ROBERT REED - VOL 1: MEDICAL CENTER (CBS 9/8/75 & 9/15/75) Robert Reed, Chad Everett, James Daly, Louise Sorel, Dennis Cole, Alan Oppenheimer, Salome Jens, Gary Frank,

Guest Star Classics presents one of the most ambitious and controversial stories ever presented on Medical Center, "The Fourth Sex" was a groundbreaking two-part drama that explored gender identity at a time when the subject had rarely been addressed on American network television.

Written by Rita Lakin and directed by Vincent Sherman, the episodes opened the seventh and final season of the CBS series, airing on September 8 & September 15, 1975.

Dr. Joe Gannon (Chad Everett) and Dr. Paul Lochner (James Daly) are stunned when internationally renowned surgeon Dr. Patrick James Caddison (guest star Robert Reed) privately reveals that he has lived for years with the conviction that he is a woman trapped in a man's body. After decades of concealing his true identity while building a distinguished medical career, Caddison announces his intention to undergo gender reassignment surgery so that he can finally live authentically.

The revelation devastates those closest to him. His devoted wife, Heather Caddison (guest star Salome Jens), struggles with feelings of betrayal, grief, and confusion as the foundation of their marriage is shaken. Their teenage son, Steve (guest star Gary Frank), reacts with anger and disbelief, unable to reconcile the respected father he has always known with the person his father says he has always been. Family tensions intensify as Caddison's decision becomes impossible to hide.

Dr. Gannon finds himself caught between professional ethics and personal emotions. Although sympathetic to Caddison's suffering, he must weigh the medical, psychological, and social implications of a procedure that, in 1975, remained controversial and largely misunderstood. Throughout the story, Gannon serves as both physician and compassionate confidant, attempting to help Caddison's family understand that the decision is not impulsive but the culmination of a lifetime of emotional anguish.

Complicating matters further is Jessica Lambert (guest star Louise Sorel), whose relationship with Caddison brings additional emotional conflict, while Skip Daley (guest star Dennis Cole) and other hospital staff witness the strain the case places on everyone involved. Alan Oppenheimer appears as Dr. Harry Danfield, and Lew Gallo portrays Dr. John Cabe, physicians who contribute differing medical viewpoints as the hospital debates whether the operation should proceed.

The second installment focuses on the emotional aftermath of Caddison's decision. As medical opinions and ethical questions collide, Gannon works tirelessly to preserve the dignity of his colleague while encouraging reconciliation within the fractured Caddison family. Rather than sensationalizing the subject, the drama emphasizes compassion, personal identity, and the emotional costs borne by everyone involved.

Although some medical aspects reflected the limited understanding of the era, The Fourth Sex was remarkable for treating its central character with empathy instead of ridicule. Robert Reed delivered one of the finest performances of his career, portraying Dr. Caddison with quiet dignity and vulnerability. His performance, combined with sensitive work from Salome Jens and Gary Frank, elevated the story beyond a typical medical drama into a thoughtful examination of identity, family, and acceptance.

Guest Stars:

• Robert Reed as Dr. Patrick James Caddison
• Salome Jens as Heather Caddison
• Gary Frank as Steve Caddison
• Dennis Cole as Skip Daley
• Louise Sorel as Jessica Lambert
• Alan Oppenheimer as Dr. Harry Danfield
• Lew Gallo as Dr. John Cabe
• Nancy Morgan as Kathy
• Ivan Bonar as Dr. Carter
• Audrey Totter as Nurse Wilcox

Often cited as one of the boldest episodes produced during the 1970s, "The Fourth Sex" remains one of Medical Center's most memorable stories for its willingness to explore transgender identity in prime-time television years before such subjects became more widely discussed.

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Number of DVDs: 1

Quality: 9.5/10

Running Time: 100 min approximately

Aspect Ratio: Full Screen 1:33:1

NOTES: This is a fan-made DVD set. Not    a studio release.  The pictures shown are screenshots from the DVD.