Tomorrow's Children (1934)
1h 10min | Drama | July 1934 (USA)
A young woman wishes to marry her boyfriend and raise a family, but because her own family has been deemed "defective" by the state health authorities--her parents are lazy alcoholics who continue to have children, and her siblings(brothers here) are crippled, have mental problems or are jailed--she is ordered by a court to undergo sterilization so that her family's "defective genes" won't be passed on to any more children. Her boyfriend and a kindly priest desperately search for a way to stop the forced sterilization before it's too late.
Director: Crane Wilbur
Writer: Wallace Thurman
Stars: Diane Sinclair, Donald Douglas, John Preston
1h 10min | Drama | July 1934 (USA)
A young woman wishes to marry her boyfriend and raise a family, but because her own family has been deemed "defective" by the state health authorities--her parents are lazy alcoholics who continue to have children, and her siblings(brothers here) are crippled, have mental problems or are jailed--she is ordered by a court to undergo sterilization so that her family's "defective genes" won't be passed on to any more children. Her boyfriend and a kindly priest desperately search for a way to stop the forced sterilization before it's too late.
Director: Crane Wilbur
Writer: Wallace Thurman
Stars: Diane Sinclair, Donald Douglas, John Preston
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:30You know I'm crazy about you don't you well you do I'm sort of interested you know I do
00:56anything in the world for you yes I've been counting that too but holy smoke you can't
01:00expect the fella keep on talking about marriage for a whole year and get nothing but conversation
01:04ask me you don't want to marry me oh you know I do Jan it would be wonderful sure it would
01:10but you've got to come down to cases now look can't you just see me and you in a nice little
01:14flat all fixed up pretty with a couple of kids under our feet kids yeah that would be grand
01:20would two be enough well you got a creep before you can run the first one would be a boy and we'd
01:27name him after you and then a little girl to keep him company Oh Jim if we only could it was
01:34nothing to stop us oh yes there is you know I've got to stick to the folks we've just got to wait
01:39wait that's all I've been hearing for the past year ain't natural for a guy to live alone I'm
01:44getting sick of it hello there son how are you just a minute if that's the way you feel he's
01:57afraid of folks yelling all the time I see what's your name I'm Bill what's the matter with that
02:07I don't know it's always been like that no good for nothing have to come and get you one of these
02:15days and take you up to the hospital no I I don't want to go there they'd hurt me no we wouldn't
02:23hurt you we'd fix you up so you could go out and play baseball with the rest of the boys honest
02:29I take a chance for that that's a date mister you won't forget no bill I won't forget what are
02:43these soldiers how old is your brother here he's about 12 years but he ain't got the sense of a
02:53two-year-old hmm it's too bad you're working mr. Mason no I was a fella gonna get a job these
03:03days there ain't none I tell you that's right I guess things are pretty tough don't you get any
03:09help from the city the city don't care nothing for poor folks the only help we get is from my
03:15daughter Alice oh well don't you worry I'm sure I'll be able to get some help for you yeah I've
03:20heard that before too say yeah where's the kid that was born oh why the baby died didn't I tell
03:32you no no one ever tells me nothing around here we did our best well that's all right one less
03:41mouth to feed well don't let your wife get up mr. Mason she'll need a little attention for the
03:48next few days she can take it she's been through it often enough Oh Jim please don't be mad just be
03:55patient a little while longer will you won't you you'll never be sorry honest you won't okay kid
04:04all right hey wait a minute we can't do that here hey look there's an ambulance at your house
04:11well they must have brought my home I'd better hurry all right see you in the morning good night
04:17you're sweet oh there are you all right well she is I just brought her home and I had a look at
04:33Bill too I'll try and get him in the hospital next week maybe we can do something with those
04:37legs oh that'd be fine doctor I better run into something else too the city ought to be helping
04:42you I'm going to report your case to the Welfare Board you know you're carrying too much of a
04:47burden on your own shoulders oh I don't mind of course I can't give the folks everything they
04:51need but we get along I know but it'll make things easier for you all right doctor I'd better run
04:56and see my mother now and thanks for everything that's all right look how much home isn't she
05:04yeah oh sure yeah of course I want to see her hello dear so glad to have you back again
05:19the baby died I know poor lucky little devil but it's just you I'm thinking about now you've got
05:29to hurry up and get well and the only way you can do it is not to worry I mean it you just leave
05:33everything to me we'll have you know feet no time now go to sleep and forget about things
05:38huh Oh Bill can't you find anything else for him to play with whiskey bottles that's all he wants
05:50he cries if you take him away from him yeah he's after his old man where's the Satan pencil I
05:57brought him I want him to learn something he can't get anything out of these things no I'll
06:01get everything out of them Oh Pa don't you ever think of cleaning up after you eat that ain't a
06:12man's work run down to the corner get me some bread a bottle of milk I've got get supper ready
06:17all right you got any money just about enough Pa I had 15 cents in this pocketbook what do you
06:26mean is that the way to talk to your father are you accusing me you go out and get that
06:32bread and milk all right dr. Macintosh in his office yes he is doctor come in oh hello brooks
06:51hi hungry no did you get your pet patient home I'll say I didn't want a home what do you mean
06:56Brooks was all worked up about a charity case in the maternity ward he insisted on seeing her home
07:01who was it Brooks what a Mason case the baby was born dead good thing too she already has a house
07:06full of idiots and cripples was a very pleasant experience you wanted me to go with you don't
07:12you think they see enough misery right here in the hospital well this was a special case you seem
07:16afraid they're pretty hard up the oldest boys in jail and the only means of income they have
07:20is from a daughter that works no longer and that can't be very much why don't you give them happier
07:24salary I wish I could I'll do everything I can for them in fact I'll take up a collection for
07:30them right here in the hospital how much can I put you down for Crosby not a dime I can trim
07:35it now for my time of these charity cases without sharing a few pennies I make this family is all
07:41you say it is there's a law on estate that should be invoked your flaws suppose absolutely sterilize
07:46them my boy sterilize them but mrs. Mason the Welfare Association is only trying to protect
07:53you oh we didn't want to talk about this until you were well again but you really don't want
07:58any more children not if I can help it we can't take care of the ones we got there you are that's
08:03just what I'm telling you now what we propose to do will prevent others from being born I don't
08:09want to go back to that hospital but the operation is very simple yeah I'll bet it is but there's
08:14nothing to it really now the state is only trying to befriend you when dr. Brooks reported your case
08:20we gave you financial help at once but now we find you need more than that and you want Ellis to go
08:27to well of course she has your blood in her veins maybe she won't want to go you leave that to me
08:33I'll make her understand it for her own good who's gonna take care of the kids then yeah I can't do
08:39it alone that's all been attended to you send the cripple boy to an orthopedic hospital last
08:44down here and the others will be placed in institutions where they'll receive a proper
08:48medical attention but I don't want that leaves me here to look out for myself no my dear man you're
08:55the hospital to what do you mean I let him operate on me nothing doing what kind of a
08:59set do you think I am take it easy there's nothing to be alarmed about maybe not but I
09:04got my rights and I won't give them up well of course the authorities would rather do it with
09:10your consent but if you persist in refusing you must understand that all financial help will be
09:15withdrawn at once oh yeah well that's different suppose I talk it over with the old lady that's
09:24a very good idea we'll wait for you well come on but remember that may be all right for the
09:34others but as far as I'm concerned I ain't promising nothing I'll do with that Teddy I
09:46won't do it won't be a fool you heard what you said about the law besides they won't help us
09:51anymore all I'm worried about is that she's no better than we are nothing wrong with her
09:57she ain't got none of our blood maybe I better tell them the truth are you starting it again
10:03haven't I told you you ain't supposed to say nothing to nobody about that they might be none
10:07of our kids we brought her up didn't we if she was to find out the truth she'd up and marry this
10:11Jim Baker then where'd we be without her go to help us out that's kind of an operation and that
10:18won't hurt her none anyway she won't have to go through what I did ain't worth it oh come on
10:31let's tell him he's fine well it's all right a very wise decision I'll show you better sign your
10:44name it was nice of you to wait and give me a ride home I had nothing else to do you're going
11:01away tomorrow where you going the laundry bought some new trucks I'm gonna supervise bringing them
11:06in from the factory I'll be back two or three days oh I'll miss you Jim yeah I got some news
11:12for you too we needed another car washer and the boss said he'd give your old man the job
11:16honest oh that's swell if it can only keep him sober yeah you leave that to me he's gonna start
11:24working next week and I'm gonna make him like it I will take care of your family all right I'll
11:29tell me you won't marry me but Jim do you think that say if I gotta talk to you to make you say
11:34yes well if you're gonna act that way I guess it's all set well I guess it had better be when do we
11:41do it Saturday oh that's too soon a week from Saturday then why are you so sad and sad it's a
11:47weekend ain't it and I don't have to go to work till Monday pretty soon now we can be together
12:04all the time hey life ain't so bad after all oh it's grand Jim listen yeah do you remember that
12:14little apartment we looked at last week the one with the breakfast nope that's the one we're
12:17gonna get can we afford it sure we can look at all the boss is gonna give me a raise the minute
12:22I get married and we'll have that radio I showed you Oh breakfast nook in the radio we gotta have
12:28a bedroom suit too and and an easy chair in the parlor and some lovely tinned curtains on the
12:32window and Brussels carpet on the floor dishes and flowers on them and shiny pots and pans yeah
12:37from the 10 cent store Oh Jim won't we be happy with a home of our own and kids and everything
12:44I'll say are you happy yeah are you Nancy look out there's someone there seeing the folks goodbye
12:59you'll be back in a couple of days now we sure are two or three at the most
13:02everybody wish mom she didn't take sick again are you Alice Mason yes but where am I in the
13:17kids well they're all faithful there's nothing for you to worry about let's sit down I want to
13:22talk to you I'm Mrs. White of the Welfare Association you're 17 aren't you Alice yes
13:30but what have you done my folks well we're trying to help them Alice and you too they
13:35were taken to the hospital this afternoon hospital wasn't none of them sick this morning
13:39my isn't worse is she where's Pa he's gone to the hospital too Alice I don't see what for
13:47you're sure you didn't put him in jail of course not I said we were trying to help them you better
13:52tell her so she'll understand well we thought it necessary to present your family's case to the
13:59state medical commission and after an examination they decided there was but one important action
14:04to take to have your entire family sterilized why what's that I don't know what you're talking
14:11about well we investigated your family's history Alice and those are the past three generations
14:16have been feeble-minded and genital cripples or habitual drunken instead of improving each
14:23generation is more of a problem now in this state we have a law which provides for such
14:29people to have an operation so there won't be any more children I see now we placed your
14:35brothers in institutions where they'll be properly cared for you go back to your job
14:39I'll arrange I haven't held open for you but I'm keeping my job I'm not going anywhere
14:45now you're going to the hospital too well but there's nothing wrong with me perhaps not you
14:53wouldn't want to marry this fine young man and be ashamed of the children you had and you mean
14:57they're going to stop me from having children ever exactly I'm all right I tell you I won't
15:04go to any hospital now Alice you must be reasonable now we got a court order besides
15:10your parents gave permission you'll get a chance to tell your side of it in court I won't go I
15:15tell you we don't want any trouble with you young woman if you refuse to go the officer here will
15:20take you by force all right maybe I'd better go it might be chance for me in court you don't
15:32mind if I go to my room and get you things I'll need them go right ahead
15:36I thought we were gonna have some trouble with her I know how to handle them I do it to be a
15:52shock we want this girl more than her all the others she's the one who's like to spread the
15:56tape well if you take my advice to go in there and see what she's doing
16:10she's gone
16:26Hey, why don't you close that door? What's the matter with you, ain't you got any manners?
16:46Nothing kidding, huh? Yeah, and footloose just like all the rest of them too. Gee,
16:54it's getting soon that a real bull like us guys ain't got a chance with all these kids
16:59taking to the road. Oh, quit your beefing and go back to sleep. Hey, we ain't pulled out of this
17:04last point yet, have we? No, they're waiting for another train to pass or something. Well,
17:10that's been like a smoke. You want one? Yeah, when he gets some sleep. What about you, kid?
17:19I'm a sick of that. Hey, what's the matter with you? Ain't got dummy or something? Oh,
17:26leave the kid alone. I ain't bothering the kid, just trying to be sociable. How long you been
17:34on the road, kid? What's the matter, you scared, sonny? Say, listen, ain't nobody that's gonna
17:39hate you. Holy gee, don't tell me. It's a girl. Hmm, no wonder you wouldn't talk. Go away,
17:53please. I'm getting right home. What's your hurry? Leave me alone, can't you? I didn't know
17:58anyone else was in this car. Say, don't be like that. You and me is gonna have some fun on this
18:04trip. Please go away. Now, wait a minute. Stop! What's going on over there? Stop it! Shut up! You
18:12want the whole train crew in on us here? Leave the girl alone, you sap. You tell your own business.
18:15I said leave her alone. All right, try this on, you kid.
18:34Give me a ride, mister? How far you going, kid? As far as I can guess. Oh, you're a girl. Sure,
18:47come on, jump right in. I don't blame you for running away. What's the big idea trying to do
19:00anything like that to a nice young girl like you? You did just right. I'm all for you, kid. Thanks,
19:10Victor. Now, what are you stopping here for? What is this place? The sheriff's office. I've been
19:28looking for you. Come on, sister.
20:28I drank that orange juice. Orange juice? Why, yes. There was an ounce of castor oil in it.
20:33Calling Dr. Dorsey. Calling Dr. Dorsey. Dr. Dorsey wanted in the psychopathic ward. Hey, Dorsey.
20:55Yeah? They're calling you. Yeah? Well, this time you'll have to wait. Calling Dr. Brooks. Calling Dr. Brooks.
21:08Calling Dr. Brooks. Calling Dr. Brooks. Did Dr. Brooks say he was coming? Yes, he's on his way now.
21:16Are you the doctor that knows the Mason family? Why, yes. Well, what's the matter? Is anything wrong? It's Alice. I'm Jim Baker, the fellow she's going to marry.
21:28Well, hello, Jim. What's happened? They've got her in jail. They're going to have a trial this afternoon. That's why I come after you. You've been so nice to the family.
21:35Maybe you could do something to help. Well, of course I'll try. Why did they put her in jail? Those welfare workers you sent down there, they said the whole family had to be operated on.
21:43Alice ran away, but they caught her and brought her back. You mean they want to sterilize her? I guess that's what they call it. You've got to do something to help her, Doc. We can't let them do that.
21:51Why, of course not. What time does her case come up? Pretty soon now. I just found it out a little while ago. You wait right here. I'll change my clothes. I won't be a minute.
21:57All right, Doc. Gee, thanks. Who filed the prisoner's appeal? His father. Is he in court? He hasn't come forward, Your Honor. He was notified, wasn't he?
22:10Yes, Your Honor. Then why isn't he here? I really don't know. I sent out... I think I can ask that question, Judge. He's in jail. In jail? And have them nerve to file an appeal against the order of this court?
22:22Petition not allowed. Stewart, you are to be transferred to one of the state hospitals for immediate sterilization. Next case. He certainly gets rid of them fast. You haven't seen anything yet. Spike Howard.
22:43You filed this appeal on your own behalf, didn't you? Sure. Petition not allowed. You're to be paroled within a year if you submit to the operation. Your parents have added their consent to the orders of this court and the recommendations of the state medical commission.
22:59I can find no basis for an appeal from the original findings in the case. Well, you should be grateful. This means that you will be released soon instead of spending another five years in the penitentiary. You understand, nurse, I want the boy to look just as nice as possible. His case will be up before the judge in just a few minutes. Now keep him perfectly quiet. All right, Senator.
23:26Ow! What are you doing? Ow! What's the matter with you? Be quiet, you fool. Put a bullet on him quickly. Come along, Whitney. They're calling your case. Come along. Be quiet.
23:40Good afternoon, Judge. Oh, good afternoon, Senator. I didn't know you were actively practicing again. I'm really not, Judge. I only took this case as a special favor to my old friend, Jonathan Whitney.
24:01Oh, yes, a public utilities man. Is this his son? Yes, Your Honor. And we wish to appeal the decision of the lower court and the state medical commission. The sentence in this case seems unnecessarily drastic.
24:17Dr. James and Dr. Barbour here, as you know, are the two leading alienists in our state. They will testify that my client's condition is a temporary one, easy to rectify. Therefore, Your Honor, we ask that you will reverse the sterilization sentence in this case.
24:39I know the doctor's reputation and feel certain I can depend upon the facts you have placed before me. Petition allowed. Thank you, Judge. Not at all, Senator. It's been a pleasure to have you in this court. Good day. Goodbye, Mr. Whitney. Next case.
24:57How's that for a laugh? It's about the rawest thing I've ever seen. Alice Mason. Come on, Jim. Are you interested in this case? Yes, Your Honor. I'm Dr. Brooks of the county hospital. This is Jim Baker, Miss Mason's fiance.
25:26What testimony have you to offer? In the case of Miss Mason, I can see no reason for the operation that's been recommended. The girl is perfectly normal. She's hardworking and has a good reputation. Do you know anything about her family background? Yes, Your Honor, I do. There are several other children, aren't there? Yes. What is their condition? One is a cripple. Two others might be classed as feeble-minded. Isn't the oldest son in jail? Well, yes, I believe so.
25:51And knowing all that, you still contend that this girl should be allowed to bring more people like that into the world? She's sound, Your Honor. She's not anything like the rest. Surely she should be given a chance to work out her own salvation. I can't agree with you, Doctor. Suppose she is normal. The chances are that her children will inherit the family taint. Isn't that possible? But, Your Honor, I... I'm sorry, Doctor. Three generations of unfit are enough. Petition not allowed.
26:18You mean you're going to operate on her anyhow? I see no reason to set aside the verdict. Oh, gee, Judge, don't do that. You see, we... We love each other. We're going to get married soon. All the more reason why I should deny the petition. There's nothing to prevent you from marrying later. Sure, I'll marry her any time. But we want children like other folks. Oh, please, Judge, give us a break. You wouldn't sentence a man to hang unless he was proven guilty, would you? You've no way of proving our kids wouldn't be all right. You've heard the decision of the court. Next case.
26:46Oh, please, Your Honor, don't let them do this. No matter what happens, I can always take care of her. She's not like the rest of the family. She's a good girl, Judge. I'm sorry, Your Honor. Oh, no, wait, please. Please listen to me. Don't you understand what you're doing? Look at me. Can't you see that I'm well and strong? And I'll be a good mother to Judge. Honest, I will.
27:08Can't you do something? You must abide by the decision of the court. I can waste no more time on your case. There are others waiting to be heard. Ain't there nothing I can say? I'm afraid not, young man. I'll do anything. Anything you say. I know what this means to her. It's like tearing the heart out of her. Oh, give her a chance. The case is closed. Court adjourned for 30 minutes.
27:27Oh, don't worry about me. I'm going to be all right. Don't let it get you. Okay, kid. That's just another thing about you. But I tell you, I'm going to be all right. Look, I'm smiling. Come on. Goodbye, honey.
27:49Come on, Jim.
28:03Do you remember that Mason family I told you about? Oh, yes. Are they in trouble? Lenny. It's the daughter. The only decent one in the whole family, and they've ordered her to be sterilized. Poor thing. Is it necessary? Well, not in her case, I'm sure. I wish I could find a way to help her.
28:17But what could you do? Nothing, I'm afraid. That's just it. To stand by a helpless and seeing injustice done. I wouldn't give her a chance in court, and it's all my fault. But how could it be your fault, dear? Well, I'm the one who sent the welfare society there. Poor girl planning to be married. Fine young men. And this has to happen to them.
28:36Well, think what it would have meant if anyone had stepped in and kept this happiness from us. That's what makes me feel so badly. I'm the cause of that girl being in a spot right now. But you only tried to help her. I helped her into a fine mess. I don't know how I'm going to do it, but it's up to me now to help her out of it.
29:03Well, Dr. Brooks, here. Oh, thanks, thanks. That's what makes a doctor out of you, Dorothy. Yeah, that's what makes a dope out of me. If I ever get one whole day off, I'm going to enter myself in a marathon sleeping contest.
29:17Well, here's a chance to catch yourself a nice little nap. Oh, I'll catch it, all right, but can I keep it? I won't disturb you. Just going to change my clothes. Oh, boy.
29:29Calling Dr., calling Dr. Katz, calling Dr. Katz, calling Dr. Dorsey, calling Dr. Dorsey. You make me sick.
29:46Late this morning, Dr. Brooks. Ah, yes, I'm afraid I am. I haven't had a chance to look at the schedule yet. What's up? Something that ought to interest you. Ah, yes, what is it? Right up your alley. I heard you were in court yesterday. We were going to work on some of the patients you saw there.
30:09What, so soon? The quicker the better, I'd say. Get that look off your pants. Anyone would think we were going to sterilize you. Oh. There's really nothing to be afraid of. Of course not. You just wait here. I have the girl, Alice Mason, in charge. She's to be operated on by court order.
30:32Oh, yes. Miss Best, you take her to the surgical floor, room 436. All right. This way, please. You go with this nurse. I've never seen a girl carry on as this one did. Well, I'd like to hear the fuss you'd make if they were going to do it to you. Come on.
30:57Have those special patients arrived yet? There's two men here, doctor. The girl's on her way. No trouble with them? Oh, no, they're all right. If anything gets tough, we'll give them a shot of ether. Now, let me have the papers, please. Yes, doctor. Thanks. Let's go, fellas.
31:11This is Miss Mason. She's up for surgery this morning. Yes, Dr. McIntosh was asking about her. Take her to her room. All right. This way, please.
31:31Take this man first. Recognize these fellas? Yes, I saw them in court yesterday. Think the judge should have turned them loose? No, of course not, but why sterilize them? If they're dangerous, they should be locked up for the rest of their lives. You're hopeless. All right, nurse.
32:02Can you really think this operation will help a case like this? In most cases, the mental condition is frequently improved. It's worth the experiment. Yes, that's just what it is, an experiment. We have to unlock those cuffs. Yes, doctor. Keep an eye on him. We don't want any violence. Come along, old boy. We're going to give you a nice little ride. That man doesn't know what this is all about. All the better for him, maybe.
32:26Dr. Brooks, Crosby and I will handle this operation. You'd better examine the other patient. We don't want any complications. All right, doctor.
32:37Well, Spike, I've got to look you over. How do you feel? I feel all right, doc, but I'm a little nervous.
32:43Say, doc, does this operation hurt much? Well, do you ever have a tooth pull? Sure. Well, it won't hurt you as much as that, and it's over just as quickly, too. Not up here, doc, on the level. I want to ask you something. All right, go ahead.
33:11Well, it's about this operation, see? Come here, close.
33:18Oh, no, of course not, Spike. Well, then what the devil do they do? Well, Spike, I'll show you.
33:26Say, Harry, may I have that chart, please? There's nothing for you to worry about. You see, Spike.
33:34This operation is what we call a vasectomy, and in performing it, a local anesthetic is all that is necessary.
33:39You understand very little pain or mental shock accompanies the operation. That's good news.
33:44And the underlying principle is to interfere with the transmission of the spermatozoon and other secretions from being ejected to the outside.
33:51This is done by the excision of part of each seminal duct, which is then tied off. I see. Simple, isn't it? Nothing to it.
34:00In the case of a female, of course, the general anesthetic is necessary.
34:04This operation consists of the removal of part of the fallopian tubes.
34:08They're reached directly through the abdomen by an incision.
34:12The operation isn't dangerous. I'd say that it was comparable to the removal of an appendix.
34:17So that's what they're going to do to me. On the other one, I mean. That's all.
34:21Say, doc, is this confidentially, do you think it'll do any good?
34:27Well, in your case, Spike, I can't see where it'll do you any harm. So there's nothing for you to worry about.
34:31Yeah, but look here, doc, supposing I should take a fancy to a dame. You know, that might happen even with a guy like me.
34:37Oh, yes, naturally.
34:38Well, will this operation make any difference to me?
34:42Not the slightest. The only thing is, Spike, you'll never become a father.
34:47Okay, doc. That's one thing I won't have to worry about.
34:51In fact, it's said that if this operation is performed on an elderly man,
34:56it will rejuvenate his glands so that he may be able to enjoy life to a ripe old age.
35:02Yeah? Boy.
35:08I'll take it, doctor.
35:13Ward 17, Miss Gray speaking.
35:15Who? Howard?
35:17Just a moment, I'll ask the doctor in charge.
35:19Dr. Brooks, this man's parents are downstairs.
35:22We want to know if they can see him before he goes into the operating room.
35:25Well, of course they can. Why not?
35:26Hey, they got no business coming here.
35:29I'll call you when they can come out.
35:32Hey, I don't want them to see me like this.
35:34Oh, forget it, old man. Take it easy now.
35:37Here they come. They'll be ready for you in a minute.
35:44Finished for soon?
35:45Sure. Ready for Spike now.
35:47His mother and father are waiting to see him.
35:49I've just given him a little lecture so he'll know what to expect.
35:52You're a great help around here, aren't you?
35:57Guard, you better handcuff him again while he's still unconscious.
35:59Is that necessary?
36:01Maybe not necessary, but convenient if he should suddenly go violent on our hands.
36:05Hey, that guy looks nuttier now than he did when they took him out of here.
36:09Not losing your nerve, are you, Spike?
36:11Me? Not a chance.
36:13Okay, it's your turn now.
36:15You mean I gotta ride on that baby carriage?
36:17Why not? You better ride in style while you can.
36:20They don't give you service like this at the big house.
36:27Wait a minute.
36:39Now don't move. You can see your boy again when they bring him back.
36:42Thanks.
36:47Dr. McIntosh says for you to make a thorough examination of the girl.
36:50We won't need you in the operating room for this lad.
36:57Here's someone to see you, Spike.
37:00Oh, hello, Mom.
37:01Hiya, Pop.
37:02Okay, son.
37:04Gee, that's good.
37:06You don't mind us being here, do you, son?
37:09Of course not, Mom.
37:10Well, this promises to be a swell party.
37:12The more, the merrier.
37:13They're waiting for us in the operating room.
37:15He'll be back in a few minutes.
37:17He's going to be all right?
37:19Of course he's going to be all right.
37:21Oh, sure, Mom.
37:22The doc here just wants to cut a little of the badness out of me.
37:25Ha! I don't think they know where it is, but they think so.
37:28And, well, there's nothing I can do about it.
37:31My friend, the judge saw to that.
37:33Come on, Doc.
37:34Let's go.
37:41Well, Doc, I hope everything comes out all right.
38:03Say, Doc, how much longer is this going to last?
38:13We're almost through now, Spike.
38:15How do you feel?
38:18How would you feel?
38:20There's nothing to worry about.
38:23Ever have them do this to you?
38:26Not yet.
38:28Better try it sometime, Doc.
38:31Then come around and we'll talk about our operations.
38:34Just another minute.
38:35Quiet, please.
38:37They'll be cutting my tongue out next to keep me from talking.
38:40Hold everything, Spike.
38:43Say, where do these punks get off?
38:45How's this operation going to keep me from stealing?
38:48Or packing a rod to use if I get caught in a jam, huh?
38:51Well, it won't.
38:53Just wait till I get out of stir someday.
38:56I'll show them.
38:58They haven't made me lose something I'm really going to miss.
39:01All finished.
39:04OK, Doc.
39:06You may be finished.
39:08But you've got to do more cutting than that to stop me.
39:21Oh, Dr. Brooks, must I go through with this?
39:23Can't you get them to wait till tomorrow?
39:25I'm afraid not.
39:26But they'd do it for you if you asked them.
39:28But the staff have their orders.
39:30If you could only get him to wait just one day.
39:33Jim says he knows somebody who might be able to help us.
39:36No one here has the authority to postpone it.
39:38But who gave them the authority to tell me that I can't bring life into the world?
39:44Only God has that right.
39:46Oh, Dr. Brooks, you told me that you had a little girl in your home.
39:50You must know how I feel.
39:53Yes, I do.
39:56Then won't you please try to do something?
39:59I just know you can, a man like you.
40:02You're the only one who could help me now.
40:04You've got to, you've got to.
40:06Good God, there must be a way.
40:10Please, God, show him, won't you?
40:14Show him how.
40:16Please, please.
40:25Please.
40:33What's on your mind?
40:35It's about that girl upstairs. We can't let this thing happen to her.
40:38Mason girl?
40:41I'm afraid it's too late to do anything about that now.
40:44We operate on her next.
40:45Not if I can stop it.
40:49Listen, Brooks, I like you.
40:52You're one of the most promising young doctors we've ever had on the staff.
40:56I don't want you to let me down.
40:58The law must be obeyed.
41:00There's nothing we can do about that now.
41:01Oh, but there must be.
41:03Dr. McIntosh, can't you refuse to perform this operation?
41:07Refuse?
41:08I?
41:09You must be joking.
41:10Oh, no, I was never more serious in my life.
41:12I can't do a thing like that.
41:13Oh, but your word would carry a lot of weight, sir.
41:15Why are you so certain this girl shouldn't be sterilized?
41:18I tell you, doctor, that she is normal, perfectly so.
41:21It would be criminal to perform this operation.
41:23You're exaggerating.
41:24Oh, it'd stake my life on it.
41:26Why do you realize, doctor, that she's been working since she was a mere child,
41:29carrying the burdens of her entire family?
41:30Why, there must be good stuff in her.
41:32And you couldn't find a finer specimen than the boy she wants to marry.
41:35You're mixing sentiment with your science, Brooks.
41:37Why not?
41:39Is science always right?
41:41Well, you're proceeding on a trial and error basis.
41:43Is that fair?
41:44Well, look at all the great men in the world that may be classified as having been insane
41:47or in some other way unfit.
41:49Well, look at, look at Nietzsche, Dostoevsky, Edgar Allan Poe.
41:53Suppose their parents had been sterilized.
41:56I admit these men are not what we call normal.
41:59Did any of them have insane parents?
42:01Were any of them fathers to a genius?
42:03Listen, Brooks.
42:05In most cases, these operations are justified.
42:07The benefits are so great that we can take a chance for an occasional mistake.
42:12I don't think we've made one yet.
42:14Oh, no, you may not have made one, but what about the medical,
42:16medical commission and the courts?
42:18Why, they don't investigate thoroughly.
42:20They treat people like so many cattle.
42:22And as usual, it's the poor who suffer.
42:24Why, take that girl.
42:25She, her papers were in order.
42:27She had a court hearing like everyone else.
42:29And I'm convinced that in her case, the order was justified.
42:35Dr. McIntosh, you've been my ideal ever since I came to this hospital.
42:39I thought that you considered human values as well as scientific ones.
42:43I do consider them.
42:44Not for the sake of the individual, but for the good of the public at large.
42:48You've seen this girl's family.
42:50That's the most eloquent argument I can think of.
42:52Oh, but why wreck her life because of them?
42:55We're getting nowhere, Brooks.
42:56I see no reason in continuing this discussion.
42:59Then you won't help me get a delay so at least this girl's case can be reviewed?
43:02No, Brooks, I will not.
43:04It's about time we were getting back to the floor now.
43:06I won't have anything to do with that operation.
43:08Don't be a fool, Brooks.
43:09I don't want the memory of that girl haunting me for the rest of my life.
43:12I don't want to know she may be in a gutter somewhere and I helped to put her there.
43:15I can't waste any more time.
43:17Return to your work immediately or I'll leave your resignation here on my desk.
43:28Shall I have the nurse call Brooks, doctor?
43:30No, you'll assist me in this.
43:33I've just had a serious talk with Brooks.
43:35You let him work this thing out by himself.
43:38He's too worried about this case, but I can see his side of it.
43:43Alice, I've done everything I can.
43:46I refuse to have anything to do with it myself.
43:50It may mean that I must resign.
43:53But I can't stop it.
43:56And believe me, I'm sorry.
43:58I know.
43:59You've been awfully good to me.
44:01I'll never forget that.
44:07Well, we're going to get you ready now.
44:09Well, we're going to get you ready now.
44:11Bet you didn't know I was a barber.
44:13Well, how are you feeling?
44:15She's a little nervous, I guess.
44:17Oh, that's natural enough.
44:19I'd be a little nervous myself.
44:22Father's only trying to help you, to help Alice.
44:25Mrs. Mason, you must understand what I'm trying to tell you.
44:28Don't you see, you're the only one who can save her from that operation now.
44:32All we need is your signature on this paper.
44:34Won't you, won't you please?
44:36No.
44:37Oh, if Dr. Brooks was only here.
44:39Dr. Brooks is my friend.
44:44Look here, Martha Mason.
44:45You were at one time a good member of my congregation.
44:47You heard me preach against this very thing.
44:50Dr. Crosby, will you take the patient's pulse and respiration?
44:53All right, doctor.
44:54Cheer up, Brooks.
44:57Dr. McIntosh, I...
44:58My boy, I think that under the circumstances,
45:00you should be excused from any participation in this operation.
45:03Oh, but doctor, you're a conscientious objector.
45:06I've decided you shouldn't be present.
45:08You just leave this matter to us.
45:12Any acute nervousness, doctor?
45:14I don't think so, sir.
45:37Calling Dr. Brooks.
45:39Calling Dr. Brooks.
45:41Calling Dr. Brooks.
45:46Dr. Brooks speaking.
45:48Who?
45:49What?
45:50All right, put him on.
45:51Hello, Dr. Brooks?
45:52This is Jim Baker.
45:53I got Father O'Brien and took him over to the Masons' house.
45:56He's there now.
45:57They've both been drinking and he can't seem to do anything with them.
46:00Mrs. Mason keeps asking for you,
46:02and Father O'Brien says I should ask you to come over as quick as you can.
46:05All right, Jim, you go back to the house and wait for me there.
46:21Get me a jacket, please.
46:22Yes, doctor.
47:05I've told you 20 times that all we need is your signature to this paper.
47:09That's going to do it.
47:10Come on, sign it, sign it.
47:12I ain't gonna sign nothing.
47:14Jim, Jim, where's the girl's father?
47:16He's in that room there, worse off than she is.
47:26Mrs. Mason, if you have a signature,
47:28I want you to sign it for me.
47:31Mrs. Mason, if you have any feeling at all for Alice,
47:33you've got that helper now.
47:34There isn't a minute to lose.
47:37Mr. Mason, wake up, will you?
47:39I hear we have a distinguished audience waiting for this.
47:42Yes, the medical commission's here in full force.
47:49You can't let them do it, don't you understand?
47:51Alice is underage.
47:52Your protest will at least hold things up until something can be done.
47:55You'll regret it all your life if you don't.
47:57Go away, I ain't gonna sign nothing.
48:21Your own daughter we're asking you to save,
48:23your own flesh and blood.
48:25My daughter?
48:26Yes, your daughter, your daughter Alice.
48:28Alice ain't none of my daughter.
48:31What?
48:32What's she talking about?
48:33Do you know what you're saying?
48:35Sure.
48:37Well, if Alice ain't none of my daughter...
48:40Then whose daughter is she?
48:41It's the drink, father.
48:42Are you telling us the truth, Mrs. Mason?
48:45Sure, I'm telling the truth.
48:49She ain't my daughter.
48:52My daughter.
48:55Her mom brought her here when she was just six months old.
49:00We've had her here ever since,
49:03and I don't know what become of her, real folks.
49:07And they were going to...
49:09Come on, there's no time to lose.
49:22Come on.
49:48It's him.
49:53What's the meaning of this?
49:54Don't you know that there's a trial in progress?
49:55Yes, your honor, but there's a desperate situation
49:57that needs your immediate attention.
49:59What is it, father?
50:00It's that girl, Alice Mason.
50:01Mason?
50:02Oh, yes, I heard her case yesterday.
50:03She's at the hospital now, about to be operated on.
50:05We've got to stop it.
50:06On what grounds?
50:07The mother's confessed that she's a foster child.
50:09No relation whatsoever.
50:11Are you sure of this?
50:12I heard it myself, your honor.
50:13You must telephone the hospital.
50:15I should have the mother's statement here
50:17before I take action.
50:19But of course, your word...
50:20You have it, judge.
50:21You have my word.
50:23Get me Dr. McIntosh at the county hospital.
50:25Get me the county hospital at once.
50:31County hospital.
50:32Judge Bacon wants to talk to Dr. McIntosh immediately, please.
50:35I'll see if I can locate him.
50:37Surgical aid.
50:38Is Dr. McIntosh there?
50:40Well, he's operating.
50:41I can't call him now.
50:43I'm afraid they won't get him for me, sir.
50:46Is the judge Beacon speaking?
50:48I'm sorry, the doctor's operating.
50:49I don't care where he is.
50:51I must speak to him at once.
50:53It's an emergency call.
50:54Get him to the telephone immediately.
50:57The judge insists that he talk to Dr. McIntosh at once.
51:00Who?
51:02What?
51:03Call the phone, and I'll get him.
51:05Get Dr. McIntosh on the telephone right away.
51:07But he's operating.
51:08I know, but this is an emergency call from Judge Beacon.
51:10It's about this case.
51:11If the doctor hasn't started the operation, he must answer.
51:16An emergency telephone call for Dr. McIntosh from Judge Beacon.
51:22Doctor.
51:23Doctor.
51:29Dr. McIntosh.
51:30Dr. McIntosh.
51:31Dr. McIntosh.
51:32Dr. McIntosh.
51:33Dr. McIntosh.
51:34Dr. McIntosh.
51:40We'll be in time, sir?
51:41We will.
51:43Thank God!
51:44I told you to have faith, my son.
51:50So he's going home, eh?
51:51Yes, doctor.
51:52But I'm taking no chances.
51:53But you're getting married today.
51:55Congratulations, sir.
51:56And we have you to thank for it, doctor.
51:58Oh, nonsense.
51:59It's all in a day's work.
52:00Calling Dr. Brooks.
52:01Oh, excuse me, I'm sorry.
52:03Well, good luck to you.
52:08Goodbye, doctor.
52:09Goodbye.
52:10Dr. Brooks, your woman's in the path lab.
52:12Thanks, I'm on my way up there now.
52:14The End