The Carey Treatment (1972)

In Blake Edwards' 1972 medical thriller *The Carey Treatment*, Dr. Peter Carey (James Coburn) is a pathologist at a prestigious Boston hospital whose world is upended when the daughter of the Chief of Staff dies following a botched illegal abortion. His friend and colleague, Dr. David Tao, is immediately accused of performing the procedure. Convinced of Tao's innocence, Carey launches his own investigation, digging deeper into the hospital's dark underbelly and inevitably angering the powerful Chief of Staff. As Carey unearths more unsettling truths, the initial tragedy unravels into a complex web of intrigue, raising questions about the true perpetrator, the girl's actual pregnancy, stolen morphine, blackmail attempts, and the involvement of a mysterious and dangerous masseur, all while placing Carey himself in increasing peril. While often overshadowed by his iconic comedies like *The Pink Panther* series or beloved romantic dramas such as *Breakfast at Tiffany's*, *The Carey Treatment* holds a unique place in Blake Edwards' filmography as a testament to his directorial versatility. A stark departure from his signature slapstick and sophisticated wit, this film showcases Edwards' ability to tackle a serious, suspenseful medical thriller. Despite its troubled production history, which saw significant studio interference and recutting by MGM, the film still bears the unmistakable stamp of his meticulous craftsmanship and keen eye for pacing, even in a genre far removed from his comfort zone. Its inclusion on a "Best Blake Edwards Movies" list highlights not just his range, but also his willingness to experiment and challenge audience expectations, proving he was more than just a master of comedy, capable of eliciting tension and intrigue in equal measure.