The true story of Dr. Hunter "Patch" Adams, who in the 1970s found that humor is the best medicine, and was willing to do just anything to make his patients laugh—even if it meant risking his own career.
Acting
Williams at peak manic tenderness, Hoffman perfectly insufferable.
Score
Marc Shaiman's orchestral heartstring-pulling, unapologetic.
Practical Effects
Gesundheit Institute built for real; production design commits.
Director
Tom Shadyac
Robin Williams
Hunter 'Patch' Adams
Monica Potter
Carin Fisher
Philip Seymour Hoffman
Mitch Roman
Daniel London
Truman Schiff
Bob Gunton
Dean Walcott
Harve Presnell
Dean Anderson
Peter Coyote
Bill Davis
Michael Jeter
Rudy
Josef Sommer
Dr. Eaton
Irma P. Hall
Joletta
Barry Shabaka Henley
Emmet
Frances Lee McCain
Judy
Daniella Kuhn
Adelane
James Greene
Bile
Harold Gould
Arthur Mendelson
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The real Patch Adams loathed this film, calling it 'shallow' and inaccurate — he never had a romantic partner die, and hated the 'Patch' nickname.
Williams donated millions to Adams's real Gesundheit Institute after filming, though they later clashed over the movie's message.
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