All language subtitles for The.Story.Of.Louis.Pasteur.1936

'Doctor, your carriage
is waiting.'

Alright, alright.
One moment.

- Dr. Francois?
- Yes?

- Murder?
- No, justice!

In what way
did he wrong you?

He killed my wife!

With his very hands.

He gave her fever.

Childbed fever.

But you can't blame
a doctor for that.

Here.
Read this.

"Louis Pasteur?"

Now who is he?

He is a menace to science.

The shooting of Dr. Francois
proves it.

Now, monsieur

if Pasteur is allowed
to continue

he will make the practice
of medicine unsafe

for us physicians
and surgeons of France.

You have all read
the pamphlet.

- Louis Pasteur?
- He isn't even a doctor, sire.

- He's a mere chemist.
- A chemist? You don't say.

You remember a few years ago
he was the cause

of a slight controversy
on the subject of sour wine.

Oh, yes.
I recall.

He claimed to have found
little animals in it.

'Infinitesimal beasts.'

But are there such creatures?
Do they really exist?

Your majesty,
microscopic organisms

have long been observed.

They spring into being
of their own accord.

Wherever there is putrid matter
or fermentation.

They are the result rather than
the cause of disease.

By heating wine
to certain temperatures

Monsieur Pasteur
was able to destroy them.

I presume he plans
to cure blood poisoning

in the same manner.

Namely by boiling our blood.

Heaven forbid.

It's not unlikely
I assure you.

But I won't have it,
Charbonnet.

I won't tolerate
such practices.

We're not living
in the middle ages.

This is France.
Paris.

The nineteenth century.

I think Monsieur Pasteur

should be allowed
to defend himself.

But, your majesty..

I too have read the pamphlets,
Dr. Charbonnet.

It said nothing
about boiling blood.

Merely to boil the instruments
that you surgeons use.

Your Majesty,
if I did anything so absurd

as to boil my instruments
or scrub my hands

they'd think I was a witchdoctor
resorting to charms

and laugh me out
of the hospital.

That would be a novelty,
monsieur.

Most people who go to hospitals
are carried out.

Dead.

Yes, Charbonnet.
Why?

'Because our criminal
disregarded germs'

'and their power
to invade the bloodstream'

is causing a death rate
in childbirth alone

of three out of
every ten mothers.

Or in the city of Paris
over 20,000 innocent

and helpless women annually.

This being the case,
gentlemen

I leave it to you
to decide.

Which of us should be
called murderer.

I know what they'll
say to that.

"Give us proof."

Proof.

As if the dead and dying

weren't proof enough
for their stupidity.

But, Louis

you can't be sure.

You haven't found the germ.

- Roux?
- Yes.

How about those slides.
Do they show anything?

Fifty eight tests.
All negative.

- And yours?
- Here's one.

With a few short chains.

Ah, let me see it.

'Mm-hm.'

According to Semmelweis

there has never been
a case of childbed fever

unless the doctor or midwife
had been in recent contact

with another victim
of the disease.

What luck?

Nothing definite.

- Try again.
- Again?

Yes, again, again and again.

Remember our aim.

Find the microbe.

Kill the microbe.

- Mother?
- 'Yes, Annette?'

There's someone at the door.

- Who is it?
- I don't know. I didn't look.

Service of His Majesty,
the Emperor of France

A letter for Monsieur Pasteur.

He isn't here, monsieur.

'No? Then who is that?'

Monsieur Pasteur.

'The Emperor?'

'If I could only convince him.'

No, no, no, no, thank you.

Now, Annette, we must hurry
and get the surprise ready.

- Can I help?
- We'll all help, darling.

This isn't the palace.

Excuse me stopping, monsieur.

One moment.

My wife is very sick.

The doctor warned me.

Louise!

You could have done
nothing, doctor.

She's been in a coma
for two days.

- Childbed fever?
- No doubt.

Uh, a pity.

It was an act of providence.

Providence?

No, ignorance.

You are going to
another confinement?

Yes, monsieur.

The young Countess Devilleveau

for Dr. Charbonnet.

Please, use a clean one.

Charbonnet?

- Charbonnet!
- Your Majesty?

I have a surprise for you.

Who do you think is here?

I am most curious,
Your Majesty.

- Who?
- Pasteur.

Pasteur?

- Here at the palace?
- Yes.

I sent for him.

The Emperor
has never seen a germ.

He's very skeptical.

If he will honor me
by looking at these slides..

Monsieur Pasteur,
you are wanted.

I wonder how you handle
this apparatus.

'The Empress.'

Let me see. Let me see.

Oh, well.

Come, come, Pasteur, tell us
precisely what you mean.

Sire, the hospitals of Paris
are pest houses.

There's scarcely a doctor
in the city

who's not carrying death
on his hands and instruments.

Because of microbes, monsieur?

Your private menagerie
of invisible beasts?

Exactly.

Dr. Charbonnet could see them
for himself.

If he took the trouble
to use his microscope.

He could watch them multiply
into murderous millions.

They breed in filth.

They may start from the gutters
of Paris tonight

and by tomorrow claim some
mother from this very court.

Preposterous!

To think that a human being
could be destroyed

by an animal ten thousand times
smaller than a flea.

It's as though an army of ants

were to overthrow
Your Majesty's empire.

Monsieur, a young woman

the wife of
one of the court servants

died here this evening.

A victim of your bigotry.

You dare accuse me of murder?

But that isn't the end.

The midwife who attended her

will carry the infection
to your next

and more illustrious patient

Countess Gabrielle Devilleveau.

Stop! You should know better,
monsieur.

The Countess Gabrielle
is Her Majesty's sister.

I forbid any more.

Oh, Monsieur Pasteur,
it's most fascinating--

If you please, my dear.

Your Majesty, I..

Is it not true that you are
the author of a pamphlet

which caused the death
of a noted physician?

And also that you practice
medicine of a kind?

I don't practice medicine.

I'm trying to put a stop to
the negligence of those who do.

Pasteur, in the preservation
of wine and beer

you have been of service
to France.

We appreciate it.

In the future you will confine
your work to that field.

It is my wish,
nay, my command.

And if you have any
more theories to offer

you will first present them
in writing

to the Academy of Medicine

which is the proper guardian
of our national health.

Sire, what about the pamphlet
he's already written?

As for that pamphlet, monsieur

you will publish
an immediate retraction

or suffer my displeasure.

Permit me, monsieur.

I'm Jean Martel,
physician and surgeon.

Graduate of the Ecole normale,
the Institute Frances

doctor of medicine
from Le Sorbonne

Secretary of Hygiene

member of
the International Association

of Doctors at Edinburgh.

Personally, I'm convinced

there is some truth
in what you say.

You honor me.

Charbonnet is a fool

when it comes to anything new
or the least bit..

I but beg your pardon.

Aren't you Dr. Charbonnet's
assistant?

Well, yes,
I suppose I am.

It's your duty
to respect him then

not to ridicule him.

I, monsieur?

- Goodnight.
- But..

- He's coming! He's coming.
- Light the candles.

- Light the candles quickly.
- Light the candles.

Ah, ah, ah, ah..
Stop that.

Marie, you'll have to pack.

We're leaving Paris tomorrow.

You all are aware
of the conditions

upon which Bismark has consented

to withdraw the German armies
from France.

In addition to forfeiting
Alsace-Lorraine

we must pay
an immediate indemnity

of five billion francs.

The question is

how are we to raise
such a sum?

Your Excellency

our industries
are at a standstill.

Farms are being neglected.

A devastating plague
destroys our cattle

at a cost of millions
of francs annually.

This being the case

my efforts to raise money

have failed everywhere

except

in one small province.

The district of Arbois.

But if Arbois can pay,
why not the others?

For some reason they haven't
been affected by the plague.

'Is that true, Dr. Radisse?'

I don't know, Your Excellency.

If there is no disease
among the cattle of Arbois

it is our duty to learn why.

Perhaps they've found
some means of preventing it.

Your Excellency, every farmer
has a so called cure for anthrax

The Academy of Science
has listened to thousands.

Then how do you account
for this phenomenon?

Sometimes it happens
a few would be immune.

Arbois, it seems is
particularly fortunate.

That is only guesswork,
Dr. Radisse.

I suggest that you make
a thorough investigation

immediately.

France is in desperate need.

Her resources must be
tapped to the limit.

Every animal
that you can save for slaughter

will buy back some Frenchman's
liberty and self-respect.

They really don't look sick.

Luck, that's all,
pure luck.

Let's ask that boy
a few questions.

Come on, come please.

- Hello there, young man.
- Hello.

Have any of your animals
died of anthrax lately?

Anthrax? What's that?

You know. The Black Plague.

Oh, Black Plague.
They used to but not anymore.

Just as I thought.
These fields have become immune.

But how, doctor? Why?

My dear friend, that question
is beyond the scope of science.

When you ask me how or why

I must refer you
to the theologian.

When the sheep were sick

did your master do
anything to help them?

He couldn't do much
for the sick ones.

But there's a man who did
something for the others.

And they stay well.
Like these here.

What man?

See that house over there
by the bridge?

- Yes?
- He lives there.

I beg your pardon.

I'm Jean Martel.

This is Dr. Radisse.

Chairman
of the agricultural board

of the new republic.

- Well..
- Oh, visitors.

See here, what is this nonsense?

Monsieur?

What do you think
you're doing to those sheep?

Vaccinating them against
the anthrax bacillus.

- The what?
- The microbe, monsieur.

The germ that causes anthrax.

Do you hear that, Martel?

The germ.

We were sent to Arbois
to discover, if possible

why your sheep
escaped the plague.

You're quite welcome, monsieur.

My name is Annette.
Annette Pasteur.

You.. You mean..

I'm quite sure father'd
be delighted to see you.

Not Louis Pasteur.
That, that chemist?

- Father.
- Louis.

Now, where are you going?
Didn't you promise me to rest?

I'll be right back, dear.
Be right back.

So you are now the savior
of the sheep, monsieur?

Very interesting.

He's the man
who was responsible

for the death
of Dr. Francois.

Remember?
He was run out of Paris.

- Not quite, doctor.
- Don't deny it. You were.

And you were warned
not to practice.

Positively forbidden.

A prophet is never without
followers it seems.

But rarely
such intelligent ones.

These animals know
what's good for them.

Perhaps you will tell me
what's good for them.

I'd like to know too.

I'm afraid it's hopeless
but I'll try.

Roux?

Yes?

Will you try and explain
to Dr. Radisse

what we're doing?

He's a member of
the Academy of Medicine.

So you'll have to use
very simple language.

We're convinced, doctor

after eight years
of experimenting

that this vaccine when injected
into the animal

will set up an immunity.

Ridiculous.

It would take 80 years
to convince me.

Eighty?

Aren't you a little
optimistic?

You're wasting your money.

But I don't pay.
It's free.

Bah!

Come along, Martel.
I've heard enough.

Are you coming?

No. I'm going to stay.

Drive on.

Still disobeying
your superiors, eh?

I didn't think
you remembered me, monsieur.

I remember you indeed.

The night at the palace

when I told the Emperor Countess
Devilleveau would die.

You were right.
She did die.

And Charbonnet has never
forgiven you.

May I ask why
you want to stay?

I'm no longer an idle courtier,
monsieur.

I work for the government.

My job is to help the farmers
of France.

So..
So if you don't mind..

- Annette!
- 'Yes, father?'

Ask your mother
if we have room for a guest.

Oh, I'm quite sure we have.

I mean, I'll..
I'll go find out.

So you want to render
your country a real service

is that it?

Why, why, yes, I do.

Good.

Come with me.

This should be
of interest to you.

I have here the complete
life history

of the anthrax bacillus
in a form

which even the layman
can understand.

For example

'this slide reveals a number
of dormant germs'

or spores, as we call them

which are found
in the grass and soil

wherever diseased animals
have been buried.

In this state

the germ hibernates,
so to speak

the way a caterpillar does
in a cocoon.

And they remain inanimate
for years.

But the moment these germs

find themselves
in a favorable medium

such as the warm blood
of a sheep

they immediately
change form

and grow into
long rods.

Like this.

Amazing!

Let us now look at the blood
of a healthy animal.

Before any germs
have entered it.

Those are living blood cells
as we find them

'in a normal healthy sheep.'

How do the spores get
into the bloodstream?

They're swallowed with the grass
that the creature eats.

But soon we find that
the spores have changed

into fully developed germs.

Deadly and prolific.

Here we have the blood
of a sick animal.

This time with
the anthrax bacillus present.

'Note the rods
that occur among the cells.'

'Those are the culprits
we're fighting.'

At this stage,
the animal is doomed to die.

Once it is buried, however,
the germs cease to be active

and become spores again.

As time goes on

they're liberated into the soil

to be blown about in the dust
and pollute the grass.

Hence the continued recurrence
of the plague.

And you say these spores
are present even here?

In the pastures at Arbois?

In every acre of ground
that I've tested.

The only reason that
our cattle stay healthy

is because of my vaccine.

For an animal
that hasn't been vaccinated

Arbois is one of the worst areas
in all of France.

Where are they
taking these sheep?

I don't know.

Boncourt, find out
where they're going.

What's that?

Look, Radisse is responsible
for this.

Government field.

Government field.

- Such stupidity is inexcusable.
- We must stop them.

'Stop!'

Stop them! Stop them!

Stop!

Stop! Stop them!

We're not letting
the sick ones through.

- Only the healthy ones.
- They'll die I tell you.

The fields aren't safe.

They're raging
with contagion.

As a representative
of the government

I've inspected these fields,
and they're safe.

But you're wrong, Radisse. It's
been proven that they're not.

- Stop them.
- Come on, come on. Stand back.

Isn't there, isn't there anyone
we can appeal to?

I've seen it with my own eyes

what Pasteur can do.

And has done for the sheep
and cattle of Arbois.

We on the other hand, members
of the Academy of Medicine

have contributed nothing
in the fight against anthrax.

Then why in heaven's name

don't we listen to a man
who has?

Pasteur was discovered to be
a charlatan ten years ago

when he made ludicrous claims

concerning the cause
of childbed fever.

Claims that he was never
able to prove.

Consequently I see no reason
for humoring him further.

I disagree.

If someone has a cure
for anthrax

I wanna know about it.

So do I.

Will the visitors in the gallery
please keep quiet?

- Dr. Radisse?
- Thank you.

There is just one question
I want to raise.

And that is this.

Whether Dr. Martel's
purpose here

is to further the cause
of science

'or the cause of love?'

Personally I am
of the latter opinion.

For having met Monsieur
Pasteur's amiable daughter

I can hardly blame
our young colleague

'for wishing to become
his son-in-law.'

I protest, Mr. Chairman.

I'm here because I think
Pasteur is right.

I know he's right.

And he will doubtless
reward you

for your splendid efforts
on his behalf.

Dr. Rossignol?

Friends, colleagues

I should like to propose
an experiment

that will rid us
once and for all

of this medical mountebank,
Louis Pasteur.

In my laboratory I found that

I can produce anthrax
in healthy sheep

by injecting into them
the dark poisonous blood

of an animal already affected
with the disease.

This treatment invariably
results in death.

Let us take 50 normal,
healthy sheep

twenty five of which will be
vaccinated by Monsieur Pasteur

the other twenty five
will remain as they are.

I shall then infect
all 50 sheep with anthrax

by the method
I've just explained.

And I defy any man
or any vaccine

to save one of them.

- Splendid!
- Nonsense!

Pasteur would be a fool
to try it.

He wouldn't dare.

'Dr. Martel?'

Well, I..

I can't take it upon myself.

Well, if this treatment
is all that you say it is..

'Yes, let him prove it,
let him prove it.'

I dare him to try it.

I accept.

'Monsieur Pasteur?'

Thank you.

- Dr. Rossignol?
- One moment, please.

Just Dr. Rossignol, please.

This is the last one.

If you wait for me,
I'll go home with you.

Don't you have to stay here?

Oh, no. No, that's against
the rules of the experiment.

Then father can go home
with us too?

Yes.

Having treated
these 25 animals

with your magic vaccine

your contention is that
they are now immune?

Correct.

And I am at liberty

to inject into them

the blood of an animal

that has died of anthrax?

If you insist, doctor.

But it's a very clumsy way
of introducing the disease.

Much simpler if you
use the germ instead.

Who said anything
about germs?

Well, what do you think
causes anthrax?

Why, Anthrax is generated
within the body.

It does not come
from an outside source.

Well, why inject anything?

- Why not let it generate?
- Monsieur.

Are you going to abide
by the rules of this experiment?

Or would you rather
admit your defeat here and now?

Proceed, doctor.

By all means, proceed.

- It merely occurred to me--
- Too many things occur to you.

- That's your trouble.
- We're ready, doctor.

Oh. Go ahead.

I say, Monsieur Pasteur

would you care
to make a statement

to the London Times?

The sheep that have not been
treated by me

will die of anthrax
within 48 hours.

The others won't even be ill,
I suppose.

At least let us hope they won't.

For the sake of France.

To the end of microbes.

And their high priest,
Louis Pasteur.

Try not to worry, Louis.

I should have stayed.

I shouldn't have left them.

Who's there?

Besides, Dr. Rossignol said
it was against the rules.

Rules? What nonsense?

Louis.

Do you realize what this means?

Tomorrow if you're successful

every farmer in Europe
will want your vaccine.

You won't have a moment's peace
day or night.

The benefits of science
are not for scientists, Marie.

They're for humanity.

Our opponents are on their way.

Well, Rossignol or Pasteur.
Which is it going to be?

I say Rossignol.
He's a member of the academy.

I say Monsieur Pasteur will win.

Please, one moment.

Well, they're having
quite a crowd.

It's amazing. People have come
from all over Europe.

To see the acrobats
or the Punch and Judy show?

These rural entertainers
are like fleas

the slightest crowd
attracts them.

Thank you, monsieur.

Dr. Lister, one moment, please.

- Lister?
- Well, well.

Dr. Lister from England?

The press would appreciate
a statement..

Lister.
How extraordinary?

What brings you here?

The same reason
that brings you, my friends.

How do you do?
How do you do?

Please.

- I'm sorry. After you.
- No, after you.

- No, after you.
- No, after you.

- No, after you.
- No, after you.

- Dead.
- Yes.

- Pasteur was right.
- So far.

Now let's see the ones
he treated.

Well, they won't die, eh?

You couldn't convince me.

They're all alive
and healthy.

As you predicted.

Roux.

Roux.

My faithful friend.

Let me shake your hand.

Father, father, I'm so happy.

And I'm so proud, dear.

Annette.

Jean, isn't this wonderful?

At last, monsieur, a triumph!

For you too, my boy.

Congratulations.

- Father?
- Yes.

Jean has something to ask you.

Well, let him ask.

Monsieur Pasteur,
what I wanted to say was..

Yes?

Monsieur Pasteur..

...since my arrival
at Arbois

I have come to know you
and your family quite well.

And, uh..
Monsieur Pasteur..

Yes, well, well?

Well, I feel, uh..

Father? Jean is trying
to ask you for my hand.

Yes, we want to be married.

Well, I should hope so.

Congratulations.

It doesn't seem possible.

How can they be alive?

I can't understand it either.

It's very easy
to understand.

Pasteur was right
and we were wrong.

His vaccine
does prevent anthrax.

We have a great man
in our midst.

- A great man.
- I quite agree.

I foresee marvelous benefits
to the world.

Especially in the field
of surgery.

Why not tell Pasteur yourself,
Dr. Lister?

I'd be delighted to.
I want to meet him.

Oh, here he is now.
Uh, pardon me.

Excuse me.

Look at those eyes
sparkling with health.

Pasteur, if I,
if I've been skeptical, I..

I beg of you to forgive me.

It's a miracle.

Thank you, thank you.

Dr. Lister.
He wants to meet you.

He's travelled all the way
from England.

I feel it a great honor
to be present.

The honor is mine, doctor.

I'm well acquainted
with the work

you're doing in antiseptics.

Thanks to you
and your brilliant leadership.

Such is fame.

'Mad dog!'

Mad dog!

Mad dog!

He bit me!

Take him to the blacksmith.

See? This is one.

Make ten of none.

Count two and three

before let be.

Come five and six

the witch's fix.

Late seven and eight,
this finish straight

and nine is one and ten is none.

And this is the witch's
once once one.

No!

Not all the doctors in Europe
could do more for him.

He'll be lucky if he doesn't
get rabies even now.

And yet if we could
find the cause.

The cause of rabies, doctor.

Perhaps a cure would follow.

There must be a way.

- Mother.
- Annette.

- At this hour.
- Why doesn't Jean come home?

- He's working with father.
- But he's my husband.

Bu dear,
he hasn't forgotten that.

Science, science.

Everything's science.

I'm going to have a baby.
Doesn't he realize that?

When I was your age,
I had babies

but I didn't cry about it.

Yes, and how many
of them lived?

Annette.

Oh, mother,
I'm so frightened.

Now, now.

I wanna see father.
I want to talk to him.

You'll alarm him needlessly.
Aren't you ashamed?

You know how easily worried
he is.

- Shh!
- Where is Monsieur Pasteur?

He can't be disturbed just now.
What is it?

It's about the veterinarian.

You wait here.
I'll speak to him.

It doesn't work.

Nothing works.

We've been following
the same procedure

that we did with anthrax.

Which only shows how little
we know about disease.

Nature's far too subtle
to repeat herself.

I'm sorry, Jean, darling.

You're in the middle
of an experiment.

I didn't mean to disturb you.

It's alright, dear.

You better go back.
Father might need you.

In a while.
I'll see you home.

It won't be necessary.
I have the coachman with me.

Attention, all of you.

So far we've been unable
to find the microbe

that causes rabies.

Yet our experiments have shown
that it exists.

Now listen carefully.

As soon as
the veterinarian comes..

Wait, Martel.. Where's Martel?

Just a moment, please.

Martel!

Martel

- Goodnight, dear.
- Goodnight.

- Goodnight.
- 'Martel!'

- 'Martel!'
- Coming.

- Where is he? What is he doing?
- Annette was here.

Annette?

- How is she?
- She's alright.

It's 11 o'clock, Louis.
Now, what about your supper?

Oh, a minute, dear.
Just a minute.

You said a minute
three hours ago

and you've eaten nothing.

And we could all do with
a little supper, I think.

Well..

Alright.
Tell them to stop.

But...we're to resume
in half an hour.

- Cecile.
- 'Yes, Madam.'

'Supper.'

Hello. There you are.
There you are.

That's the veterinarian.
Open the door.

- Louis?
- Yes?

I have a letter for you.

It came by special post
from England.

From Dr. Lister.
Let me see it.

- Not until you've eaten.
- Oh, but it's important, Marie.

Very well.

I'll read it to you.

"Dear, sir

my observations lead me to
believe you are a scoundrel."

What?

"I'm told you are a slave driver
to your assistants.

That you neglect your wife,
abuse your family--"

Oh..

This is no time to joke.

No.
Not until you've eaten.

I'll tell you what he said.

"My dear Pasteur.."

Uh! That's different.

"Your recent paper
on the known sources

"of infection is admirable
in every detail.

'"Forgive the frankness with
which a common love of'

'"science inspires me.'

"I embrace you.

"My fellow workers
in Brussels and Prague

"report that their hospitals
are rapidly becoming safe.

Mothers can go to them
without fear."

That's where Annette should be
sent for her confinement.

These doctors in Paris.

But that isn't all he says.

"I do not hesitate to acclaim
you the most valuable man

yet to enter the field
of science."

- What is it?
- Nothing. It's nothing, Marie.

Nothing, nothing.

It's a dog.

A mad dog.

Open his mouth.

I want to get as much of it
as I can.

'Steady now.'

Louis!

Louis, stop!

- Not hydrophobia.
- Marie.

I've pledged myself
to find a cure.

I can't stop now.

Not until I've exhausted
every effort

to rid the world of this
deadly disease.

Monsieur Pasteur refuses
to attend our meeting.

But he continues to impose on
the credulity of the people.

Too often has he crowded
the columns

of the papers with his theories.

What about his vaccine
for anthrax?

That's not a theory.
It's a fact.

It not only elected him
to this academy

but it helped our poor farmers
save enough money

to pay for the entire
Franco-Prussian war.

Will you tell me
where you get your information?

In the name
of French science.

Science?
You abuse the word.

I stand here to defend
the honor of French medicine

against the tricks
of a charlatan.

He's right.

Dr. Zaranoff.

I am a Prussian.

I came here
for a different purpose.

Commissioned by my government

to investigate
Pasteur's efforts.

His fame has spread to the
peasantry of my country

who for centuries have been
preyed upon by rabid wolves.

I have spent all my life

studying rabies or hydrophobia
as we call it.

And, monsieur,
I would worship..

I would kneel to any man who
could point the way to a cure.

I deny that microbes
can be the cause of rabies

or any other disease.

Dr. Charbonnet.

How do we know that bacteria
are not harmful?

How do we know they do not do
their deadly work

as Pasteur claims?

If Pasteur is not willing
to come to us

let us go to Pasteur.

To be humiliated further?
You, I, the whole academy?

Humility is a virtue, monsieur.

Not only in those who suffer

but in those who hope to heal.

Alright, let us go.

Let us see what this great man
can teach us.

Thank you, madam.

Better.

Fortunately we found
you in, monsieur.

It's the wish of some
that the Academy

of Medicine honor you.

Honor me?

And to be brief
Dr. Zaranoff here

has been reading your recent
statements in the journal.

- How do you do, doctor?
- Monsieur.

Promising a cure for rabies.

The press takes liberties,
doctor.

As usual, my remarks were
grossly exaggerated.

In other words,
you have no grounds

for making such
a prediction?

- Grounds?
- Proof.

No.

- Not yet.
- I didn't think so.

Ooh! What an odor!

In your last paper
to the academy, monsieur

you stated that you were on the
threshold of a vast new world.

Might I inquire if you've
crossed that threshold?

Science takes a step

then another.

Then it stops and reflects

before taking a third.

A mother takes a nursing child

puts it down, says, "Walk."

The child takes the first step,
then another.

Then it stops unsteadily.

Would the mother be right
to say to him

"You are hesitating?
You will never walk?"

Put out that pipe.
It stinks to high heaven.

You were saying.

Step by step, I'm reaching
the ultimate conclusion.

That microbes are the cause
of all disease.

- Oh, ridiculous.
- Ha-ha!

If you men are still skeptical

if microbes are still
a myth to you then listen.

One drop of this rabies virus

on the slightest scratch,
will kill a man.

I hold enough in my hands
to wipe out a whole city.

Ridiculous!

To think that this could
kill a man.

- Stop!
- Stop.

All I want now is to have you
predict the hour of my death.

It's over a month now and he's
still in perfect health.

- Really?
- I saw him here yesterday.

- You did?
- Oh, here he comes now.

Hello, Charbonnet.
How are you today?

Splendid.
Never felt better.

According to Pasteur,
you ought to be in your grave.

The more germs I take
the better I feel.

Cecile, please tell monsieur
that Dr. Rossignol is here.

'Yes, madam.'

Something ought to be done.

I've just come
from the boulevard.

Charbonnet is making a
laughingstock of your husband.

Parading up and down,
showing off

doing everything he can
to attract attention to himself.

And ridiculing Monsieur Pasteur.

Louis doesn't mind ridicule.

If he thinks he's right,
that's all that matters.

Monsieur Pasteur, I've come to
warn you about Charbonnet.

You can't afford to be
made ridiculous.

The work you're doing
is too important.

Important?

I wish it were.

It isn't. Not yet.

My results have all been
negative.

You haven't been able
to discover the microbe?

- Is that what you mean?
- Not a sign.

But you seemed so confident
the day we were here.

I still am.

Every animal that was inoculated

with the contents of that
test tube died.

Charbonnet, for some reason,
resisted the disease.

Why, I don't know.

Louis, are you sure
it was the same tube?

Positive. It was the only
specimen I had.

You may have let it stand
too long.

You told me once the germs
grow weaker.

Less virulent with age.

Wait.

It might be.

- 'Roux.'
- Yes?

How old was that virus
when Charbonnet

injected it into his arm?

Fourteen days.

And when was it last used
on the rabbit?

Oh, about a week before,
I believe.

A week.
Are you sure?

Just a moment.
Here's the record.

- Nine days to be exact.
- There's your answer.

It must be. It's the only
conceivable explanation.

You think by allowing
the virus to age

you were able to render it
harmless?

Not harmless but weak.

Weak enough for the system
to overcome.

Well, even if that's true,
it won't help you any.

When a man is bitten
he gets the germ full strength.

- Not attenuated.
- Precisely.

But suppose we started with
a fourteen day old virus

that's no longer deadly?

Suppose we injected it
into a healthy animal

and day by day as nature
builds up its resistance

we increase the dosage
with stronger fresher virus

until the animal is able
to withstand the actual

disease that we find
in the world at large.

Would he not then be immune?

Impossible.
It would never work.

If the first injection didn't
kill him the second would.

Or the third.

Roux.

Where are those tubes
you've been preparing?

Right here.

Let me have them.

They're all in order.

Each one is dated.

Here we are.

Fourteen days.

- Jean?
- 'Yes, monsieur.'

Jean, how many dogs
have we have left?

- Ten.
- Are they well, healthy?

In perfect condition.
They've never been exposed.

Give them hydrophobia.

- You mean..
- Give them hydrophobia.

Open the door.

Come here. There you are.

There you are.

No, no, no.
Everybody will get his share.

There you are. Hold on.

If it hadn't been for Charbonnet

we might never have discovered
this treatment.

Poor Charbonnet.

Little does he know that he's
been our favorite guinea pig.

- 'Louis?'
- Yes, dear.

Will you come, please?
There's a doctor to see you.

A doctor?

Wait a minute, wait a minute.

Monsieur Pasteur,
I am Dr. Pfeiffer.

I apologize
for not giving you notice

but we came all the way
from Alsace.

- We?
- Oh, I beg your pardon.

Here they are.
Please, come in.

Madam Meister, monsieur.

Her child is a patient of mine.

The boy has been bitten
by a dog.

I have done everything I could
but there is very little.

Should he develop hydrophobia--

You can help him.
They told us you could.

Give me your hand,
little fellow.

Don't be afraid.
I won't hurt you.

My little boy.

My little Joseph.

How long has it been?

Five days.

Have you cauterized the wound?

Not right away.

It must have been
twenty four hours.

Does that mean
I'm going to die?

Of course not.

Little boys don't die.

They have too much to live for.

He won't live. He won't.
I know he won't.

Last year it was
the neighbor's child of ours.

- And now it's--
- Keep quiet!

What does that have to do
with yours?

Oh, save him!

Save him, save him!

Marie.

Put him to bed
and see that he's kept warm.

There now.

You mustn't be frightened.

We'll go upstairs, shall we?

You must be tired
after all that long journey.

- Mother
- I'm coming, darling.

- I'm coming.
- Come.

Are you quite sure
the dog was rabid?

Beyond a doubt.
I made the test myself.

Is there anything
you can do?

I don't know.
I'm just experimenting.

I-I have hopes but I..

Roux.

Find Dr. Rossignol
for me at once.

What I mean is this,
Dr. Rossignol?

I'm sorry.

Since death is the only
alternative for the boy

I would be willing to try
anything.

Wouldn't you, Dr. Rossignol?

I'm sorry. I can't agree.

Much as I admire
Pasteur's accomplishments.

Nevertheless, when human
life is at stake

I'd hesitate a long while
before going contrary

to the best
medical knowledge.

Which in this case means
to let the boy die.

We do what we can,
administer drugs, sedatives.

Is there a single cure
of hydrophobia on record?

I'm not arguing for it.

I'm merely pointing out
what the accepted

treatment happens to be.

To embark upon a new course
is always dangerous

from a professional
point of view.

And it would be doubly so
for Monsieur Pasteur

'who is a chemist not a doctor.'

'And could expect no support
from the medical profession.'

For his sake, therefore,
I strongly advise

that nothing irregular
be attempted.

Good evening, monsieur.

You're not going to
listen to him, are you?

Don't misunderstand me.

My treatment
has saved dogs.

Ten of them.

But I haven't
the faintest notion

what effect it would have
upon a human being.

If I failed

it would mean prison.

Perhaps, the guillotine.

If you should change your mind,
I beg of you, let me know.

Goodnight.

Louis.

You didn't.

They'll put you in prison.
They'll put you in prison.

He's asleep.

Good morning, Jean.

Good morning, madam.

Any news of Annette?

Seems to me her time
is drawing near.

That's what I wanted to talk
to you about.

The doctor I've been
counting on is ill.

- LeClaire?
- Yes.

I'm sure Louis will find someone
to take his place.

Yes, but when it comes
to the use of antiseptics

it's very difficult to find
anyone you can trust.

'Martel.'

Yes, monsieur.

How is the boy?

He has a fever.

The third injection
made him ill.

Is Roux with him?

What are you going
to do now?

Do?

Give him a fourth.

A fifth. A sixth.

If he lives.

Is that test finished?

- No, not quite.
- Why not? What's wrong?

One of the vials was
accidentally broken.

Idiots! Clumsy fools.

I must have it.
Do you hear?

- Do it yourself.
- Very well.

Don't let another soul
touch it.

Louis.

You haven't closed your eyes
in forty eight hours.

There'll be time enough later.

But there won't.
That's just the trouble.

'You'll go on and on.'

Marie..

I've been lucky all my life.

Luckier than I deserved.

But if I fail now..

You won't fail.

The boy will recover.

And when he does,
we'll go away.

We'll take a long vacation.

Martel, Roux

all of them.

They need it more
than we do.

How fine they've been.

How patient.

They'll never know
how grateful I am.

- Why don't you tell them?
- I will.

I will.

And you, Marie..

You, most of all.

What have I done
to warrant such devotion?

Do you remember what you said
when you asked me to marry you?

You said,
"There's nothing about me

to attract
a young girl's fancy."

But those who've known me
very well

have come to like me.

Did I say that?

Was I really that vain?

You knew better too.

You were looking in a mirror
when you said that.

This way, please.

A thousand pardons for
intruding.

I just came from
the Russian embassy.

'Look out the window.'

Look.

'They are peasants.'

'Victims of rabid wolves.'

My government have
sent them to you.

So soon?

Madam, your husband's cure

is the talk
of the continent.

But it hasn't been proven yet.

That's why they're here.

To offer themselves
for the test, Pasteur.

It's a marvelous opportunity.

Yes, a marvelous opportunity.
To kill!

- To murder.
- Stay away, Louis.

Don't let them see you.

Pasteur..

I'm a scientist, Zaranoff,
not a magician.

My treatment was intended
for dogs.

But these are men.

Pasteur, think of it.
Surely you won't refuse.

Pasteur, Pasteur.

Take them to the hospital.

Isolate them.

I want a full report
on every case.

Thank you, monsieur.
Thank you.

What a triumph.

What a triumph.

Good day, madam.
A thousand pardons.

- Good day, doctor.
- 'Madam?'

Yes, Cecile.

How's the boy?

The same.
He's had the injection.

That makes four.

- Roux.
- Yes?

Tell the men they're not to
leave the laboratory

under any circumstances.

- Is that clear?
- Yes.

I may need them
at a moment's notice.

Very well.

Now, madam, what should
I tell the coachman?

- Is he still here?
- He's waiting in the kitchen.

Just a moment.

Louis.

It's Annette
and Dr. LeClaire is ill.

- LeClaire ill?
- I think I better call Jean.

Not a word to Jean.

- Jean stays here.
- Louis. He's her husband.

The work he's doing
must be finished.

But what are we going to do?

Don't worry.

I'll see she gets
the proper care.

- Is the doctor in?
- Dr. Ferrare is out on a case.

He won't be home
until midnight.

Midnight.

Is Dr. Zomia in?

I'm very sorry, monsieur.

The doctor's gone
to the Riviera

for a month's vacation

He was here last time.

- Is there any message?
- No, no, thank you.

Thank you, thank you.

Dominic, hold on.
I want to speak to you.

I need help.
My daughter's having a child.

Splendid but why come to me?

- Is she alright?
- Yes.

This is my wife, Dr. Charbonnet.
She will help you.

- You can depend on her.
- Madam, I am deeply honored.

Charbonnet?

Cecile, boil some water.

I'll go back to Annette.

A large kettle full.

You're not going to
use those instruments

without boiling them?

Certainly.

I won't permit it.

My dear Pasteur,
I'm doing this

as a professional courtesy.

Do it my way.

Please.

Alright.
I'll do it your way.

But I'll make a bargain
with you.

A bargain?

I, Louis Pasteur

hereby acknowledge

if I live another month
without contracting hydrophobia

I shall be privileged
to publish this

in the leading scientific
journals of Europe.

- Keep them boiling
- Yes.

- Where's the patient?
- Wait, wait.

Wash your hands first.

No.

Take your coat off.

Now roll up your sleeves.

Wash them to the elbows.

- What's that?
- Don't be afraid.

It's only a little bichloride.

Now use the brush.
The brush, the brush.

- Louis.
- Yes, yes. In a moment, dear.

There.
Does that suit you?

Yes. That's better.

Now there's a clean towel
over there.

Cecile, hurry.

You may go in now.
My daughter's ready.

Don't touch it!

- What?
- Your hands.

Your hands.

You've spoiled it now.
You'll have to wash them again.

See here. I've brought hundreds
of babies into the world.

Remember our bargain.

Do as I say.

Such foolishness.

Now, hold them up high.

What next?

Touch nothing but the patient.

What about my instruments?

They'll be brought to you.

Louis.

Louis, we have a grandson.

A grandson.

Louis.

Dr. Charbonnet, come quickly.
My husband's ill.

Louis. Louis.

He's had a stroke.

My..

My left side is paralyzed?

Only slightly.

It's nothing serious.

When did it happen?

A few days ago.

A few days.

You were more tired than
anything else.

Feeling better?

The Meister boy.

He's doing splendidly.

Thank God.

And the Russians?

Have you been able to
help them?

The hospital refused
to allow our treatment

without permission
from the academy.

The permission was granted
this morning.

But it was too late

'three of them died yesterday.'

'Horribly.'

- Let me up.
- Please, Louis.

I must go.
How many are left?

'Nineteen. But it's no use.
It's hopeless.'

If our efforts can save one

it will be well worth it.

Let me up, someone.

Get me dressed.

What's going on, doctor?

Pasteur himself is going
to treat the Russians.

But I'm afraid it's too late.

Dr. Charbonnet,
why don't you come in?

I don't want to disturb him.

Patient number one

three cc's.

Jean.

Patient number two.

Dr. Charbonnet

I didn't thank you for
delivering my grandchild.

You've been ill, monsieur.

I'm sorry.

Perhaps, this note will help
speed your recovery.

A bargain's a bargain.

I want the Pasteur treatment
for hydrophobia.

- How are they today?
- Much better.

That's good.

Ninth day,
patient number one.

- Any change?
- Not this morning.

Continue treatment.

- Eight day old virus?
- Yes.

Patient number five.

How are the Russian
patients today?

Doing very well.

Pasteur makes his
final visit tomorrow.

Good morning, doctor.
Good morning, madam.

How is my little Joseph
this morning?

Oh, he's fine
and such an appetite.

Go right in.

He's gone.
He's gone.

He's go.. He's go..

Joseph? Joseph!

Aren't you a little rascal?
Now get dressed.

But how can we ever get
monsieur there?

I'll take care of that
part of it.

He won't consent to go
if he suspects.

He won't suspect.
You leave that to me.

'Marie.'

Monsieur Pasteur.

Joseph.

Are you ready?

Now you wait a moment.

I've a little surprise for you
to take home.

Monsieur Pasteur.

Madam Meister wants to thank you

once more before leaving.

Monsieur,
I think you are a man

who will always be remembered.

No, no, no, no.

- Good bye.
- Good bye, monsieur.

- Good bye.
- Joseph.

- Can you write?
- Yes.

Would you like to write to me?

Yes, very much.

Then, let me hear from you

every month.

Won't you?

Yes I will.

Don't forget.

I'll be looking
for your letters.

- 'Joseph?'
- Yes?

Oh! Thank you.

- Goodbye.
- Goodbye.

By the way, Louis.

Roux's just told me
that a foreign scientist

is a lecturer
at the academy tonight.

He claims to have disproven
your entire germ theory.

What?

Who is he?

What's his name?

I don't know.

Order me a carriage.

I've got to be there.

You're just in time.

Courage, dear.

I'll be listening
from the balcony.

Whom are they applauding?

The speaker,
Dr. Lister from England.

Lister?

Lister to speak against me?

Ladies and gentlemen

the tribute that we render
Pasteur on this occasion

is small indeed

compared to
the countless millions

who will honor his memory

in generations to come.

The vaccines for anthrax

and hydrophobia

are great accomplishments.

But even greater still,
I believe

is the fact
that thousands of people

will be saved from unnecessary
death from infection.

And mothers

need no longer fear

surgery or childbirth.

In the name of France
I greet you.

Monsieur Pasteur

I greet you in
the name of humanity.

Lister.

Great Lister.

From his Imperial Majesty.

The Czar of all Russia

with profoundest gratitude.

I, I have no words to express.

You young men

'doctors'

and scientists of the future

do not let yourselves
be tainted

by apparent skepticism

nor discouraged by the sadness
of certain hours

that creep over nations.

Do not become angry
at your opponents

for no scientific theory

has ever been accepted
without opposition.

Live in the serene peace

of libraries

and laboratories.

Say to yourselves first

what have I done
for my instruction.

And as you gradually advance

what am I accomplishing?

Until the time comes

when you may have the immense
happiness of thinking

that you have contributed
in some way

to the welfare and progress

of mankind.