Laughter is contagious.|Dec. 25, 1998|USA|115 Min.|PG-13
Genre: Comedy;Drama
Description: In 1969, Hunter “Patch” Adams, who is struggling with suicidal thoughts, checks himself into a mental institution. While there, he discovers that humor is more effective in helping his fellow patients than traditional, doctor-centered psychotherapy. This realization gives him a new sense of purpose, inspiring him to become a medical doctor. He soon leaves the facility and, two years later, enrolls at the Medical College of Virginia (now VCU School of Medicine) as the oldest first-year student.
During his studies, Patch challenges the school’s impersonal approach to medical care, particularly questioning why students don’t interact with patients until their third year. He also clashes with Dean Walcott, who disapproves of Patch’s methods and insists that doctors should maintain a professional distance from patients. Patch’s unconventional ways, such as setting up a giant papier-mâché model of legs during an obstetric conference, lead to his expulsion. However, he is later reinstated when the school recognizes that his unique approach often improves patients’ physical and mental well-being.
Patch advocates for early patient interaction, close collaboration with nurses, and treating death with dignity and humor. He forms a close bond with fellow student Carin Fisher, and during their third year, they work together to develop his vision for a clinic based on his philosophy of compassionate care.
With the support of Arthur Mendelson, a wealthy former patient he met in the mental hospital, Patch purchases land in West Virginia to build the Gesundheit! Institute. Alongside Carin, medical student Truman Schiff, and other friends, he transforms an old cottage into a clinic. There, they provide care for uninsured patients and entertain them with comedy sketches.
Patch and Carin’s friendship blossoms into romance, and when Carin confides in him about her traumatic childhood, Patch comforts her, encouraging her to heal by helping others.
Cast director: Tom Shadyac
Cast actor: Robin Williams, Monica Potter, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Daniel London, Bob Gunton, Harve Presnell, Peter Coyote, Michael Jeter, Josef Sommer, Irma P. Hall
Original name: Patch Adams