St. Elsewhere

About St. Elsewhere

"St. Elsewhere" is an American medical drama television series that ran for six seasons on NBC from 1982 to 1988. The series chronicles the lives of the staff of a poorly funded and under-resourced inner-city hospital, St. Eligius, in Boston, Massachusetts, fondly known as St. Elsewhere due to its last-way status. The story focuses on a group of dedicated doctors doing their best in chaotic circumstances, dealing with demanding patients and professional rivalries while navigating their personal dilemmas. The series was notable for its combination of realistic medical drama, character-based comedy, and gritty storytelling.

Making / Production

"St. Elsewhere" was produced by MTM Enterprises. The show was created by Joshua Brand & John Falsey and developed by Mark Tinker & John Masius. The series was considered revolutionary for its time, introducing narrative structures and themes previously underexplored on network television, including mental illness, poverty, and the reality of life-and-death decisions in a hospital environment.

Actors

• William Daniels played Dr. Mark Craig, a brash but dedicated surgeon. Daniels's exceptional portrayal of the complex character was lauded by critics and audiences alike.
• Ed Flanders portrayed Dr. Donald Westphall, the compassionate yet beleaguered director of medicine who often served as the show's moral center.
• David Morse was Dr. Jack Morrison, a young, idealistic doctor grappling with the harsh realities of medical practice.
• Denise Crosby featured as Nurse Yvonne Shutt who cared deeply for her patients and colleagues while dealing with struggles in her personal life.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The name "St. Elsewhere" is a colloquialism often used to refer to lesser or peripheral places.
• The character of Dr. Mark Craig was part of an elaborate running joke throughout the series regarding his rivalry with fellow medical school graduate Dr. Bobby Caldwell.
• The finale of "St. Elsewhere" is considered one of the most surprising and unconventional endings in television history.

Awards

Over its run, the series won several awards including multiple Emmy and Peabody Awards. William Daniels won two Emmys for his performance as Dr. Mark Craig, and the series itself was applauded for its risk-taking storytelling and complex characters.

Quotes

• "Time flies when you're younger. Now, at my age, every second counts." - Dr. Mark Craig
• "How can a man die who has sage in his garden?" - Dr. Donald Westphall

Music, Soundtrack

• The series theme was composed by veteran television composer Dave Grusin. His composition went on to become one of the most distinct and remembered theme songs in television history.
• In addition to the theme, the series was scored with a mix of dramatic and atmospheric music that contributed to its unique tone and style.