Doctor Finlay Doctor Finlay Doctor Finlay is a British television series based on A. J. Cronin's stories about the fictional medical hero, Dr. Finlay. It was first broadcast on the 5th March 1993 on ITV. It is a follow-up to "Dr. Finlay's Casebook", the successful BBC series and takes place in the 1940s after John Finlay returns from war service. Early storylines include the setting up of the new National Health Service and the modernisation of the medical practice at Arden House, Tannochbrae, Scotland. The show stars David Rintoul as Dr. Finlay, Ian Bannen as his semi-retired practice partner, Dr. Cameron, and
Dr. Finlay's Casebook stories appeared in the national press suggesting that the author wanted the series to end. One newspaper even accused the author of "maliciously doing millions out of legitimate enjoyment." The outcry from the viewing public was immediate, and sackfuls of mail were dispatched to Cronin's home in Switzerland. He issued a statement on 7 June to refute the charges made against him: By the following year, the series was a national institution. A Bill Simpson Fan Club was set up, Andy Stewart's "Dr Finlay" was in the Hit Parade for five weeks, and Andrew Cruickshank was invited as a guest