Kick-Back Friday: #200
Patterns (1956): Before there was “Mad Men” or some other TV drama depicting the ruthlessness of business and the machinations of its executives, there was Rod Serling’s “Patterns.” First existing as a live teleplay (now that must have been exciting) and then as a movie, “Patterns” (or Patterns) examines in unblinking fashion the modern conflict between career ambition (or merely continued employment) and human compassion. Subtract the outdated trappings (stenography, anyone?) and Serling provides an evergreen morality tale that asks When do career aspirations (or merely basic financial needs) outstrip human decency? When do you no longer tolerate the abominable head games of the executive suite? With Van Heflin, Everett Sloane, and (the incomparable) Ed Begley, Sr. A grateful shout-out is also extended to Elizabeth Wilson, who plays a secretary (ahem, executive assistant) with quiet backbone.
A native East Tennessean, Barbara Martin is a formerly practicing, board-certified neurologist who received her BS (psychology, summa cum laude) and MD from Duke University before completing her postgraduate training (internship, residency, fellowship) at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. She has worked in academia, private practice, medical publishing, drug market research, and continuing medical education (CME). For the last 3 years, she has worked in a freelance capacity as a medical writer, analyst, and consultant. Follow Dr. Barbara Martin on Google + and Twitter.
