Here’s another sleeper to be on the lookout for as you persue upcoming TCM guides.  THE GIRL IN WHITE stars June Allyson as Emily Dunning, the first woman doctor to practice in a New York hospital.  I realize how dismal that sounds, but this biopic is surprisingly effective and, even more unexpected, it stays true to its feminist impulses, all the way to the end.  (No need to roll your eyes at the fade-out.)  Ms. Allyson is little more than adequate, and she’s done up as Judy Garland in MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS for a while, yet she’s good enough not to get in the way of the picture’s overall impact.  This is a handsome MGM production with a fine turn-of-the-last-century period look and flavor. 

It is quite a winning and absorbing movie, as we root for Emily, who breaks down barriers one person at a time.  Interesting relationships develop, including a good female support system at the hospital and a believable love triangle between Allyson, Arthur Kennedy, and Gary Merrill.  Best of all is Allyson’s friendship with her inspiration and mentor, an older female doctor played by Mildred Dunnock, in one of her best roles.  John Sturges, best known for manly-man pictures, did an exceptionally good job of directing this worthy and rewarding movie.