Damn it, Janet! Dr Finlay's back on the case
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A WELL kent GP is making a return to the small screen to mark the 50th anniversary of the classic TV programme.
One of the BBC’s most successful and longest-running TV series, Dr Finlay’s Casebook, is to be shown on BBC ALBA to celebrate its golden anniversary.
On Thursday August 16, 1962, the first episode of the TV drama Dr Finlay’s Casebook was screened nationwide from the BBC’s London studios. Broadcast on the BBC from 1962 until 1971, Dr Finlay became a world-wide success and a national institution.
During the programme’s first week it notched up a remarkable eight million viewers – which rapidly soared to 12 million and the initial six episodes commissioned were soon extended to 12. Such was Dr. Finlay’s success, that it was destined to run for eight seasons and 191 episodes.
Based on A J Cronin’s novella entitled Country Doctor, the storylines centred on a general medical practice in the fictional Scottish town of Tannochbrae during the late 1920s.
For the TV series, Callander in Perthshire, posed as the fictional Tannochbrae. At the time, thousands of tourists arrived annually to view the Red Bridge over the River Teith, which appeared in the title shots, and other popular landmarks in the programme.
Callander Tourist Office still receives enquiries from both national and international visitors who wish to view the locations used in the programme.
The programme’s good story lines involving pathos and humour, excellent casting and characterisations, Trevor Duncan’s highly evocative title and incidental music and, not least, bonnie Scotland’s wonderful scenery, all contributed to the programme’s success.
"Damn it, Janet!," Dr Cameron's oft-quoted retort to housekeeper Janet later became a catch phrase from the series.
Margaret Mary Murray, Head of Service for BBC ALBA, said: "Dr. Finlay’s Casebook was a firm audience favourite and BBC ALBA is delighted to bring it back to mark this special 50th anniversary. We hope that it delights both those viewers who watched it the first time round and also charms those new to the series."
Dr Finlay’s Casebook will be broadcast on BBC ALBA weekly starting from Thursday August 16 at 10.30pm.
