Original subtitles

Subtitles: Lu�s Filipe Bernardes

Come in.

I'll be with you in a second.

- All right. That's all. - Thank you.

Will she get well pretty soon?

Pretty soon.

Have this filled at the drugstore and be sure to follow the directions.

Please, no. We owe you so much already.

Go on now. I mustn't keep my other patient waiting.

Better bring the baby back again in a day or so.

- What can I do for you? - My name is Steve Burton. I'm a reporter.

I've been hearing a lot of things about you lately.

That sounds bad.

- Sit down. - Thank you.

I'm writing a series of expos�s for my paper.

- More racket stories? - No, definitely not.

- Do you mind? - No.

Thank you.

Now, we have the idea there are more important things going on

than the ordinary rackets you hear about every day.

I understand that you've made some speeches lately about

babies for sale.

Care to tell me about it?

I ought to be too old or too tired by now to get excited easily.

But you're the first man who's come to me since I started talking about it.

It takes a minute to get used to this.

Mr. Burton,

have you any idea how many babies were born in the U.S. last year?

A good many, I imagine.

Two million.

Out of that two million many thousands were, for various reasons,

offered for adoption.

And many thousands were sold over the counter for cash.

Who sold them?

A few unscrupulous men and women who pose as public benefactors.

Operating just inside the law, making capital...

on the great reputation honestly earned by hundreds of men and women

who are really doing something worthwhile.

Doctor, are you sure about all that?

Of course I am. The babies are sold every day.

And I mean sold like so much merchandise...

for as little as ten dollars or as much as ten thousand.

Their mothers down and out, desperate, ashamed,

are made to pay up to a thousand dollars for the doubtful privilege

of having their babies in unsupervised private homes.

Well, Doc, when there are so many decent people ready and able to help

why does a girl go to one of these crooks you're talking about?

Some have too much false pride to accept what they call charity.

Many are ashamed.

Keep on talking, Doc.

The papers are full of stories every day about thieves,

criminals, gangsters.

The criminals I'm talking about are infinitely worse.

A gangster takes a chance.

The baby merchants don't.

Human tragedy is their bread and butter.

They take their profit on human heartbreak.

Fifty million dollars profits reaped by heartbreak merchants

who sell babies by pound, expos� reveals.

Thousands of babies were sold for cash last year...

across the counters of unsupervised so-called charity homes

for unfortunate mothers.

With all these tragic victims as their stock and trade,

heartbreak merchants collected at least fifty million dollars last year.

They will earn even more this year because the undercover baby market

is growing bigger all the time.

And so forth and so on.

Mr. Edwards, I don't think I care to read any more of the trash

you publish in your paper.

Dr. Aleshire, I...

I've practiced medicine in this city for over thirty years.

Now I'm publicly branded as the lowest type of criminal.

We're here as an unofficial committee.

We represent, I believe,

the outstanding organizations in the field of child welfare.

Our organizations depend on public faith.

Loss of that faith makes it impossible for us to raise funds for our work.

Right now we couldn't raise one dollar after that article.

Just a moment, please.

- Yes, sir? - Send Burton in.

Yes, sir.

I want to hear his side of the matter before we decide what's to be done.

Come in.

Burton, this is Dr. Aleshire, President of the Children's Protective League.

- How do you do? - Mrs. Parker, of the Wadsworth Sweet Home.

Mr. Foster, of the Child's Welfare Association.

- And Dr. Rankin from... - Mercy Shelter.

They feel your story this morning was very harmful to the work they're doing.

I wasn't writing about legitimate institutions, Mr. Edwards.

I tried to make that clear in my story.

Who were you writing about?

If I knew the names, I would have printed them.

In other words you really had no facts?

Well, it seems to me, Mr. Foster,

that the only fact that really matters is that the condition does exist.

What was the source of your story?

The man I quoted. Dr. John Gaines.

I'm afraid, Mr. Burton, that your natural enthusiasm

has rather run away with your judgment.

Of course it wouldn't be ethical for me to say anything against Dr. Gaines, but er...

well, I think you'll agree with me, Doctor,

that he's been rather unsuccessful in his medical practice.

Of course, that makes him embittered and inclined to say unkind things

about those people who've been more successful, you know how it is.

Dr. Rankin,

I've been a reporter for quite some time. Knowing people is my business.

I've listened to thieves, politicians and murderers too long

not to believe I know when a man is telling the truth.

That's enough, Burton.

I want to thank you all for coming to me about this.

And I promise you the paper will do everything possible

to retract what was printed.

- Good. - Thanks.

- Thank you so much, Mr. Edwards. - Thank you all and good day.

Good day.

- Good bye, Mr. Edwards. - Good bye, Doctor.

- Get me the city desk. - Yes, sir.

City desk.

Hold two full columns on page one for a special story Burton's writing.

It'll run in all editions.

Go back to your desk and write a story

that'll make it plain we went wrong in this.

Then bring your copy in and we'll go over it together.

Now, Mr. Edwards,

before we call the paper a liar give me time to go out and get the facts...

names, addresses, because I know the story's there.

I don't want to argue about it, Burton. You have your orders.

Okay.

You'd better get a new boy.

Yes?

Could I see Dr. Rankin?

Of course, come in.

- Let me take your suitcase. - Thank you.

Don't be frightened.

You'll find Dr. Rankin very understanding.

- What's your name? - Ruth Williams.

Oh, Edith, this is Ruth.

- Hello. - Hello.

If you'll wait just a moment, I'll see if Dr. Rankin is busy.

Thank you.

Are you... are you working here?

I'm not here on a vacation.

- Is he uh... - What's the matter, kid. Are you scared?

I was too, at first. But you'll get over it.

We all do.

Come in now, dear.

- Don't worry. - Thanks.

How do you do? Won't you sit down?

Your name is Ruth Williams?

Yes, Mrs. Ruth Williams.

Oh, I didn't understand. Your husband?

He was killed in an automobile accident four months ago.

Oh, I'm sorry.

You mustn't be offended at these questions, Mrs. Williams.

You see, our institution here is supported by donations.

And we can only help girls who have no relatives to turn to.

I haven't anybody.

I've been working up until this week.

I've saved all I could.

Eighty seven dollars.

I understood if I didn't have enough money

you'd let me work here to pay for everything.

Yes, that's right.

Now, there's just one more formality, Mrs. Williams.

This is a release allowing us to arrange for someone to adopt your baby.

I'm afraid you don't understand.

I want my baby, so I can't sign this.

You're very young. You may want to marry again.

In that case you might find the baby a problem.

It's much better for everybody concerned if you sign this consent to adoption.

Really. You can trust us to find the best home possible.

That's the purpose of our work.

I know that every mother wants to keep her baby, of course.

But I've been in this work a long time, Mrs. Williams,

and I know that in cases like yours

both mother and child live to be glad

that they were parted before they got to know each other.

I'm going to keep my baby.

I'll work, I'll do anything but...

I'm not going to give up my baby.

I'm awfully sorry I've taken up so much of your time, Dr. Rankin...

Just a moment, Mrs. Williams.

You came and asked us to help you.

We want to help you. Let's forget all about the adoption, shall we?

- Yes, Miss Talbot? - Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are out here.

I'll talk to them in a moment.

Have someone show Ruth her room. Then come back here, please.

Yes, doctor.

I'd like to have you here when I talk to the Andersons.

Oh, Gerda. this is Ruth.

I'm going to put her in a room next to yours.

- Will you take her upstairs, please? - Sure. Come this way, please.

Bring the Andersons in.

Dr. Rankin will see you now.

Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, I'm so glad to see you.

Won't you sit down, Mrs. Anderson?

- I'm sorry I kept you waiting. - You know why we're here.

I told you on the telephone, Mr. Anderson, there's nothing I can do.

- You've got to do something. - But you don't understand.

All I know is about eight months ago you got us to adopt this baby.

You told us he was perfectly healthy.

But he is not.

He doesn't cry. He doesn't try to talk.

And now we know why.

We went to another doctor.

He told us the baby is always going to be the way it is now.

I gave you a thousand dollars.

Gave it to you because I thought you were doing us such a favor.

I don't care about the money, but I do care about my wife.

You gave her something to love and to take care of,

and now it's like that.

Mr. Anderson, you must know you can't adopt a baby on approval.

It's not that we aren't sorry for the baby, we are.

But we can't do anything for it, it'll never be better.

Never.

I wish I could help you.

When that baby left here it was a normal, healthy child.

It wasn't. It couldn't have been!

Our doctor told us it's inherited.

Mr. Anderson,

many parents are faced with the tragic discovery

that their children require special care.

Most parents face it bravely.

You adopted that child legally.

According to law, that is your child.

Howard, come on, let's go.

I'm going to get a lawyer. I'll make you take the baby back.

I'd save my money if I were you.

Here's our train, Elsie. Come on, let's go home.

I can't... I can't...

Are you sure they can make use of all these things?

Mister, down in our neighborhood we can use anything nobody wants.

I'd keep some little thing if I was you.

Just to remember him by.

I had a kid once. I kind of know how you feel.

Take everything and take it quick.

Mr. Anderson, my name is Steve Burton. I'd like to ask you some questions.

I have nothing more to say to reporters.

No, wait, I give you my word, I'm not a reporter.

I don't want to print anything about you or Mrs. Anderson.

- I just want to find out something. - There's nothing you can find out here.

I'm sorry, I hate to bother you like this, but...

Well, your child was adopted.

Will you tell me one thing?

Did that have anything to do with what happened?

Ask Dr. Rankin. Maybe he'll tell you.

Maybe he will.

If the Kingsley's come while I'm away, just show them around...

and, well, talk to them a little.

Yes, doctor.

- What is it? - Good morning, I'd like to see Dr. Rankin.

- Dr. Rankin has just gone out. - Oh, I'm sorry I missed him.

You see, I'm a freelance magazine writer.

I've been hearing so many wonderful things

about what you're doing here at Mercy Shelter

I got in touch with the editor of one of our largest magazines

and he ordered the story in pictures.

I think it's about time the world knew what you're doing here at Mercy Shelter.

I have to get my copy out tonight. It's for the next issue.

I wonder, could you show me around?

- Why, yes, of course. - Oh, thank you.

I'll submit anything I write to Dr. Rankin

for his approval before the magazine goes to press.

- Why, Mr. uh... - Hanson. Oscar Hanson.

- I'm Miss Talbot. - Oh, Miss Talbot.

Oh, I've been hearing wonderful things about you, Miss Talbot.

- Won't you come in? - Thank you.

I'm sorry you have so little time, but I'll show you what I can.

This way, please.

- What are you doing? - Making fingerprints in reverse.

We make footprints of all the babies so they won't get mixed up.

Like this.

You'd never believe anything in the world could be so tiny.

Yeah, but wait till he grows up.

He'll probably be six-foot-four, weigh 240 lbs.

and beat his wife every Saturday night.

Look what just drifted in.

I think you ought to know how many more girls we could help

if only people would increase their donations.

I wish you'd mention that in your article.

Oh, not of course as coming from us but as a suggestion from the magazine.

I understand.

Could I talk to some of them?

We try to protect our girls as much as possible but...

I'll ask them.

Oh, girls, Mr. Hanson is writing an article for the magazine about us.

He wants to ask you some questions.

What are we? Guinea pigs?

Why, Edith!

Listen, Miss Talbot, we're paying our bills here.

We don't owe this place a thing.

Any time I turn model for an ad I want cash for it.

I'm surprised at you attitude, but if that's the way you feel.

I'm sorry, Mr. Hanson, but the girls, well...

You understand, don't you?

They naturally shun publicity.

I see. Well I'd like to see some more, Miss Talbot.

Why, yes, of course.

- Why don't you like Miss Talbot? - Aren't you wise to her yet?

- She's been awfully nice to me. - That's her racket being nice.

Gerda, tell Ruth how long you've been here.

Two months before my baby was born and he's three months old now.

Yes, and she's worked 12 hours a day every day the whole time.

Yes, and I still owe Dr. Rankin $138.

But I'll have everything paid for pretty soon.

Then the baby's really mine. You know, I'm leaving here tonight.

I start work tomorrow on the outside.

You mean to say that Rankin is letting you go out of here

and your bill hasn't been paid yet?

Oh, I'm going to pay him $5 a week.

Oh, I see...

five goes into 138 that's 28...

Twenty-eight weeks.

Seven months! Big-hearted Rankin.

It's all right. In five minutes it's all over.

I didn't know that was the way they did things here.

What do you think this is? Charity?

You know, the more I see and the more I hear the luckier I think I am.

I agreed to let them keep my baby so...

as soon as I have it, I can leave.

You mean...

without your baby?

What would I want with a baby?

Of course, if my dear husband hadn't decided to leave me

it'd be different but...

Well, perhaps it's better this way.

For the baby and for me too.

You don't mean that.

You want your baby just as much as I want mine.

Say, look, kid...

want your baby or don't want it,

there's one thing that's absolutely certain:

you'll never get out of this place

unless you pay for it one way or another.

And don't let Talbot and Rankin fool you.

They're in this for what they can get out of it.

And, believe me, they get plenty.

Oh, Dr. Rankin, I'm so glad you got back.

This is Mr. Hanson. He's writing an article about us for a magazine.

I see. It's good to see you again, Mr. Burton.

Mr. Burton apparently thought he wouldn't be welcome

if he gave his right name.

That wasn't at all necessary.

We have nothing to hide. In fact, we welcome investigation.

- I may drop in again, doctor? - Glad to see you any time.

Uh, you're no longer connected with the paper, are you?

No, no...

Well, I hope it won't be too long before you make another connection.

Why, thank you.

Well, it's nice meeting you, Miss Talbot.

- Good day, doctor. - Good day.

Miss Talbot, in the future, when I'm out,

admit no one unless, of course, he comes on business.

We'll be quite a while.

- Yes? - How do you do?

I'm Mr. Kingsley. This is Mrs. Kingsley.

How do you do?

Dr. Rankin is expecting us, I believe.

Excuse me just a moment.

Dr. Rankin, Mr. and Mrs. Kingsley are here.

Yes... How do you do, Mr. Kingsley?

- How do you do, doctor? - How do you do?

- How do you do, doctor? - Nice to see you.

I had no idea Mercy Shelter was as nice as this.

I expected something rather grim.

Yes, people do feel that way until they visit our little place.

Miss Talbot, I think perhaps Mrs. Kingsley would like to see the nursery.

- I'd love to. - Yes, of course.

Arthur, will you come too?

No, I think I'll talk to Dr. Rankin first. You go ahead.

This way, please.

- Shall we go to my office? - Yes.

There are some things here I want to show you.

- Sit down, Mr. Kingsley. - Thank you.

Of course you'll understand that in these cases

we cannot give out the names of the parents.

I understand.

However, I want you to look over these.

You'll notice the names are covered over with tape

but the rest of the information is there.

This is the mother's birth certificate.

The father was killed in an automobile accident.

But his insurance record shows he was in excellent health.

The mother's medical history is perfect in every way.

I think we can be sure that the baby of these parents

will be a pride and joy to you and Mrs. Kingsley.

I've got to be sure, doctor.

You see, if we adopt a baby, it won't be simply for the child's sake.

Much more than that. It's for my wife as well.

Our own little girl died at birth.

The doctors told my wife she...

she couldn't have another child.

She hasn't been the same since.

She'll never be herself really unless she has a child to care for and love.

I understand.

So, if we adopt a baby,

I've got to know it's going to be everything our child might have been

if it had lived.

- Sure. - Thelma couldn't stand another tragedy.

Mr. Kingsley, if I can make it possible,

for you and Mrs. Kingsley to find the baby that you need,

then I shall feel that my work has been worthwhile.

You do that, doctor, and you won't find me ungrateful.

I have more money than I need

and we want to help you in your work here if you let us.

It isn't a matter of money, Mr. Kingsley.

However, we never have enough money to do what we want to.

Doctor, there's still one thing that worries me.

Now, you've had a lot of experience in these cases.

Tell me honestly.

What happens when a child grows up and suddenly finds out it's adopted?

Isn't that a great shock?

Many people ask that question and, frankly,

I must admit there is a danger.

Unfortunately there's only one way it can be avoided.

Now, I'm not recommending this, mind you,

I only say it has been done.

In this case the mother doesn't want her baby.

She's already signed a legal release.

Now, if Mrs. Kingsley were entered as a patient here,

when the baby was born

well, then the Birth Certificate could show that it had been born to Mrs. Kingsley.

But wouldn't that be illegal?

I sometimes feel that legal technicalities can be ignored, don't you, Mr. Kingsley?

I'm not sure.

Oh, I shouldn't let that worry you.

Think of Mrs. Kingsley and the child.

Shall we join your wife?

Yes.

This baby, I feel, is going to be born to wonderful parents.

I'm so happy for the three of you.

Come in.

Ruth is here, doctor. Do you want to talk to her now?

Oh, yes. Come in, Ruth.

Sit down, dear.

You're looking very well today.

I feel much better than I thought I would.

Miss Talbot tells me you're the most collaborative girl we've ever had here.

Well, I'm trying very hard.

That's right. I've decided to do something, Ruth.

It's against the rules of this place but I feel you've earned it.

You won't have to work here anymore after your baby's born.

And here's some more good news for you.

A very fine couple, wealthy people, want to adopt your baby.

But I told you. I want to keep my baby.

I can take care of it. I can work.

Aren't you being a little selfish, Ruth?

These people can do more for your baby than you can ever hope to do.

Why are you so anxious for me to give my baby away?

Dr. Rankin is only thinking of you and the baby.

Then please don't ask me anymore.

I'm going to keep my baby.

Ruth, you've got to be sensible.

Dr. Rankin, when I first came here you asked me if I'd sign that release.

And I said I wouldn't do it.

You said we'd forget about it.

If you're not going to forget about it, then...

I'm not going to stay here.

You must remember, Ruth,

there are times when we've all got to make sacrifices

for the sake of those we love.

I won't give away my baby.

You can't do a thing with that girl. She'll never sign the release.

We'll see.

This is Miss Talbot.

All right.

- They need you with Edith now. - I'll go up.

Now keep this and talk to Ruth whenever you think it's advisable.

It'll save me a lot of trouble if you get her to sign that soon.

- Hi, kid. - How are you?

That was a great fight, mom. But I won.

I got you something you might like.

I'm not hungry.

But you've got to eat something.

Why?

Oh, come on now.

Put it down. I'll eat it later.

You shouldn't be running around waiting on me.

I saw your little boy.

Did you?

He's so strong. He has the loudest cry in the nursery.

Sounds just like his father.

Don't you... don't you want to see him?

No.

Edith, he's your baby.

If I'd see him, I'd want to hold him.

And if I'd hold him I'd want to keep him.

That wouldn't be any good for him or for me.

Can we just quit talking about him.

I'm going down to the nursery and get him.

Don't you understand English?

I don't want to see that kid.

Now or ever.

You're not fooling me.

You want him, you need him.

I'm going to get him.

Oh, Ruth, why do you make it so tough on me?

It's bad enough already.

It'll be a whole lot worse all your life...

if you let your baby go.

Don't, Ruth...

Stop, stop it?

Let go, let go of me!

Don't you understand? I owed Dr. Rankin $540.

I worked out all but $138 of it.

And I've been paying him $5 every Saturday for the last five weeks.

And now he says somebody has adopted my baby.

But you couldn't do that. You couldn't!

You understood the rules when you came here

and you agreed to abide by them.

I've done what you asked me to do, found a good home for your baby.

But I wanted my baby. That's all I worked for.

To have my baby with me.

Gerda, did you sign this release?

- I don't know what I signed. - Now look here, lady.

Is this your signature or isn't it?

I was so sick. I had to sign a lot of things.

They wouldn't let me in until I did.

I give you my word. Your baby's in a good home.

I don't care. Make them give me my baby.

Gerda, we haven't got your baby.

You gave it away of your own free will.

Sounds to me like you haven't anything to kick about.

You can't go around accusing respectable people.

- You'll get in trouble. - I don't want her punished.

Oh, she knows. I've paid every week, haven't I?

The minute I left here he let someone have the baby weeks ago.

And that's why you wanted my baby. But you're not going to get it.

Do you hear me? You won't get my baby.

I'm leaving here. I don't care what happens to me.

I... won't stay here.

Miss Talbot. Take Ruth to her room at once, please.

Now will you go, please?

I don't want to have to go hard on you but you've caused enough trouble.

Come on. Come on.

They're big but they're kind of cute.

- May I keep this? - Why not?

I made two copies. One for the files and one for you.

- Oh, thanks. - Forget it.

But you're not supposed to have it, so tuck it under your pillow.

Then when she grows up to be a big fresh girl

and talks back to her mama you'll say, look kid, I know you when.

Wonder what she'll say.

She'll say, "Mama, why can't I put stuff on my lips like you do?"

And I'll say, "No, you're much too young."

Yeah, but she won't think so.

Edith, why can't I see her?

I don't know. I just work here.

But she's three days old and...

Well, they have a lot of funny rules around here.

I know it, but she's my baby. I've never even held her.

Now relax, will you, honey. And quit worrying.

And don't go dashing around to any night club.

See you later.

Edith, you're not supposed to be in here.

So I'll go. Keep your chin up, kid.

Dr. Rankin, why won't you let me have my baby for a little while?

I feel so much better today, I...

I just want to hold her.

I don't know what to say. Your baby...

We did everything possible.

Everything.

I don't believe you.

You're young. Your life's just beginning.

I don't believe you. Where's my baby? I want her!

Please, lie down.

- Where is she? - Don't you understand?

You sold her.

Sold my baby.

I've never even seen her.

Or held her.

I'd know it if she were dead.

She isn't. She can't be.

Stop lying to me.

Just lie down and rest, dear, please.

You'd better stay here for a while.

Ruth.

Tell me. What have you done with her?

We haven't done anything. She's dead.

Mrs. Kingsley, let me introduce you to your new daughter.

- May I take her, please? - She's your baby.

The dear little thing.

The dear little thing.

Oh, I'm sorry, doctor, Miss Talbot, I...

I was so excited I forgot my manners. Come in, please.

Would you like to see the nursery?

Oh, we must get back to the shelter now, Mr. Kingsley.

Some other time perhaps.

- Any time at all. - Thank you.

Thelma, hadn't you better take her upstairs?

I'll be up in a minute.

I want you to know that I'll never forget what you've done for me.

Never, as long as I live.

Doctor, this is a donation from both of us.

That's awfully kind of you. Mr. Kingsley, but you really shouldn't, you know.

We want to.

On account of one child we shall be able to do so much

for so many mothers and children.

Well, we mustn't keep you any longer. Good day.

And congratulations.

Come, Miss Talbot.

- Goodbye, Mr. Kingsley. - Goodbye.

I told you I wouldn't eat.

Not until you let me out of here.

Ruth, you mustn't go on acting like this.

You can't keep me locked up forever.

We're only thinking of you.

You're afraid of me.

You're afraid I'll tell somebody you stole my baby.

You've got to get that idea out of your mind for your own sake.

We can keep you here as long as we want to.

And until you come to your senses you'll stay.

Who is it?

It's Edith.

Oh, Edith.

Don't.

It doesn't do any good to cry, honey. I know, I tried it.

Now, you shouldn't be on your feet.

Come on over here. Take it easy, honey.

Oh, don't cry. You're gonna have me doing it.

Edith, where's my baby?

I don't know a thing you don't already know.

She's alive, I know she is.

You've got to get over it, honey, you've just got to.

- My baby's somewhere. - Not so loud, darling.

Edith. Help me get out of here.

- Now, tonight. - Use your head.

You haven't got a job, you haven't got any money.

You ought to stay in bed at least another week.

They took my clothes. Get me something to wear, that's all.

I'm not gonna let you make a fool of yourself.

Edith, please.

I shouldn't, but if it'll make you feel any better, okay.

Now look, kid. I'm gonna be getting out of here pretty quick.

You know where I live.

So if things get too tough come over to my place, will you?

If I had half your nerve, I'd have left here long ago with my baby.

Come on.

Don't say anything. Just go.

My name's Steve Burton.

- Please go away. - Look, I think you need company.

Why, you...

Yeah, sure, that's right,

I tried to interview you at the shelter, you said no.

I want to know why you ran out of Rankin's place the way you did.

You see, I've been following you for the last two hours.

Why?

I don't like Rankin and I don't think you do either.

Look, I don't know your name or anything about you but...

you were one of Rankin's patients

and I think you can tell me some things I want to know.

What good would it do me to tell you anything?

Well, I don't know, but I got a friend who might be able to help you.

His name is Gaines, Doctor John Gaines. A good man.

By the way, the doc puts out a swell dish of ham and eggs, good coffee, too.

I don't know about you, but I'm kind of hungry right now.

What do you say?

I don't think anybody can do anything to help me.

What do you got to lose?

Pipe bother you?

No.

My name's Ruth Williams.

I'm glad to know you, Ruth.

Come on, let's get those ham and eggs, huh?

That's all I know.

For three days they kept telling me I couldn't see the baby.

Then they told me she was dead.

Did they tell you the cause of death?

- No. - Mrs. Williams...

You never saw your baby?

No.

But this friend of yours told you the child was very healthy.

Yes.

Was anything said?

Did you see or hear anything to give you a reason

to believe Dr. Rankin lied about your child?

Well, I know he stole Gerda Honaker's baby from her.

I can't expect you to believe me if I can't prove anything.

Maybe we can.

I think the first thing we'd better do is to find a place for you to stay.

And in the morning I'll see Dr. Rankin.

Doc, if anything happens, yell.

I don't think you'll have to come to the rescue.

Oh, there's Edith.

I told you about her.

What is it?

I'd like to see Dr. Rankin. My name is Gaines. Doctor Gaines.

I don't know whether Dr. Rankin can see you.

I'll come in and wait.

I don't get it. You go out alone and you come back with an army.

What is this?

It's a long story. Get in and I'll tell you about it.

Dr. Rankin, I'm here about my patient, Mrs. Williams.

I don't quite understand, Dr. Gaines.

It's quite simple.

Mrs. Williams tells me she's been here for some time.

That her child was born here.

- Her child died here. - So you told Mrs. Williams.

Just what do you mean by that?

I'd like to see the records in the case.

- For what reason? - My patient is very nervous and upset.

And quite naturally so.

And of course she has a perfect right

to hold the records affecting herself and her child.

Hasn't she, Dr. Rankin?

Miss Talbot, get the file on Ruth Williams.

Yes, doctor.

May I ask how she happened to go to you?

That's hardly an ethical question.

- I have a right to an answer. - I don't think you have.

Thank you, Miss Talbot.

You'll find all you want there.

Is there anything else you require?

I don't think so.

Now.

Good day.

Why did you give him those papers?

- He might as well have them. - He intends to make trouble.

What can he do to us?

I still think we're taking a chance.

I shouldn't worry about that.

Well, Doc, this is Edith.

Oh, yes, Ruth told us about you. I'm glad to know you.

Did you find out anything?

- It's going to take time. - Oh, it's bound to.

Say, Doc, Edith wants Ruth to move in with her.

Oh, I think that's fine.

- Edith, I shouldn't impose on you. - You talk too much.

Well, let's go.

Would you mind riding in the rumble seat?

Well, here we are. Come on.

We'll drop around again this evening.

- Get some rest now, Ruth. - I'll take care of her.

Thanks a lot for everything.

See you later.

What was it you didn't want to tell Ruth?

Rankin gave me the Death Certificate. - Is it on the level?

It's hard to believe he'd fake a death report.

As a matter of fact, Steve,

we have no real reason to even suspect that he did.

And yet Rankin seemed pretty nervous about something.

Well, if he's nervous, he's scared and he don't scare easy.

Say, Doc, do you think he could have faked that Death Certificate

- and consented to adoption too? - He could have.

I can't see why he'd take the chance.

The jails are full of big shots who took just one chance too many.

- Where are we bound now? - City Hall.

We're gonna look up those adoption records.

Those records are confidential.

Doc, I used to be a reporter.

Well, that's that. There isn't a record anywhere

of Ruth releasing her baby for adoption.

Rankin didn't pull that one.

Maybe I'm crazy, Doc, but I still think Ruth's right.

I still believe that her baby's alive.

I know how you feel. You want to believe it, Steve.

Well, I'm after a story.

Say, let me see those records you got from Rankin.

What did you do with those footprints Ruth showed you at your office?

Say, I know a cop down at the Fingerprint Bureau.

I'm going to ask him to do us a favor. Come on.

Come in.

- Hiya, Steve. - Hello, Mike.

Mike Burke, Doc Gaines.

- Pleased to meet you, doctor. - Glad to know you, Mr. Burke.

- Er, Sergeant. - Oh, Sergeant Burke.

- Back in the paper? - No, not yet.

Say, Mike, I want you to do something for me.

Got a set like this on my kid.

I want you to photograph these two sets and compare them.

Okay.

You know, doctor, there's no two sets of fingerprints alike in a hundred million cases.

And that goes for footprints too.

See the difference?

Mike, would you be willing to swear in open court

that those two prints aren't the same?

Would I? Why, certainly.

There's no possibility they might be prints of the same child?

Doc, can't you see? Look.

They're different as day and night.

Hold on to those plates, Mike.

You know, some day I'm going to make you Chief of Police.

You've got a deal. See you around some time, Doc.

- I hope so. - So long.

So long, Mike.

Oh, hello.

- Hello, Edith. - Come on in.

- Where's Ruth? - In the kitchen.

- How are you, Doc? - How are you, Edith?

Ruth, come on out here.

- Hello, Ruth. - How are you, Mrs. Williams?

All right, thank you.

Say, Edith, you know those footprints you gave Ruth?

- Yes. - Are you sure they were her baby's prints?

I'm positive.

- Why? - Rankin's foot slipped, that's all.

Ruth, we don't know where your little girl is.

But we do know the baby Dr. Rankin buried wasn't yours.

How did you find that out?

As we figured it, some poor little kid died at Mercy Shelter,

Rankin took that baby's prints and gave them to the doctor for Ruth.

You know, it's the history of every smart operator

that sooner or later he gets just a little bit too smart.

That's when he gets caught.

Now we think that Rankin faked the Death Certificate

with Ruth's name on it as mother.

Yeah, and he might have gotten away with it too

if Edith hadn't made that other extra set of prints, which she did,

and that's where his foot slipped.

Then, if we can check the adoption record we'll know...

We've already done that. No luck.

We're only guessing, Ruth.

But there is a strong chance Dr. Rankin reported your child was born to someone else.

If that's so, there'd be no record of adoption.

Then, how do we find Ruth's baby?

Well, I had another angle.

How many baby girls do you think were born in this city

between the 1st and 15th of May?

How should I know that?

Well, 256. I've got them all down on this list here.

One of them may be yours.

But we can't go around to all those people

and ask them about their children.

I think we can.

How?

We ask people questions you've got a right to ask and they won't answer.

But go up and ring the door bell and say 'I'm putting on a survey,'

they'll tell you anything.

Even the maiden name of their great-aunt from Montana.

So we just start putting on a survey.

I don't get it.

Look, you go up to everybody on this list.

You ask them a lot of questions and wind up by saying:

'Where was your baby born?',

'Who was the doctor?"

The first time somebody says, our baby was born at Mercy Shelter,

then we've got Rankin.

Oh, look, you're all in. You'd better stay here.

I'll come back in a minute.

And don't forget to keep your fingers crossed, huh?

Is Mr. or Mrs. Kingsley home?

- Who are you? - Well, I'm making a survey.

You know, like the census. I'd like to speak to them.

Is that Mr. and Mrs. Kingsley?

Yeah.

- Is that their baby? - Uh-huh.

Well, I'm afraid I won't have time after all. Thank you very much.

- Why didn't you go in? - I didn't need to.

You know, the first time I went to Rankin's place

I saw a man and woman get out of a big car and go in.

Well, I recognized them just now. It was Mr. and Mrs. Kingsley.

She wasn't going to have a baby.

Yet she's listed as having one the day your child was born.

Ruth, I think we've found your little girl.

If they bought a baby from Rankin and he faked that Birth Certificate,

they're not gonna admit it because they'd be in for

charges of criminal conspiracy.

If that's what they did.

Then what are we going to do?

I'll tell you about it on our way back to Doc Gaines' office.

We're going in the newspaper business.

Hello, Mr. Kingsley?

This is the city editor of The Press calling.

We're doing a special layout for our Sunday Edition

of prominent citizens and their children.

We'd like a picture of you and Mrs. Kingsley and your little girl.

Well, let me send out my photographer.

We'll show you the pictures. If you don't like them, we won't print a thing.

- All right. - Thank you, sir.

Yes, they won't be able to make it till about this afternoon some time...

about 3:30, is that all right?

All right, then, goodbye.

Well, I'm not gonna give you all the pep talk.

You know what to do and how to do it.

- You're not scared, are you? - No.

That's swell.

Mr. Kingsley.

Good afternoon, Mr. Kingsley, I'm Edith Drake from the Press.

My city editor phoned you. This is my assistant.

- How do you do? - How do you do?

Mrs. Kingsley is in the nursery with the baby. Will you come up?

- Thank you. - This way, please.

- May I take that for you? - Oh, thank you.

Come in.

- Come in, please. - Thank you.

These are the young ladies from the paper.

How do you do, Mrs. Kingsley? It's so nice of you to let us come.

I'm very glad to have you.

Now, Ruth, let's um... Let's set up over here, please.

Oh, yes.

Let's see, Mrs. Kingsley... I think if you'll hold the baby, please.

Mr. Kingsley, you stay as close to them as you possibly can.

All right. That's right.

Let's see.

All right. Ready?

There. That should do very nicely for the first one.

Now let's see.

If you'll come to the center of the room, please.

And Mr. Kingsley, I think it'd be nice if this time you'd hold the baby.

- All right. - Let's see.

I know what let's do.

Let's take one as though you were just teaching her how to walk.

You know, with the baby standing and you holding her hands.

- Like er... like this? - Yes.

Let's see. Oh, no...

No, that's too low.

Will you put the baby on the box, please, Ruth?

Now let's see...

No, the box looks very bad. Take it away, Ruth.

I think it would be better if you'll just hold the baby, Mr. Kingsley.

- All right. - All right now, are you ready?

Hold it.

There, that's fine.

And now, Mrs. Kingsley, do you mind if we ask you a few questions?

Not at all.

Where was the baby born?

Why, at Mercy Shelter.

- Mercy Shelter? - Yes.

- And the doctor? - Dr. Wallace Rankin.

Well, I guess that's all.

Thank you again. We'll be running along now.

- Goodbye. - Goodbye.

Thank you.

Well, you've got prints all right.

Now this is the footprint Edith gave you, Ruth.

And this is the one Rankin gave the doc.

Now this is the one you girls got this afternoon.

Well!

The middle one doesn't match anything.

Take that center one out, will you, Doc, please.

- How about it, Mike? - They match perfectly.

- Then we're all set. - I think we are. Almost.

Then what are we waiting for?

Thanks ever so much.

- We'll never forget you, Mike. - Okay!

- Come on, let's go. - Goodbye.

I'm Dr. Gaines. Mr. Kingsley is expecting us. I telephoned.

Come right in, will you please, sir?

Will you step right into the next room, please.

- Good evening. - Good evening.

I didn't expect to see you again.

Mr. Kingsley, we lied to you. We're not with the paper.

We had to find out something and...

we didn't know any other way to do it.

I don't understand.

I think perhaps Dr. Gaines can explain better than I can.

It's a long story, but very important to you and to Mrs. Kingsley.

We want to show you some footprints.

Footprints of two babies, Mr. Kingsley.

One dead and one living.

I have them here.

Will you look at these, please?

These are the footprints of a little girl who born at Mercy Shelter on May 1st.

This is the child's mother, Mrs. Williams.

Dr. Rankin told me my baby died.

Now these are the footprints of a child that did die at Mercy Shelter.

Dr. Rankin gave those prints to Mrs. Williams

and told her that they were her baby's footprints.

Rankin lied.

The city editor of The Press didn't phone you, Mr. Kingsley.

No, I did.

Yes, I sent Mrs. Williams and her friend here

to get these footprints of the little girl living in this house.

What right had you to do that?

Every right in the world.

That child is my baby.

Will you all sit down.

Mrs. Williams, believe me if you can.

We never meant to rob you of your child.

My wife is in the nursery now with the baby.

And I'd rather do anything on earth than go up there and tell her...

that she can't keep her.

I have no right to say this, no right at all, but...

try to understand, please.

We can do so much for your baby.

We need her so terribly.

I won't try to offer you money,

I don't know what I can offer you but...

if you could let her stay here.

If you could find it in your heart to let us keep the baby.

Arthur.

You mustn't ask her that.

Forgive us. We didn't know.

Would you like to come up and see the baby now?

I don't think she's asleep yet.

Dr. Gaines, I think we'd better talk to Dr. Rankin.

- Good evening, sir. - Good evening.

- Mr. Kingsley is waiting for you in the next room, sir.

Oh, yes, thank you.

- Good evening, Mr. Kingsley. - Good evening, Dr. Rankin.

Excuse me, please.

Come and sit down.

I'd just been speaking at a little gathering.

You're very good at that, aren't you, doctor?

I imagine you thought when I sent for you

it meant another donation for your work.

You're not going to get any more money from me, doctor.

Or from anyone else.

What do you mean?

Simply that you've sold the last baby you're ever going to sell.

You have no right to talk like that, Mr. Kingsley.

Do you think for a moment I'm going to let you out of here until I've finished with you?

Sit down.

Someone's come to you with some story about me, I suppose.

Look at those, doctor.

I told you once that my wife almost died when we lost our own baby.

And I told you that if she ever took another child into her heart

and lost it it might kill her.

Dr. Rankin,

if I killed you here, now...

I'd tell the police why I did it.

and I don't believe any jury in the world would convict me.

You've been clever, doctor, very clever.

You've dealt in human misery and in human need.

And so you've been safe.

Nobody could fight back at you because everybody had something to lose.

But I've got nothing to lose.

I've lost everything already.

I was only trying to help you.

You wanted to adopt a child.

The mother had no right to keep that baby.

I broke the law, I know, yes. But only for...

For $10,000 cash.

What do you want me to do? I'll do anything.

I'll close the Mercy Shelter. I'll go away.

I'll sign a confession.

I'll find you another baby.

This is Captain Brice.

Send a couple of men and a police matron to Mercy Shelter to take over.

I'll check with the D.A. about the charges.

Come on.

You'll let us come and see her some time, won't you?

Of course, you know I will.

Son, you take Ruth home.

Edith and I will stay awhile.

- We have a lot to talk about. - Okay, Doc.

Good night. Thank you.

Good night.

Subtitles: Lu�s Filipe Bernardes