Novels spawned movies and sitcoms

The writer of the Doctor series of comic novels and films has died at the age of 95.

Dr Gordon Ostlere, who used the pen name Richard Gordon, was a surgeon and anaesthetist at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London before turning to writing full-time.

His first book, Doctor In The House, published in 1952, was set in the fictitious St. Swithin’s hospital and based on his own experiences. He would go on to write 15 more in the series, as well as other titles.

The film adaptation of Doctor in the House was released two years later with Dirk Bogarde in the lead role and memorable performances by Donald Sinden as Benskin and James Robertson Justice as  Sir Lancelot Spratt.

It spawned a 1969 sitcom, mostly written by Graeme Garden – himself a former medical student – and Bill Oddie, but also others including Graham Chapman (another ex-medical student) John Cleese and Barry Cryer.

Several follow-up series and six more Doctor films ensured.

A spokesperson for Ostlere’s literary agent, Curtis Brown said: ‘His hugely successful books and films bought an immense amount of innocent and intelligent pleasure to millions. 

‘The Doctor in the House name still resonates, as do many of the characters he created, such as the fearsome surgeon Sir Lancelot Spratt.’

Here is a scene from the first Doctor movie...

Published: 14 Aug 2017