Doc Martin (2004– )

Trials and tribulations of a socially challenged doctor in Cornwall, England

Creators:

Mark Crowdy, Craig Ferguson, Dominic Minghella

Stars:

Martin Clunes, Caroline Catz, Ian McNeice

1 win & 10 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Martin Clunes	...	Dr. Martin Ellingham (38 episodes, 2004-2011)
Caroline Catz	...	Louisa Glasson (38 episodes, 2004-2011)
Ian McNeice	...	Bert Large (38 episodes, 2004-2011)
Joe Absolom	...	Al Large (33 episodes, 2004-2011)
Stephanie Cole	...	Joan Norton (27 episodes, 2004-2009)
Katherine Parkinson	...	Pauline Lamb (24 episodes, 2005-2009)
John Marquez	...	PC Penhale (23 episodes, 2007-2011)
Selina Cadell	...	Mrs Tishell (22 episodes, 2004-2011)

Storyline

Dr. Martin Ellingham, a London-based surgeon, relocates to the picturesque seaside village of Port Wenn, establishing himself as the area's general practitioner. He grew up in the area having been raised by his now widowed Aunt Joan Norton. His reasons for leaving London and the high-paid life of a consultant are not clear initially but related to a phobia he has recently developed. He soon meets several of the locals and eccentricity abounds. Martin's situation is made more difficult by what can only be referred as an almost complete lack of an acceptable bedside manner. He is gruff, abrupt and intolerant, not only in issues related to medicine, but to life in general. He and the headmistress of the local school, Louisa Glasson, are clearly attracted to each other and despite their awkwardness, slowly develop a relationship.

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Plot Keywords:

cornwall | medicine | doctor | school | anti social | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Details

Official Sites:

ITV [uk]

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 September 2004 (UK)

Filming Locations:

Boscastle, Cornwall, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Buffalo Pictures, Homerun Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

50 min 50 min (6 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Sky Television originally made two TV movies with the Dr. Martin Bamford character from Saving Grace, called Doc Martin and Doc Martin and the Legend of the Cloutie. Martin Clunes' production company signed a six-film contract, at two films a year for three years, but Sky Pictures folded after the first two were completed. Clunes then took the concept to ITV, who liked the basic idea but wanted it to be more than just a "fish out of water" story. So, the Doctor's back-story and personality were changed. It's possible the name change came about for copyright reasons.

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Quotes

Dr. Martin Ellingham: All right, Caroline, I'm going to give you an injection.
Danny Steel: [gets down on one knee, hands clasped together] I'm saying a prayer for you, Caroline.
Dr. Martin Ellingham: [eyeing Danny] Just a little prick.

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Connections

Follows Saving Grace (2000)

User Reviews

Among the best TV dramas to come out of Britain

This is a question as well as a comment. Following the final episode of the Doc Martin series just shown by the Australian Broacasting Commission was the caption "Dedicated to John Coleman". I can find no reference to John Coleman on the Doc Martin website. I am guessing he was one of the writers. Am I right? By the way, I loved the series, but one or two things bothered me. The plots were interesting enough and the most of the characters were beautifully drawn, but to some extent some of them were a bit two-dimensional. For example the professionally super-efficient Doc Martin was so rude to everyone that one could hardly believe that any of his patients would ever come back for more. The policeman was (at least until the final episode) unbelievably inept, if not dim-witted. Sorry but I couldn't accept the snake bite episode, when the Doc displayed more patience with the mad forest ranger than he had with the entire village of (reasonably) sane people. The final episode was by far the most believable and the best. On the credit side I found the casting perfect, the setting idyllic and the photography exquisite. The whole thing was so beautiful it made me wonder why I ever left the dear old place. Is there to be more? Dennis Mitchell.