the beautiful wife of a TB-stricken artist begs one of them to cure her brilliant, but amoral, husband.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Doctor’s Dilemma yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

The Doctor’s Dilemma (1958) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of The Doctor’s Dilemma (1958), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

In London in 1906, a circle of colleagues rushes to the Harley Street home of the unmarried Dr. Ridgeon to congratulate him on a knighthood tied to his bold claim that he can cure tuberculosis, a cure that medicine of the era has not proven. Among them is Michael Gwynn as Dr. Blenkinsop, who was at medical school with Ridgeon but now tends to poor patients who cannot pay much, and is himself infected with tuberculosis. Waiting in his hall is the young and lovely Leslie Caron as Jennifer Dubedat, who, having heard of his alleged cure, wants him to treat her husband Louis Dubedat, a penniless artist, portrayed by Dirk Bogarde. Struck by the beauty and charm of Jennifer, and by the quality of her husband’s drawings which she shows him, Ridgeon lets her believe he will try to save Louis, but stresses that his treatment is long and expensive, and that he can only handle ten patients at a time. So that he can meet Louis, and see more of Jennifer, he invites the two to a celebration dinner he is hosting that night.

While Louis is like his wife good-looking and charming, it emerges that he scorns all trappings of conventional morality, being a feckless liar, thief and seducer (a waitress recognises him as her vanished husband). Now highly doubtful about Louis, Ridgeon arranges with colleagues to visit the studio where he lives and assess his case. Recognising that his TB is far advanced, Ridgeon passes him on to a colleague and decides to take Blenkinsop instead. To Jennifer this is treachery and she begins to hate Ridgeon, while he hopes that he might marry her as soon as she is a widow. Beyond cure, Louis soon dies and in a moving last speech states his belief that love and beauty surpass all of conventional morality. He also begs Jennifer not to mourn, but to marry again and be happy.

In a postscript, Ridgeon attends the one-man exhibition of Louis’ works, which are selling well. Jennifer refuses to let him buy a painting and leaves with her new husband.

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 10:47

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Explore Movie Threads

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.

Movies with ethical dilemmas like The Doctor’s Dilemma

Stories where a high-stakes moral choice leads to bittersweet and tragic outcomes.If you enjoyed the moral conflict in The Doctor’s Dilemma, explore these films where characters face impossible ethical choices. Discover similar stories about sacrifice, professional duty, and the tragic consequences of life-altering decisions in movies that blend thoughtful drama with poignant, bittersweet endings.

ethicaltragicthoughtfulconflictedmelancholicsomberweighty

Narrative Summary

These narratives typically present a clear, high-stakes dilemma early on, forcing a protagonist to weigh competing values—such as duty versus personal desire, or saving one life at the expense of another. The plot unfolds in a measured, character-driven manner, focusing on the deliberation and the emotional fallout of the ultimate decision, which often results in a poignant loss.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on a central ethical conflict that drives the entire story. They share a measured pace that allows for deep moral reasoning, a bittersweet or tragic tone stemming from the consequences of the choice, and a medium-to-high emotional weight that resonates with viewers long after the film ends.

Bittersweet romantic dramas like The Doctor’s Dilemma

Romantic stories intertwined with terminal illness, sacrifice, and melancholic acceptance.Fans of the melancholic romance in The Doctor’s Dilemma will find more poignant love stories here. These movies explore themes of terminal illness, unrequited love, and painful sacrifice, delivering a similarly bittersweet and thoughtful emotional experience for viewers who appreciate romantic dramas with a touch of tragedy.

romantictragicmelancholicthoughtfulpoignantsacrificialunrequited love

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern follows a romantic connection that is overshadowed by an impending loss, usually due to illness. The plot explores the dynamics of care, sacrifice, and the emotional turmoil of loving someone you cannot save. The journey is less about a cure and more about finding meaning and connection in the face of death, leading to an ending that is sorrowful yet infused with a sense of noble acceptance.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their specific emotional blend: a core romantic relationship is complicated by a terminal illness, creating a mood that is simultaneously loving, melancholic, and thoughtful. They share a steady pacing that allows the emotional weight to build, a consistently bittersweet tone, and a focus on the philosophical and personal impact of loss.

Unlock the Full Story of The Doctor’s Dilemma

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Doctor’s Dilemma in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Doctor’s Dilemma is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Doctor’s Dilemma Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Doctor’s Dilemma with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Doctor’s Dilemma

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Doctor’s Dilemma. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

The Doctor’s Dilemma Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Doctor’s Dilemma that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

More About The Doctor’s Dilemma

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Doctor’s Dilemma: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

Similar Movies to The Doctor’s Dilemma

Discover movies like The Doctor’s Dilemma that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.