Character Relationship Map: House Calls

Characters

• Ann Atkinson (played by Glenda Jackson) — protagonist

  A divorced hospital patient whose fractured jaw is being treated with a primitive device, Ann is freed by Charley and becomes attracted to him. She sells cheesecake, accepts his help finding hospital...

• Dr. Amos Willoughby (played by Art Carney) — supporting

  The hospital's senile chief of staff, Willoughby represents the institution's incompetence, including the primitive treatment of Ann's fractured jaw. Charley initially nominates him for another term b...

• Dr. Norman Solomon (played by Richard Benjamin) — supporting

  Charley's pal and fellow doctor, Norman recognizes that the hospital's leadership problem requires action. He shares Charley's concern about Willoughby's incompetence, although Charley ultimately agre...

• Ellen Grady (played by Candice Azzara) — supporting

  The widow of a wealthy baseball team owner who dies after a botched diagnosis, Ellen plans to sue the hospital for millions. Charley attempts to charm her, and their shared background creates mutual i...

Canonical Relationships

Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.

• Ann Atkinson → Dr. Amos Willoughby (Professional Patient And Doctor) — Willoughby is responsible for Ann's inadequate hospital treatment.

  Ann Atkinson is being treated at the hospital for a fractured jaw by Dr. Amos Willoughby, who places her in a primitive contraption.

Story Dynamics

Alliances, conflicts, and narrative interactions that evolve throughout the story.

• Ellen Grady → Dr. Amos Willoughby (Conflict Legal Opposition) — Ellen's lawsuit represents the consequences of the hospital's medical incompetence.

  A botched diagnosis at the hospital causes the death of Ellen Grady's wealthy husband, and she intends to sue the institution for millions.

• Dr. Norman Solomon → Dr. Amos Willoughby (Conflict Institutional Opponents) — Norman shares opposition to Willoughby's continued control of the hospital.

  Dr. Norman Solomon and the other doctor recognize that something needs to be done about Willoughby's leadership of the hospital.

Story Analysis

A widowed doctor's professional compromises and romantic indecision collide with a failing hospital and the consequences of medical incompetence.

Plot Progression

1. A Troubled Hospital — The widowed doctor returns to Los Angeles and encounters a hospital controlled by the senile Dr. Amos Willoughby. Ann Atkinson's primitive jaw treatment exposes the institution's incompetence.
2. The Cost Of Compromise — The doctors recognize that Willoughby's leadership is a problem but still support another nomination. Meanwhile, Ann becomes an important personal presence and receives help finding hospital work.
3. A Trial Of Commitment — Ann's intelligence and warmth draw the doctor closer, while her insistence leads to a trial period of monogamy. The relationship remains vulnerable because he is reluctant to commit.
4. The Lawsuit Arrives — A botched diagnosis kills a wealthy baseball team owner and prompts Ellen Grady to threaten a multimillion-dollar lawsuit. Personal charm cannot persuade Ellen to abandon her legal challenge.
5. Promises And Consequences — The neglected relationship turns hostile after a missed date, while Ann also challenges the decision to nominate Willoughby. When Willoughby breaks his promise, the nomination is withdrawn and reconci...