Saw it on TCM-a bit different than the play

Liked the film. The original play explains a little more about what happened.
Both sick patients got the same medicine. Louis died because it was not applied correctly. Dr. Ridgeon was in love with Jennifer and didn't mind if Louis was mistreated. Here's the original play dialogue:


RIDGEON. I cant be your friend on false pretences. Something has got me by the throat: the truth must come out. I used that medicine myself on Blenkinsop. It did not make him worse. It is a dangerous medicine: it cured Blenkinsop: it killed Louis Dubedat. When I handle it, it cures. When another man handles it, it kills—sometimes.

JENNIFER [naively: not yet taking it all in] Then why did you let Sir Ralph give it to Louis?

RIDGEON. I'm going to tell you. I did it because I was in love with you.



As hostile as the film was towards private doctors it actually "lightened" up the attacks compared to the original play. Shaw really disliked private doctors.