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Patch Adams (1998)

The true story of a heroic man, Hunter "Patch" Adams, determined to become a medical doctor because he enjoys helping people. He ventured where no doctor had ventured before, using humour and pathos.

Director:

Tom Shadyac

Writers:

Patch Adams (book) (as Hunter Doherty Adams), Maureen Mylander (book) | 1 more credit »
Reviews
Popularity
2,938 ( 298)

On Disc

at Amazon

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 1 win & 7 nominations. See more awards »

Photos

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Robin Williams ... Patch Adams
Daniel London ... Truman
Monica Potter ... Carin
Philip Seymour Hoffman ... Mitch
Bob Gunton ... Dean Walcott
Josef Sommer ... Dr. Eaton
Irma P. Hall ... Joletta
Frances Lee McCain ... Judy
Harve Presnell ... Dean Anderson
Daniella Kuhn ... Adelane
Peter Coyote ... Bill Davis
James Greene ... Bile
Michael Jeter ... Rudy
Harold Gould ... Arthur Mendelson
Bruce Bohne ... Trevor Beene
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Storyline

Patch Adams is determined to become a medical doctor because he enjoys helping people. Unfortunately, the medical and scientific community does not appreciate his methods of healing the sick, while the actual patients, medical professors, and hospital nurses all appreciate the work *he* can do, because they are unable to do it. Written by Ari Herzog <ari@ici.net>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

Based On A True Story. See more »


Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some strong language and crude humor | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Details

Official Sites:

Official site at Universal

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 December 1998 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Docteur Patch See more »

Filming Locations:

Asheville, North Carolina, USA See more »

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Box Office

Budget:

$90,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$25,262,280, 27 December 1998, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$135,026,902

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$202,292,902
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

DTS | Dolby Digital | SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Patch's (Robin Williams) roommate in the mental hospital is played by Michael Jeter. In The Fisher King (1991), Jeter also played an insane companion of Williams'. See more »

Goofs

Mitch rats on Patch for cheating since he never cracks open a book but still nearly got 100% in the course. How does Patch possibly score this high? The movie never shows Patch studying or reading. See more »

Quotes

Hunter Patch Adams: I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you straightforwardly without complexities or pride. I love you because I know no other way then this. So close that your hand, on my chest, is my hand. So close, that when you close your eyes, I fall asleep.
See more »

Connections

Referenced in Nostalgia Critic: Flubber (2010) See more »

Soundtracks

Bell Bottom Blues
Written by Eric Clapton
Performed by Derek & The Dominos (as Derek and the Dominoes)
Courtesy of PolyGram International Music B.V.
By Arrangement with PolyGram Film & TV Music
See more »

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User Reviews

 
Great film! Just a hair off center, but still well in the bullseye.
28 December 1998 | by StephenCSee all my reviews

During a family day at the movies over Christmas weekend, most of my family picked "You've Got Mail". But I pretty much detest romantic comedies, so I picked "Patch Adams" instead. How much did I like it? I went and saw it again the next day, dragging the whole family with me this time.

Don't let the previews fool you: this is not a comedy. This is a very moving drama based on the real life of Hunter "Patch" Adams and his trials on the road to becoming a doctor and attempting to revolutionize the health care industry by creating a free hospital in West Virginia (which has come to pass and is presently being constructed, or so the overlayed tagline at the end of the movie claims).

Williams delivers a stellar performance as Patch, who practices "Laughter Is The Best Medicine" and entertains and amuses hospital patients in an effort to befriend them and ease their pain. So as you can imagine, Williams' clownish personality and humor seep in and bring an incredible vibrance to the character. His performance alone is worth your ticket, but the supporting actors (Philip Hoffman and newcomers Daniel London and Monica Potter) also deliver great performances and add a lot to the story. The plot is well done (being partially written by Adams) and the story may inspire you.

My only major complaint about the movie (and why I say it's a hair off center) is the very stereotypical and uber-evil portrayal of the dean of the medical school, who has a vendetta against Adams but for which a real reason is never given. (This could be attributed to Adams' hand in the scripting, but I doubt it.)

Beyond that, this movie is very enjoyable, very touching, and very award-worthy. If it doesn't show up at least a couple times at the Oscars I'll be very disappointed. But just go see it for yourself. And if you don't cry at least once before the end, be worried; there is probably something wrong with you.

If you enjoy the movie, you may also want to check out the book by the real Patch Adams, entitled "Gesundheit!: Bringing Good Health to You, the Medical System, and Society Through Physician Service, Complementary Therapies, Humor, and Joy". Amazon.com carries it (as should any other reputable bookseller).


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