The New Interns (1964)

Interesting facts

The New Interns is a 1964 American drama film directed by John Rich, and the sequel to the 1962 film The Interns, itself based on the novel of the same name by Richard Frede. It stars Michael Callan and Dean Jones. For his performance, George Segal won the Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Actor. The movie and its predecessor later spawned a short-lived TV show, The Interns, that aired on CBS from 1970 to 1971.

Production

The Interns was a commercial success and Columbia announced a follow-up. It was thought James MacArthur, Michael Callan, Stefanie Powers, Telly Savalas and Kaye Stevens would return, Cliff Robertson and Suzy Parker would not, and Nick Adams may make a guest appearance.

An original story was written by Wilton Schiller, producer of Ben Casey.

Kay Stevens signed a three-picture deal with producer Robert Cohn the first of which was to be The Interns.

Cohn offered the job of directing to John Rich, who was under contract to Hal Wallis but loaned out to make th emovie. (This meant he had to turn down the chance to direct the original pilot for Gilligan's Island although he later reshot it.) Rich said he was dissatisfied with the script, had it rewritten, was still dissatisfied, and so rewrote the script himself.

Rich says the lead role was offered to Peter Falk, who turned it down as he felt with the large cast and multiple storylines he would not be able to make an impression. He was replaced by George Segal, who came out to Hollywood from New York to star in a TV series that had been cancelled after four episodes. Columbia signed Segal to a long-term contract.

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