The Real Patch Adams

Now familiar to many, thanks to the sappy, but popular, 1998 feature film starring Robin Williams, the real Hunter 'Patch' Adams is, indeed, a most unusual doctor and not everyone's favorite. Presenting his story--warts and all--this documentary ranges from a look at the time he spent in a mental institution, to his critical views on America's healthcare system, as well as examining his unorthodox behavior as a physician. Popularized as a clown with a stethoscope, 'Patch' Adams' methodology goes way beyond simply making people healthy through laughter. "Friendship is the best medicine," says Adams and viewers will see this principle in action through interviews with patients and staff members from his world-famous Gesundheit Institute. Whether you hail 'Patch' as an example of what doctors should be like, or dislike him because of his constant in-your-face clowning, this program allows you to base your opinion on fact, not movie fiction. Recommended for larger collections. Aud: P. (J. Carlson)