James Donald is "Dr. Marriner", a trailblazing surgeon in 1950s England, who is working on a method of treating infections that resist penicillin. He is optimistic that he can develop something in time to save the life of a young boy who is fighting septicaemia. Meantime, aspiring surgeon "Sophie" (Googie Withers) is facing a dilemma of her own. She is in love with the doctor, but has the opportunity to relocate to a London hospital where her career can blossom more fully. Things come to an head when "Marriner" becomes accidentally infected, too - and she has to make a tough decision that could, quite literally, kill or cure. It's maybe a bit too long, this, but for the most part is glides along well with some strong leading characterisations to support this more substantial plot. The supporting cast of British household names - Godfrey Searle, Petula Clark and Moira Lister add flesh to the bones, and there are a couple of sub-plots to let us come up for air every now and again from the main, quite thought provoking, narrative. Perhaps the ending is a little too predictable, but still - it's worth a watch.

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