Dr. Kildare 50-02-01 01 Angela And Steven Kester

Summary

Podcast Summary: Dr. Kildare 50-02-01 01 Angela And Steven Kester

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Dr. Kildare 50-02-01 01 Angela And Steven Kester
• Release Date: February 21, 2025
• Description: Relives radio shows from the Golden Age of Radio, featuring beloved series such as The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, Dragnet, and many more.

---

Introduction

In the February 21, 2025 release of Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio with the episode titled "Dr. Kildare 50-02-01 01 Angela And Steven Kester." This episode delves into the complex case of Angela Kester, a once-promising concert pianist battling severe mental health issues, and her interactions with Dr. James Kildare and the venerable Dr. Gillespie at Blair General Hospital.

---

Setting the Scene: Blair General Hospital

The episode opens with a vivid portrayal of Blair General Hospital, described as:

“A clump of gray white buildings planted deep in the heart of New York. The nerve center of medical progress, where great minds and skilled hands wage man's everlasting battle against death and disease.”
— Dr. Kildare [00:01:59]

This setting establishes Blair General as a prestigious institution at the forefront of American medicine, setting the stage for the medical and personal drama that unfolds.

---

Introducing the Central Conflict: Angela Kester's Crisis

Angela Kester, once one of the finest concert pianists, is now struggling with debilitating mental health issues. Her husband, Steven Kester, seeks the expertise of Dr. Kildare to help his wife, who has become increasingly obsessive and paranoid. The tension begins when Angela urgently contacts Dr. Kildare, expressing her fear that her husband intends to harm her.

“Jimmy, it's an emergency. I've got to see you now. It's important.”
— Angela Kester [00:02:55]

Dr. Kildare, despite being busy, responds to Angela's distress, highlighting his dedication to his patients:

“I do your work here at the hospital, I. I can't possibly...”
— Dr. Kildare [00:03:26]

This interaction underscores the urgency and gravity of Angela's condition.

---

Exploring Angela's Background and Symptoms

Through a conversation between Dr. Kildare and Steven Kester, the audience gains insight into Angela's deteriorating mental state:

“Last night she was to sail for Europe for a concert tour. She had a recital at Carnegie Hall. She went to pieces.”
— Dr. Kildare [00:12:09]

Angela's symptoms include obsessive-compulsive behaviors and paranoid delusions, particularly her fixation on a Chopin etude—a piece favored by her late father, which she cannot stop playing compulsively.

“Every time she sits down to play, sometimes she can go on for, oh, half an hour without breaking Beethoven lisp.”
— Stephen Kester [00:05:35]

These details build a comprehensive picture of Angela's struggle, setting the stage for the proposed drastic intervention.

---

The Escalation: Consideration of Prefrontal Lobotomy

As Angela's condition worsens, traditional treatments such as insulin shock therapy and electric shock therapy prove ineffective. Dr. Kildare and Dr. Gillespie discuss the next steps:

“She's suffering from a neurosis. Obsessive, compulsive, superimposed paranoid tendencies.”
— Dr. Kildare [00:11:09]

With no viable alternatives left, the controversial option of a prefrontal lobotomy is introduced. This surgical procedure involves severing the connections between the frontal lobes and the rest of the brain to alleviate severe mental disturbances.

Dr. Kildare explains the procedure to Steven Kester:

“Part of the brain? These frontal lobes, we call them.”
— Dr. Kildare [00:19:18]

Stephen, understandably apprehensive, raises concerns about the risks involved:

“But how could an operation cure that... What are the risks? I mean, what could happen?”
— Stephen Kester [00:19:56]

Dr. Gillespie attempts to reassure him, though he also expresses skepticism:

“Seems pretty risky to me trying it on a girl like Angela Kester.”
— Dr. Gillespie [00:18:06]

Despite reservations, the dire situation and lack of alternatives push the medical team toward considering the lobotomy as Angela's last hope.

---

The Operation: A Critical Procedure

The narrative shifts to the operating room, where Dr. Kildare performs the prefrontal lobotomy on Angela. The procedure is depicted with meticulous detail, highlighting the gravity and precision required:

“I'm going to help you.”
— Dr. Kildare [00:08:33]

The surgery unfolds with tension as Dr. Gillespie oversees the process:

“Good work, Jimmy.”
— Dr. Gillespie [00:22:09]

Throughout the operation, the emotional stakes are palpable, emphasizing both the medical and personal burdens carried by the doctors and Angela herself.

---

Aftermath and Resolution: A Tentative Hope

Post-surgery, Angela is closely monitored for signs of improvement. The anticipation of the results creates a suspenseful atmosphere:

“She'll tell you. Steve.”
— Dr. Kildare [00:25:33]

Finally, Angela awakens from the procedure, exhibiting signs of recovery:

“Angela, you're cured.”
— Stephen Kester [00:25:26]

Angela herself acknowledges the change:

“Look. My hands. My hands are free.”
— Angela Kester [00:25:36]

This resolution offers a hopeful conclusion, suggesting the success of the lobotomy in restoring Angela's mental stability, albeit leaving room for contemplation on the ethical implications of such a procedure.

---

Characters and Relationships

• Dr. James Kildare: The dedicated young physician striving to balance his professional responsibilities with his personal life. His commitment to Angela's case exemplifies his compassionate nature.

  “I've been going too hard ever since you got back to the hospital from the army.”
  — Dr. Gillespie [00:09:30]

• Dr. Gillespie: The seasoned and sometimes gruff mentor who provides wisdom and oversight. His interactions with Dr. Kildare reveal the generational dynamics within the medical staff.

  “You've been a doctor long enough to know you can't save all the lives in the world.”
  — Dr. Gillespie [00:10:11]

• Angela Kester: A gifted concert pianist whose immense pressure to succeed leads to severe psychological distress. Her journey from fame to mental instability drives the episode's central conflict.

  “I have to make it. There was no other way out for.”
  — Dr. Kildare [00:11:25]

• Steven Kester: Angela's concerned husband, who seeks Dr. Kildare's help to save his wife, reflecting the theme of personal relationships intersecting with professional medicine.

  “My hands. They won't let me. They're trapped.”
  — Angela Kester [00:08:33]

• Mary Lamont: A nurse who supports Dr. Kildare, providing a glimpse into his personal life outside the hospital's walls.

  “Where you come from?”
  — Dr. Kildare [00:16:19]

---

Conclusion

This episode of Dr. Kildare masterfully intertwines medical drama with deep personal narratives, highlighting the complexities of mental health treatment in the early 20th century. Through Angela Kester's harrowing experience and the ethical dilemmas faced by her medical team, listeners are invited to ponder the balance between medical intervention and patient autonomy. The inclusion of notable quotes enriches the storytelling, providing authenticity and emotional depth to this classic radio drama.

---

Notable Quotes:

• Angela Kester:

  “Why can I? My hands. They won't let me. They're trapped.”
  — Angela Kester [00:08:33]

• Dr. Kildare:

  “A prefrontal lobotomy. It's her only chance.”
  — Dr. Kildare [00:17:04]

• Dr. Gillespie:

  “You've been a doctor long enough to know you can't save all the lives in the world.”
  — Dr. Gillespie [00:10:11]

• Stephen Kester:

  “Jimmy, what would happen to her if she didn't have the operation?”
  — Stephen Kester [00:20:08]

These quotes are strategically placed to emphasize pivotal moments in the narrative, capturing the characters' emotions and the episode's thematic essence.

---

Final Thoughts

Harold's Old Time Radio continues to bring timeless stories to modern audiences, preserving the rich heritage of radio drama. The "Dr. Kildare" episode serves as a poignant reminder of the era's medical challenges and the human stories at their core. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, this episode offers a compelling blend of suspense, emotion, and classic radio storytelling.

Transcript

[Shopify Advertiser]

When you think about businesses like Allbirds or Skims that are selling through the roof, sure, you think about a great product, a cool brand and brilliant marketing. But what's often overlooked is the business behind the business that makes it all possible for millions of businesses. That's Shopify. Nobody does selling better than Shopify, the home of the number one checkout on the planet. With shop pay, you can boost conversions by up to 50%, meaning fewer abandoned carts and way more sales. Whether your customers are scrolling online, strolling through your store, or browsing social media, Shopify ensures you're ready to sell wherever they are. It's no secret businesses that want to grow, grow with Shopify. Upgrade your business and get the same checkout Allbirds uses. Sign up for your $1 per month trial period at shopify.comdax all lowercase go to shopify.comdax to upgrade your selling today. Shopify.comdax.

[Narrator]

The story of Dr. Kildare.

[Dr. Kildare]

Whatsoever House I enter, there will I go for the benefit of the sick. Whatsoever things I see or hear concerning the life of men, I will keep silence thereon, counting such things to be held as sacred trusts. I will give no deadly drug to any. Though it be.

[Narrator]

The story of Dr. Kildare. Starring Lou Ayers and Lionel Barrymore. Metro Goldwyn may brought you those famous motion pictures. And now, for the first time, this exciting, heartwarming series is heard on radio. In just a moment, the story of Dr. Kildare. But first, your announcer. Now the story of Dr. Kildare. Starring Lou Ayers as Dr. Kildare and Lionel Barrymore as Dr. Gillespie.

[Dr. Kildare]

Blair General Hospital. One of the great citadels of American medicine. A clump of gray white buildings planted deep in the heart of New York. The nerve center of medical progress, where great minds and skilled hands wage man's everlasting battle against death and disease. Blair General Hospital. Where life begins, where life ends. Where life goes on.

[Angela Kester]

Good morning, Doctor. You're there. Oh, my, you look tired.

[Dr. Kildare]

Morning, Parker. I am tired. Dr. Gillespie in you?

[Angela Kester]

He's down in the clinic. Oh, that man.

[Dr. Kildare]

Bad move.

[Dr. Gillespie]

Bad?

[Angela Kester]

Oh, horrible.

[Dr. Kildare]

Fine. Let's see now. Dr. Kildare. Speed.

[Angela Kester]

Hello? Is this Dr. James Kildare?

[Dr. Kildare]

Yes. Who's this, please?

[Angela Kester]

Jimmy. Jimmy, this is Angela. Angela Kester.

[Dr. Kildare]

Angela Kester. I didn't know you were in New York. When'd you get in?

[Angela Kester]

Last night. I flew in from Chicago. Jimmy, I must see you right away. It's important.

[Dr. Kildare]

Well, I won't be off duty until tonight.

[Angela Kester]

Jimmy, it's an emergency. I've got to see you now.

[Dr. Kildare]

Hey, you do sound worried. What's the trouble, it's deep.

[Angela Kester]

My husband. Something terrible is going to happen. It's mine. He's.

[Dr. Kildare]

Well, who's your doctor, Angela?

[Angela Kester]

I have many doctors. Not anymore. Oh, please.

[Dr. Kildare]

But, Angela, my work here at the hospital, I. I can't possibly.

[Angela Kester]

612 E73 Believe me, I'm afraid. I'm terribly afraid.

[Dr. Kildare]

I don't understand, Angela. You're afraid of what?

[Angela Kester]

He wants to kill me. I know he wants to kill me.

[Dr. Kildare]

Wait a minute.

[Angela Kester]

Oh, please hurry.

[Dr. Kildare]

Six twelve east seventy third. Is that right?

[Angela Kester]

Yes.

[Dr. Kildare]

All right, Angela. I'll be right out.

[Dr. Gillespie]

Hello there. What's the big hurry? You're not an intern anymore.

[Dr. Kildare]

Rush, call Dr. Gillespie.

[Dr. Gillespie]

Rush.

[Angela Kester]

Cold.

[Dr. Gillespie]

Where?

[Dr. Kildare]

East 73rd. Old friends of mine. Lots of trouble.

[Dr. Gillespie]

Well, which is it? Not enough love or not enough money?

[Dr. Kildare]

Might be either. She's afraid her husband's going to kill her.

[Dr. Gillespie]

Well, that's enough to keep a woman's mind off her housework.

[Angela Kester]

Dr. Kill. There.

[Dr. Gillespie]

Well, nosy Parker. Why do you keep on busting in here all the time?

[Angela Kester]

Oh, Dr. Kill.

[Dr. Kildare]

There, Parker. If anyone wants me, I'll be at the home of Mrs. Angela Kester.

[Angela Kester]

All right, Doctor. But just a moment, Parker.

[Dr. Kildare]

I'm in a hurry, but there's a man.

[Angela Kester]

He just came into the reception room. He wants to see you.

[Dr. Kildare]

I'm sorry, Parker, but his name is Kester.

[Angela Kester]

Stephen Kester.

[Dr. Kildare]

That's the way it's been going with her, doctor.

[Stephen Kester]

Every week she gets a little worse.

[Dr. Kildare]

I see.

[Stephen Kester]

Five years ago, Angela Kester is one of the finest concert pianists in this country.

[Dr. Gillespie]

Today, she's nothing.

[Dr. Kildare]

When did all this begin, Steve? I mean, when did she start blowing up in the middle of concerts?

[Stephen Kester]

Close to five years ago. A few months after we were married.

[Dr. Kildare]

Did Angela show any abnormal behavior just before that first breakdown?

[Stephen Kester]

Oh, she was working awfully hard, practicing 16 hours a day. Sometimes it was kind of strange, like something was pushing it. As though her success was a matter of life and death. Almost as if she was possessed.

[Dr. Kildare]

And it's still the same. The harder she works at her music, the more the obsession grows. You said before there was a particular composition that she keeps on playing.

[Stephen Kester]

Yes. A revolutionary etude by Chopin. Every time she sits down to play, sometimes she can go on for, oh, half an hour without breaking Beethoven lisp. Then she goes back to it.

[Dr. Kildare]

Does that piece have any particular significance to Angela? None that I know of.

[Stephen Kester]

It was one of her father's favorites.

[Dr. Kildare]

He's dead now.

[Stephen Kester]

He had great ideas about Angela's career.

[Dr. Kildare]

I see. Now, about this latest Fixation of hers. This. This fear that you are going to murder her.

[Stephen Kester]

It's the first time I've heard that one.

[Dr. Kildare]

The first thing he told me on the phone.

[Stephen Kester]

She is really getting bad.

[Dr. Kildare]

Yes. I think I'd better drop out to your place and see Angela for a few minutes. Come on, we better hurry.

[Stephen Kester]

We can watch her here from behind these glass doors.

[Dr. Kildare]

Is the nurse with her constantly?

[Stephen Kester]

Yes. I don't dare leave her alone.

[Dr. Kildare]

He still plays beautifully.

[Stephen Kester]

Yes, I know. But wait, Rachel.

[Dr. Kildare]

Steve, the doctors that have been handling Angela's case, what kind of treatments have they been giving her?

[Stephen Kester]

Oh, I think she's been through about all of them. Two courses of insulin shock, two courses of electric shock. I don't know what else.

[Dr. Kildare]

When did you have her last shock treatment?

[Stephen Kester]

Oh, about six months ago. They helped her a while then. Then she slips back into the same old. Same old condition. Listen. You hear? She's breaking it down.

[Dr. Kildare]

Yes, I see what you mean. It's almost as if something had taken hold of her. Pushing her, twisting her body, some strange force. Why can I. Why can I move? Steve, stay here. I'm going in.

[Angela Kester]

Why can I?

[Dr. Kildare]

Why can I?

[Angela Kester]

Hand. Hand.

[Dr. Kildare]

They won't let me. They won't let me.

[Dr. Gillespie]

Come out.

[Angela Kester]

Oh, Jimmy.

[Dr. Kildare]

All right, Andy. All night, nurse. I'm Dr. Kildare Blair, General.

[Angela Kester]

Oh, yes, sir.

[Dr. Kildare]

Is there any sedatives in the house? Grin and a half a second all, please.

[Angela Kester]

What's happening to me? My hand. Can anybody help me? Can anybody help me?

[Dr. Kildare]

Yes, Angela, I'm going to help you.

[Angela Kester]

Don't be afraid, Jimmy. My hands. They won't let me. They're trapped. These notes on this paper, they trap my hands. My hands.

[Dr. Kildare]

Then we'll set them free, Angela. Now, don't be afraid. I'm going to help you.

[Dr. Gillespie]

Still there? That you?

[Dr. Kildare]

Yes, Dr. Gillespie.

[Dr. Gillespie]

Ah, sit down, Jimmy. Sit down. Here, sit down. Thanks.

[Dr. Kildare]

I could use one.

[Dr. Gillespie]

I think it's high time somebody told you this.

[Dr. Kildare]

What?

[Dr. Gillespie]

You've been going too hard ever since you got back to the hospital from the army.

[Dr. Kildare]

Oh, now, let's not go over all that again.

[Dr. Gillespie]

We will, too. Just because they appointed you a resident physician, that doesn't mean that you have to do all the work.

[Dr. Kildare]

But you know how shorthanded we've been, how many patients we have.

[Dr. Gillespie]

Yeah, yeah. And you go on out and take on more. Look, Jimmy, you've just got so much energy to spend in one day and that's all.

[Dr. Kildare]

Are you going to tell me I need a vacation?

[Dr. Gillespie]

That's exactly what you do need. Listen, Jimmy, you've been a doctor long enough to know you can't save all the lives in the world.

[Dr. Kildare]

Sorry, Dr. Gillespie, I can't take the time off. Besides, I've got the research work on leukemia to do and that paper for the medical institute.

[Dr. Gillespie]

And besides that, you'd hate to be away from that beautiful nurse, Mary Lamont. Go on, admit it.

[Dr. Kildare]

Oh, your spies are working overtime.

[Dr. Gillespie]

They're always working overnight. You haven't dated Mary Lamont for three weeks. That's a late bulletin. Why haven't you?

[Dr. Kildare]

Oh, the Angela Kester thing, I guess. Takes a lot of time.

[Dr. Gillespie]

Why did you take the kestrel? You don't have enough to do here. I have to go out looking for work, Doctor.

[Dr. Kildare]

Until her mind got sick, Angela Kester was on her way to becoming one of the greatest concert pianists in the world. I'm convinced she can still be one of the greatest pianists in the world.

[Dr. Gillespie]

Yeah, that's fine. How do you go about curing her?

[Dr. Kildare]

Not sure yet.

[Dr. Gillespie]

What's your diagnosis?

[Dr. Kildare]

She's suffering from a neurosis. Obsessive, compulsive, superimposed paranoid tendencies.

[Dr. Gillespie]

I have to give you credit. When you pick a bad one, you pick the worst. One of the symptom.

[Dr. Kildare]

Deep seated compulsive complex is the first thing I noticed. See, Angela had one of those fathers who wants great things for his children whether they want it or not. He was a second rate pianist himself, but he was determined Angela would reach the top. I guess he impressed her with that as soon as she was old enough to understand stupid parents. Her father was a widower. He didn't have much money, but he spent every spare dollar he could get on piano lessons for Angela. Evidently he made her realize how much he was sacrificing to make her a great artist.

[Dr. Gillespie]

And grew out of all proportion in her mind.

[Dr. Kildare]

Right. And by the time she was 10 years old, she was afraid to be a failure. She had to make it. There was no other way out for.

[Dr. Gillespie]

When did it first show on the service?

[Dr. Kildare]

Oh, five years ago. Angela was about 22 at the time. The night before she was to sail for Europe for a concert tour. She had a recital at Carnegie Hall. She went to pieces.

[Dr. Gillespie]

Oh, too bad. You spotted the new rules is all right. Obsessive compulsive. What about the paranoid tendency?

[Dr. Kildare]

They've just started showing up lately. She's developing all kinds of persecution complexes and thinks the public's against her. Thinks her husband's going to kill her.

[Dr. Gillespie]

Too bad. Ah, dreaded phone. Hello? Dr. Gillespie talking, huh? Who? Just a minute. Go there, you.

[Dr. Kildare]

Hello? Yes. When? I'll be right over. That was Stephen Kester, Angela's husband. Well, Angela just shot herself.

[Narrator]

The story of Dr. Kildare will continue in just a. We continue with the story of Dr. Kildare, starring Lou Ayers as Dr. Kildare and Lionel Barrymore as Dr. Gillespie.

[Angela Kester]

Claire General Hospital. Good afternoon. Children's Clinic. Thank you. Blair General Hospital. Good afternoon. Who? The New York Times. Well, I'm sorry, Mrs. Koester is still in surgery. No, sir. No report. Blair General hospital. Good afternoon. Dr. Gillespie's office. Thank you. Dr. Gillespie's office. Nurse Parker. What? Mr. Willingham. Mr. Willingham. Oh, Marty.

[Dr. Gillespie]

What's that infernal babbling going on out there?

[Angela Kester]

Oh, Mr. Willingham. Call me back later.

[Dr. Gillespie]

I want my medical journal. Where have you hidden it?

[Angela Kester]

It's right back in the middle of your death.

[Dr. Gillespie]

Why didn't you say so? Always hiding things.

[Dr. Kildare]

Sorry.

[Dr. Gillespie]

By the way, what about those reprints I asked for? The ones on prefrontal lobotomy?

[Angela Kester]

They're sending them up from the research library.

[Dr. Gillespie]

Well, tell them to hurry. Patient's dying.

[Angela Kester]

Doctor, you don't have a kitchen.

[Dr. Gillespie]

Keep your nose out of my business. I'll go on scat.

[Angela Kester]

That's the Glisby's office.

[Dr. Kildare]

Parker, this is Dr. Gildan.

[Dr. Gillespie]

Just finished surgery.

[Angela Kester]

Yes, Doctor.

[Dr. Gillespie]

Here's the report on Angela Caster.

[Dr. Kildare]

The doctor Gillespie asked for.

[Angela Kester]

All right, Doctor, I'll take it.

[Dr. Kildare]

Self inflicted bullet wound on left side of chest.

[Dr. Gillespie]

Bullet penetrated the chest cage. Small pneumothorax.

[Dr. Kildare]

No serious damage. Bullet lodged just beneath the skin under the left shoulder blade. Easily removed. Patient resting constantly. Got it?

[Angela Kester]

Yes, Doctor.

[Dr. Gillespie]

Thank you.

[Dr. Kildare]

Now tell Dr. Gillespie I'm going over Solomon's for a bite to heat. From taco night in Tulum to sushi in Tokyo.

[Narrator]

Make every bite rewarding with gold from Amex wherever you die. Four times the membership rewards. Points at restaurants worldwide are piling up. Learn more@american express.com Explore-Gold terms and points cap apply.

[Angela Kester]

I heard every word, Mary.

[Dr. Kildare]

Where'd you come from?

[Angela Kester]

Been following.

[Dr. Kildare]

How about coffee?

[Angela Kester]

Wonderful. Let's go.

[Dr. Kildare]

Sorry about the last few weeks, Mary.

[Angela Kester]

I hope you understand I'm getting used to it. But really, Jimmy, I've been talking to Dr. Gillespie. You've got to cut down on your work.

[Dr. Kildare]

All right, all right, I concede. Just as soon as Angela Kester gets well, I take a vacation.

[Angela Kester]

Wonderful. She ought to be up and around in 10 days. Then you start your vacation.

[Dr. Kildare]

I don't mean the bullet wound. Her mind. She's suffering terribly.

[Angela Kester]

Do you really think there's a chance of curing her?

[Dr. Kildare]

I think there is, Mary. One chance.

[Angela Kester]

I thought they tried everything.

[Dr. Kildare]

Everything but an operation.

[Angela Kester]

I don't understand.

[Dr. Kildare]

A prefrontal lobotomy. It's her only chance.

[Angela Kester]

But it's so risky, isn't it, Jimmy? Are you sure it's her only chance?

[Dr. Kildare]

The last resort. I know that's all that's left for Angela.

[Angela Kester]

Now, if the operation fails.

[Dr. Kildare]

It can't fail, Mary. I wish I could believe that. Come on, let's get that coffee.

[Dr. Gillespie]

Kill dare you mad a prince. Prefrontal lobotomy. You just stalk staring mad.

[Dr. Kildare]

Dr. Gillespie, you've been doing research on prefrontal lobotomies for the past four days.

[Dr. Gillespie]

Now admit it, you're getting worse than Nosy Parker.

[Dr. Kildare]

What's your reality?

[Dr. Gillespie]

Oh, Jimmy, I don't know.

[Angela Kester]

I don't know.

[Dr. Gillespie]

Seems pretty risky to me trying it on a girl like Angela Kester.

[Dr. Kildare]

Actually, the prefrontal lobotomy has been successful with patients of Angela.

[Dr. Gillespie]

Sure, sure, I know. What are the odds?

[Dr. Kildare]

You've always had a doctor making his own eyes.

[Dr. Gillespie]

Ah, that's the way I like to.

[Angela Kester]

Hear you talk, Dr. K. Well. No, don't. Save those precious words for posterity.

[Dr. Gillespie]

Spit them out.

[Angela Kester]

Oh, Dr. K. Mr. Stephen tested to see you.

[Dr. Kildare]

Send him in. Bargain.

[Dr. Gillespie]

That's a girl's husband.

[Dr. Kildare]

Yes. Steve.

[Dr. Gillespie]

Good to see.

[Dr. Kildare]

Good to see you, Jim. How is she physically? Good shape the rest of that. Oh, Dr. Gillespie. Stephen Guest. All right, Jimmy.

[Stephen Kester]

About this operation you mentioned on the phone.

[Dr. Kildare]

Yes? That's why I called you down here, Steve. I think it'll cure Angela. But we've got to have your permission before we go ahead.

[Stephen Kester]

I don't know. What's it going to involve.

[Dr. Kildare]

I'll try to make it as brief as I can. Angela's mental trouble, her obsessions, her fears are centered in this part of the brain here. See? Just inside the upper part of the forehead. The frontal lobes, we call them.

[Stephen Kester]

But how could an operation cure that.

[Dr. Kildare]

Part of the brain?

[Dr. Gillespie]

It wouldn't. Wouldn't? Our only concern now is to cure the whole brain by permanently isolating those frontal lobes from the rest of the brain.

[Stephen Kester]

How is that possible, Doctor?

[Dr. Gillespie]

Well, it's comparatively. A simple operation. An opening is made in the skull just above the frontal lobes. We insert into the brain an instrument called a leukotome. With that instrument, we sever the white tissue which connects the frontal lobes of the rest of the brain. That's what we call a Prefrontal lobotomy.

[Stephen Kester]

What are the risks? I mean, what could happen?

[Dr. Kildare]

Poor alternatives, Steve. It could make Angela a little better. Or it could make her a little worse. It could cure her completely. Or it could kill her.

[Stephen Kester]

Jimmy, what would happen to her if she didn't have the operation?

[Dr. Kildare]

We couldn't try any more shock treatments. She's already had the maximum. Her system wouldn't take it.

[Dr. Gillespie]

And without treatment, Kester, more suicide attempts. Deterioration until she's hopelessly insane. The operation's a last resort. You'll have to make the decision.

[Stephen Kester]

You'll recommend it, Jimmy?

[Dr. Kildare]

I recommend it? You mean operate?

[Dr. Gillespie]

You ready now, Jimmy?

[Dr. Kildare]

Yes. Say a prayer, will you, Doctor?

[Dr. Gillespie]

Scared?

[Dr. Kildare]

Yep.

[Dr. Gillespie]

So am I.

[Dr. Kildare]

Let's go. Dr. Long, is the patient ready? She's anesthetized. I've given her sodium pentothal. Is it all right to proceed? Yes, Doctor.

[Dr. Gillespie]

All right, Jimmy.

[Dr. Kildare]

Scalpel. Sponge. Hemostats. Silver clips.

[Dr. Gillespie]

How's that wound? Killed there.

[Dr. Kildare]

Bleeding's controlled. Wounds.

[Narrator]

Dry.

[Dr. Kildare]

Nurse.

[Angela Kester]

Yes, Doctor.

[Dr. Kildare]

Retractor. Periosteal elevator. Dr. Long. Yes, Doctor. Ready to proceed with the osteotomy. Her condition still good. Blood pressure down 90 over 68. Pulse 88. Respiration 24. Ms. Lamont?

[Angela Kester]

Yes, doctor.

[Dr. Kildare]

Tree. Fine. Have the water syringe ready. Forceps.

[Dr. Gillespie]

Good work, Jimmy.

[Dr. Kildare]

Nurse, careful with the skull disc. Keep it moist.

[Angela Kester]

Yes, Doctor.

[Dr. Kildare]

Scalpel for dural incision. Eyes, quickly.

[Angela Kester]

Yes, doctor.

[Dr. Kildare]

Dr. Long, how's her condition? Blood pressure was down 90 over 68. Supplementing saline solution with blood. Pulse 90. Respiration 26. Blood pressure rising. Ready to proceed with the lobotomy. All right. Proceed, doctor. Nurse.

[Angela Kester]

Yes, Doctor.

[Dr. Kildare]

The leucotone. Ready with the lepidol.

[Angela Kester]

Syringe ready, Doctor.

[Dr. Kildare]

Vocalized perfectly. Easy. Got to go slow. Sponge.

[Angela Kester]

Yes, Doctor.

[Dr. Gillespie]

Very little bleeding. Fine work, Jimmy.

[Dr. Kildare]

Fine instrument, Nurse. Ready to close the wound. Number 60 silk for the dura. Skull disc. Good. Well moistened skin. Sutures?

[Angela Kester]

Yes, Doctor.

[Dr. Kildare]

Sterile dressings. Everything all right, Dr. Long? Condition's good. Thank you, Doctor. Thank you very much. Good work, Kildare.

[Dr. Gillespie]

Jimmy, you've done yourself proud.

[Dr. Kildare]

You better wait and see. Dr. Gillespie.

[Angela Kester]

Jimmy, how long will it be before we know?

[Dr. Kildare]

I estimate about three days in Angela's case. Might know definitely by then.

[Angela Kester]

You mean if she's cured or if.

[Dr. Kildare]

If she isn't cured, Mary. If she has to live out the rest of her life a hopeless lunatic. I might be pushing things, Steve. Might be too soon to tell. Definitely, Jimmy.

[Stephen Kester]

I've got to know one way or the other.

[Dr. Kildare]

It's only been three days, Steve. In a case Like Angela's. It could be months before we know for sure. It could be complications.

[Stephen Kester]

Jimmy, I've got to know now.

[Dr. Kildare]

I. I've got to. All right, Steve. Here we are. All set. Yeah. Yeah, I want. Sir, he just woke up. I'll go over to the bed. Steve, let her see you. All right. Angela. Angela, who is it? Don't touch me.

[Angela Kester]

Get away. Get away from me.

[Dr. Kildare]

Angela, don't.

[Angela Kester]

Get away.

[Dr. Kildare]

Angela, it's Stephen. Your husband. Stephen.

[Angela Kester]

Stephen.

[Dr. Kildare]

Angela. Angela, look at me.

[Angela Kester]

Stephen. Stephen.

[Dr. Kildare]

Stephen.

[Stephen Kester]

Angela, you're all right. Angela, you're cured. Jimmy, she is cured.

[Dr. Kildare]

She'll tell you. Steve.

[Angela Kester]

Stephen, Look. Look. My hands. My hands. They're free, Steve. My hands are free.

[Dr. Kildare]

Jimmy. That's right, Steve. Patient cured. Case close.

[Narrator]

In just a moment, we will return to The Story of Dr. Kildare.

[Dr. Kildare]

SA.

[Narrator]

Story of Dr. Kildare. Starring Lou Ayers as Dr. Kildare and Lionel Barrymore as Dr. Gillespie.

[Dr. Kildare]

Actually, it was quite soon to have the permanent results of the lobotomy operation. Some cases take a good deal longer.

[Dr. Gillespie]

Kildare, this shop talks. Boring me. If you'll excuse me, I think I'll go over and heckle Dr. Carou. I think he's strong. Trying to impress.

[Angela Kester]

Lucky, Angela decided to make this party formal. First time I've ever seen Dr. Gillespie in a tuxedo.

[Dr. Kildare]

It's probably the last. Oh, look. Angela's sitting down at the piano.

[Angela Kester]

Listen, Jimmy.

[Dr. Kildare]

Beautiful, isn't it?

[Angela Kester]

Yeah. Yes, Jimmy, you made it that way.

[Narrator]

You have just heard the story of Dr. Kildare. Starring Lou Ayers and Lionel Barrymore. Dr. Kildare is presented by arrangement with Metro Goldwyn Mayer, producers of east side west side starring Barbara Stanwyck, James Mason, Van Heflin and Ava Gardner. The program was written by James Edward Moser and directed by William P. Russo. Original music composed and conducted by Walter Schumann.

[Dr. Kildare]

RA.