James Robertson Justice appeared as the irascible chief surgeon Sir Lancelot Spratt, a role he would repeat in many of the sequels.

His five years of student life, involving drinking, dating women, and falling foul of the rigid hospital authorities, provide many humorous incidents.

When he has to leave his first choice of lodgings to get away from his landlady's amorous daughter, he ends up with three amiable but less-than-shining fellow students as flatmates, Richard Grimsdyke, Tony Benskin and Taffy Evans.

Simon's friends cajole him into a series of disastrous dates, first with a placidly uninterested "Rigor Mortis", then with Isobel—a woman with very expensive tastes—and finally with Joy , a nurse at St Swithin's.

After St Swithin's wins, the other side tries to steal the school mascot, a stuffed gorilla, resulting in a riot and car chase through the streets of London.

Sir Lancelot, however, has fond memories of his own student days, particularly of the Dean's own youthful indiscretion (persuading a nurse to re-enact Lady Godiva's ride).

Producer Betty Box picked up a copy of the book at Crewe during a long rail journey and saw its possibility as a film.

[1] Thomas says it paid for itself in two weeks and claims it was the first "purely British picture without any foreign involvement to make a million pounds' profit within two years".

"[8] The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "Doctor in the House ... works its way with determined high spirits through the repertoire of medical student jokes.

The jerky, hit-or-miss narrative style (the film resolves itself in effect into a series of anecdotes), keeps the action moving at a fair pace, and, although much of the humour is obvious and repetitious, Kenneth More, as the resourceful Grimsdyke, has some very amusing moments.

Following a class of students through their training, it delights in the dark side of hospital humour, with the medical misadventures providing much better entertainment than the romantic interludes.

"[16] Variety noted: "A topdraw British comedy ... bright, diverting entertainment, intelligently scripted ... and warmly played.

"[17] TV Guide wrote: "Shot with the appropriate lighthearted touch in bright, shiny color, with fine performances all around (Kenneth More is particularly good), this sometimes hilarious film started the series off on a high note.