Medic is an American medical drama television series that aired on NBC from September 13, 1954, to November 19, 1956. It was television's first doctor drama to focus attention on medical procedures.
Created by James Moser, Medic tried to create realism (City Hospital and The Doctor had not), which would typify subsequent medical shows. Moser had previously written for the radio shows Dragnet and Dr. Kildare.
Contents
Synopsis
Medic episodes were introduced and narrated by Richard Boone, playing Dr. Konrad Styner, who sometimes also appeared in the stories. Fifty-nine segments aired from September 1954 to November 1956.
The series was introduced each week by theme music written by Victor Young. Eventually, with lyrics added by Edward Heyman, the song became popular under the title "Blue Star."
Production
Worthington Miner was the producer. The series was broadcast on Mondays from 9 to 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
Episodes were based on case histories from the Los Angeles County Medical Association. Filming was done at actual clinics and hospitals, often with real-life doctors and nurses as part of the cast.
Home media
On November 15, 2011, Timeless Media Group released Medic- The Groundbreaking Hospital Series on DVD in Region 1 for the first time. The six-disc set features 44 of the 59 episodes of the series, as these are the only episodes for which Timeless was able to obtain the rights. This is believed to be due to only 44 of the prints being salvageable.
Guest stars
Notable guest stars included:
Claude Akins
Corey Allen
Charles Bronson
Charles Cane
Cindy Carol
Lee J. Cobb
Richard Crenna
Richard H. Cutting
Bobby Driscoll
Jean Engstrom (three episodes - all in 1955)
Beverly Garland
Sam Gilman
Dennis Hopper (his acting debut)
Lee Marvin
Vera Miles
Danny Mummert
Ainslie Pryor (two episodes - both in 1956)
Denver Pyle
Dick Sargent
John Saxon
Robert F. Simon
Robert Vaughn
Michael Winkelman