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(GUNSHOT)

(GUNFIRE)

KEN (VO): It was a bad shot,
or else he was impatient.

He must've aimed for my head,
but he got me in the back.

I was scared. I couldn't feel
anything from my waist down.

I thought I was dying.

(GUNSHOT)

That's funny.

That's very, very funny.

I was afraid I was gonna die...

now I'm afraid I'm gonna live.

"Oh, you'll be walking again
in a couple of months, Lieutenant Wilocek."

How many months?

How many months?

I've lost count.

But let's keep it gay.

Soldier, repeat after me.

"The war's over now
and I'm glad I'm still half alive.

"I'm a lucky, lucky..."
(HE GRUNTS)

(HE GROANS)

- Fine way to treat a Silver Star.
- Turn the light out.

Goodnight.

MAN:
You know how it is.

You read a lot of things,
you hear a lot of things

and you get a lot of misinformation
from people who oughta know better.

OK, let's summarise what we've learned.

Paraplegia is the result
of an injury to the spinal cord.

That break in the cord causes
immediate and lasting paralysis

of motion and feeling in the lower body.

In general, most paraplegic patients will,
at various times

suffer all of the following symptoms...

pain, muscular spasms, bed sores

paralysis of the bladder and bowels.

However, all of these may
and can be controlled

by medical therapy, surgery, proper nutrition

physical rehabilitation and self-care.

Lastly, the question of walking.

In almost every case

the word "walk" must be forgotten.

It no longer exists.

In short...

most paraplegics must content themselves
with life in a wheelchair.

Make yourselves accept that.

It'll make it a lot easier for them.

Well, I've talked a long time.

Perhaps there are some questions
you'd like to ask.

Doctor...

My boy...

He's only 19.

I know.

But with proper care, he may live to be 90.

WOMAN:
But, Doctor...

Brock, is it?

Well, this condition...
there must be some cure.

DR BROCK:
Paraplegia isn't a death sentence any longer.

I'm happy to say that, in this hospital

the mortality rate has been less than 3%.

I didn't mean that. I meant the spine injury.

Surely there must be some way of healing it.

- There must be specialists somewhere, who...
- Madam.

There is no method known to medical science
for the regeneration of spinal cord tissue.

None.

Doctor...

My husband and I...

Oh, we have a little girl.

We've always wanted to have a large family.

But now, if we could just have
at least one more

for the child's sake.

Will it be possible?

Well, that's difficult to say.

In some cases, it is possible.

However, I can't discuss your husband here.

I'll be happy to meet with you
whenever you say.

Dr Brock...
what about the bladder and bowels?

How badly are they affected?

Most men find that they're capable
of retraining themselves

and, in time, achieving
regularity in these functions.

Any more questions?

Dr Brock...

We've been married nine years.

I thought my husband and I
knew each other as well as anyone could

and I want to keep our marriage going.

But...

he's so changed. He...

He's different.

He isn't different.

He's the same man
with a spinal cord injury.

- But when I try...
- Oh, I know, right now he's unhappy.

He's depressed.

He feels himself totally dependent on others.

He says to himself,
"I'm not a man any longer."

"I can't make a woman happy."

Is it any wonder he finds it difficult
to adjust to the situation?

But... how long will it take?

Face it.

It's going to take time.
It's going to take patience.

For you and for him.

But...

will we have anything in common now?

No more, no less than you had before.

Thank you.

Dr Brock.

If you were a woman,
would you marry a paraplegic?

(HE CHUCKLES)

You might as well just ask me
if I want to get married, period.

And the answer to that is no.

However, this young lady here
is marrying one of our patients.

You might check with her.

Any other questions?

If not, suppose we adjourn the meeting?

And please feel free to consult with me
whenever you have any problems.

Because you will. Goodnight.

- Goodnight.
- Goodnight.

Doctor.

- More questions?
- I'm afraid so.

You have a patient here named Bud Wilocek.

Kenneth Wilocek.

We were engaged before he went overseas.

Well, after he was hurt,
he wrote and said it was all off.

He's never even let me come to see him.

Why don't you leave him alone?

Because he doesn't really
want it that way.

I know he doesn't.

I know why he's acting like this.
I'm no fool.

Besides, you made it very clear just now.

Why don't you write to him?

I have, naturally. He doesn't answer.

I was so sure you'd help me.

Don't you understand? This is
the third hospital I've followed him to.

Yes, I understand. What do you want to do?

- I want to marry him.
- Why?

Why?

- For the usual reasons.
- Do you have parents?

- Yes.
- Do they feel as you do?

Why shouldn't they?
Anyway, they're not engaged to him, I am.

Well, what do you want me to do?

You're his doctor. You could talk to him.

I can't interfere in his personal life.

Don't you think he needs me?
Don't you think I can help him?

I don't know. It takes a pretty special
kind of woman in a lot of ways.

Maybe I'm special.

Maybe.

Give me a ring in a day or two.

Oh, thank you, Doctor. I will.

Grand rounds! Grand rounds! Here they come!

Grand rounds! Grand rounds! Here they come!

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

- Good morning, gentlemen.
- Good morning, Doctor.

- Hi, Doc.
- Morning, Doc.

- Morning, Mr Thompson.
- Morning, Doctor.

- How are you feeling?
- OK, Doc.

- What's his residual?
- Nine out, one and a half left.

- Good! How did that happen?
- We just stood around him and prayed.

Well, that's nice,
but let's keep working on it.

The patient's balance
of bladder function is now good.

He may proceed with all routine activity,
including gym.

- How's the family?
- Fine.

The little one's starting to talk.

- Time sure flies.
- You said it.

- How are you today, Mr Mullin?
- I'm still here.

So I see.

Well, let's take a look at that closure.

Hey, this looks good.

I'm proud of you.

- Did you hear that?
- I heard it.

What are you reading there?
"Nature Girl Meets the Monster."

Oh, please! Is that all you can find to do?
Read those junky comic books?

Do I tell you what to read?

Closure of the sacral decubitus ulcer
has been successful.

Patient may proceed
with routine mild activity.

Hopkins, what are you doing here?
You aren't due back for two weeks.

- I know.
- Well, what's wrong? What happened?

Nothing. I went home and I came back.

But you didn't use up your month.

Come on, Hoppy, what's the score?

Oh, my mother. She means well. They all do.

But they keep telling me I'll walk again
if I want to bad enough.

Well, didn't you explain it to them?

Sure. So they sit around looking at me...

like I'm a freak on wheels.

At night, I can hear my old lady crying.

Gee, I gotta live too.

Look, it took you three years
to get where you are.

Can't you give them three weeks?

Will you try it again in a month or two?

If you say so, Doc.

Yep.

Good morning, Mr Fine.
You look just fine today.

Alright, so it's not funny.

I'm no Jack Benny.
I'm just a plumber.

- How's your bladder?
- Oh, about 10 and one.

Swell.

Still got that pain
in the mid-thoracic region.

- Where?
- In the mid-thoracic region.

He should be a doctor.

The patient's bladder is now
automatic and well-balanced.

A Taylor brace would correct
his back difficulties

but it's suggested that he go to the gym
more frequently and regularly.

Have you decided
what you're gonna do when you leave?

Sure. Sell shoelaces.

Oh, fine, Mr Fine.

Another Leo Doolin.
That's all we need in this ward.

I heard that, Dr Brock!

Hey, Norm, you remember
"Blood and Guts" Patton?

- "Bladder and Bowels" Brock.
- Yeah, the Bashful Butcher.

- You're going back to school.
- Why?

I got a picture of myself
addressing a jury from my kiddie car.

Why not? Don't be a fool.
You might win a lot of cases that way.

Education department.

- Let's get on the ball here.
- Yes, sir.

"Yes, sir. Yes, sir."

- Good day, Dr Fine. You look terrible.
- Same to you.

Mr Baker, I see, is out to lunch.

ROBBINS: He was out late last night
celebrating his birthday.

Where's Hamilton?

- Took off just before rounds.
- Really?

Well, I want him in my office this afternoon.

Yes, sir.

Peek-a-boo, Mr Baker!

Well, I'm beginning to think
a survey of the discipline in this ward

might be of value.

Don't tell me Newman had a pressing
engagement elsewhere too?

The school, Doctor.

You were the one who wanted him
to get his diploma, remember?

He can't be in two places at once.

Alright, Miss Robbins.
Don't look so superior.

You're not so smart, either.

Hey, look! Anderson's got his crutches!

You see that? You wait long enough,
everything happens.

Now, you're gonna have to work hard, George

but you got a low-level injury
and you can do it.

Has Bricker shown you
the different ways you can ambulate?

- Yeah. Looks pretty hard though.
- What do you mean?

The swing-to gait
should be pretty easy for you.

Watch.

It's slow, but it gets you there.

You see that?
Why, you can get onto it in no time at all.

- Still looks hard.
- What? With your build?

- It's a cinch.
- Good news tonight.

Arise, Mr Gunderson.

"Hark, hark, the lark
at heaven's gate sings

"and Phoebus 'gins to..."

Sherman, Weaver, Robbins,
you know anything about this?

No, Doctor. I had no idea.

ROBBINS: He did go down to the movies
the other night against orders.

I didn't know about it till afterward.

DR BROCK:
Mr Gunderson, look at me.

- Listen, Doc, I couldn't help...
- You listen to me!

You know what you've done?

Does it matter to you

that this was a perfectly good
bedsore closure a week ago

and now it's completely broken down?
It's a mess?

- It's not my fault.
- No, I'm sure it's not!

I'm sure it's Dr Weaver's fault
or Miss Robbins'!

They should've tied you down to your bed
so you couldn't disobey orders!

What gives you the right to ruin good surgery
by sheer indifference and carelessness?

This patient is grounded for a month.

All wheelchair privileges are withdrawn

and all therapeutic measures
will be done in bed.

- I'm sorry, Doc.
- I have nothing more to say to you!

- How are you today, Walter?
- Alright.

- How's the hand?
- I don't know. Better, I guess.

Alright, let's see.

Now, let's see you try to bend the fingers.

Good. Good!

Sherman, Weaver, come here. Look at this.

Good, Walter. That's very, very good.

Now let's bear down on those resistive
exercises. Let's keep 'em going.

Atta boy.

That's right, Max. 20 across the board.
And you're in big trouble.

Business as usual, I see, Mr Doolin.

I don't believe I've had the pleasure.
What was your name, sir?

When are you gonna stop taking advantage
of the government?

What do you want me to do? Walk?
I had enough of that in the infantry.

- How is he?
- As usual.

He won't go swimming or to the gym
unless we drag him down.

Alright, drag him down there. Here's my man.

- How's Tarzan today?
- Oh, fine, Doctor.

I saw your mother at the auxiliary meeting.
I didn't see Dolores, though.

- Now, that's a cute kid.
- Who asked for your opinion?

- You big wolf.
- You see the man from the bank?

Those guys won't even talk to me
until I get discharged.

Well, you'll get the loan.
You'll have your house.

Ricky tells me you're working
a little too hard in the gym.

- Oh, I don't get tired, Doc.
- Take it easy.

You waited this long for your house.
You wait a little longer.

Yeah, I guess you're right.

Mr Howard has been discharged.

Oh, yes.

That brings us to Mr Fox In The Bush.

Any complaints today, Mr Butler?

Just a slight case of paralysis in both legs.
Nothing serious, you understand.

Everybody's a comedian around here.
Let's do a blood chemistry on him.

- What for?
- It's my hobby.

Don't you want to be rehabilitated?

No, I don't want to be rehabilitated,
re-adjusted, re-conditioned or re-anything.

And if you don't mind, I don't want
to take my proper place in society either.

Does that make my position clear?

Nevertheless, we'll do
a blood chemistry on him.

Thank you, Dr Kildare.

LEO:
Hey, Doc, come here a minute, will you?

It's important.

Look through the little hole
and tell me what you see.

Some doll, eh?

You moron! You're no good.

You're making more money now
than you ever made in your life

and all you wanna do is lie on your back
and smoke cigars and bet on horses

and look at naked women!
You're impossible!

He's a wonderful guy.

You haven't been much help,
but you're in pretty good shape.

Much better than you deserve to be.

- Thanks.
- Your bedsores have practically healed

and your kidney condition
will improve a lot if you exercise.

You're a well man.

Well, when do I leave?

You could do it in a year,
maybe only six months.

It'll depend on you.

You mean in six months or a year,
I could work my way into a wheelchair?

That's what you mean, isn't it?

Uh-huh, well, that'd be wonderful.

You've been a paraplegic
for more than a year now.

Don't you think it's time you accepted it?

I accept it. I... I'm just a bad patient,
that's all.

I'm sorry I'm spoilin' your record.

What record?

Oh, you mean all this is personal interest?

Well, Doctor, I'm really touched.
I'll get well real fast now.

What is it you want, Mr Wilocek?

You want to die?

It'd save the taxpayers a lot of money.

That's very nice of you.

Oh, uh, I met someone
who knows you the other day.

A girl. She says her name is Ellen
something or other.

She says you're engaged.

Look, you keep her out of here.
You keep her away from me.

Why? Don't you like her anymore?

Are you through with me?

All through.

You keep her out of here!
You keep her away from me!

- I don't want to see her! You hear me?
- I hear you.

I think it's time we began
to get a little tough with Wilocek.

- Let's begin by taking him off drugs.
- He's got a lot of pain.

I know, but we've got to start sometime.

Also, he's strong enough
to be moved into a ward.

Let's put him in with Lopez
and those other boys.

- Yes, sir.
- Lopez ought to be good for him

and those bench jockeys
will ride him till he's saddle sore.

Let's do that.

Where's Brock?

- I want to see Brock.
- He'll be around one of these days.

Look, I wanna see him right now!

Who's coming in? Can you tell?

Oh, no! It can't be!

We're getting laughing boy.
King Bubbles of the happy islands.

Good day, gentlemen.
I'm bringing you a playmate.

Y'know, you're too good to us, Robbie.

If you wasn't so sexy,
you'd remind me of my mother.

There you are, handsome.

If there's anything you want, just buzz.

- You know how to buzz, don't you?
- If I do buzz, will you send somebody else?

Be nice to Lieutenant Wilocek, boys.
He's not a well man.

Is that all you were, Mac? Just a lieutenant?

How come they put him in here
with us generals?

Oh, lay off, Leo.

Hello, Wilocek. I'm Norm Butler.
Welcome to the country club.

I'm supposed to talk to all new men about
the PVA, Paralysed Veterans of America.

- We've got seven chapters now, you know...
- Sorry, I'm not a joiner.

Hey, don't talk to Norm that way.
He's a big wheel on the board.

You might need him someday.

- I'm not trying to sell you anything...
- Look, I told you!

I don't want to join any clubs!
Now leave me alone, will ya?

Norm, can't you hear?

- Leave the lieutenant alone.
- Sure...

I'll leave him alone.

Certainly. If a man wants to be left alone,
he's got a right to be left alone.

Hey, Angel, I'd like to introduce you
to the lieutenant

but he wants to be A-L-O-N-E.

Ah, Leo. Don't mind him. He's a clown.

Yeah, I'm a clown.

(MUSIC ON RADIO: "MARCHE MILITAIRE"
BY SCHUBERT)

Hey, Norm.

Did you ever see that picture,
The Smiling Lieutenant?

In person.

Hey, Lieutenant, sir!
Whose side were you on?

NORM:
Don't, Leo. He wants to be left alone.

Who's not leaving him alone?
I think he should be left alone.

- The guy's a hero, ain't he?
- "The hero is not fed on sweets."

"Daily his own heart he eats."

Oh, that's beautiful. Who wrote it?

- Emerson.
- Fine man.

You know what, Norm? I'll bet you
the lieutenant won the Silver Star.

NORM:
With oak leaf clusters.

- LEO: And the Good Conduct medal.
- NORM: With oak leaf clusters.

Honest? You know, he should be left alone.

The best his country can do for him
is none too good.

Yes, but you see,
he doesn't want to be a paraplegic.

He doesn't? That's funny.

I wouldn't have missed
being a paraplegic for anything.

Besides, sooner or later, everybody walks.

I read it in the papers.

Why don't you give the guy a break?
He's got pain.

No foolin'? Gee, that's tough.

You know, I never had any pain.
Did you, Norm?

- Never.
- Did you, Angel?

Why don't you throw rocks at him?

Oh, you're too dumb to have any pain.

Only smart people like the lieutenant
have pain.

(MUSIC INTENSIFIES)

- Would you mind turning your radio down?
- Eh?

Alright, you're a very funny guy.
Now turn it down!

Eh?

The lieutenant would like you
to turn your radio down.

What's that? Turn it upside-down?
That's crazy, man!

Is that an order, Lieutenant, sir?
Your Highness, sir?

NORM: I don't think so.
He just thinks it's a little too loud.

LEO:
I can't hear it now.

Besides, I got big money
riding on the fourth at Hialeah.

Turn it down!

What's the matter, Lieutenant?
You paralysed or something?

Come on over here and turn it down yourself!

(MUSIC STOPS)

I was a captain, Lieutenant,
and I'm ordering you to cool off.

(MEN LAUGH)

Hello, Doctor.

- Soda?
- No, thanks.

How's Ken?

Alright.

When I got your message, I came right over.

- I... I was hoping...
- Yes, I know.

Tell me, how long did you know Ken
before he went into the army?

It wasn't a wartime romance,
if that's what you're driving at.

- We met in our first year at college.
- What was he like in those days?

- Naturally, I'm prejudiced.
- Naturally.

He was quite an athlete,
a very good football player.

I had a lot of competition.

Would you say he was self-centred?
A strong ego?

No.

He was an orphan.
He'd been on his own a long time.

And the kids did make a fuss over him.

With me, he'd always want to be boss.
I let him think he was.

But he's very, very nice, honestly.

Have you told him about me?

Yes. He doesn't want to see you.

Oh...

But you're going to help me, aren't you?

I'm going to arrange for you to see him.

But I'm not doing it to help you.

I hope it'll help him.

That's fair enough.

You know, I have a feeling
you don't like me very much. Why?

That isn't so. I don't even know you.

You seem to be a very nice girl, but...

- You could turn out to be very bad for him.
- How?

Well, for instance, if you're going into this
because you're sorry for him.

Don't you think I'm the best judge
of my own emotions?

- Possibly.
- Hi, Doc.

You see, men like him
with drive, ambition, high hopes

usually find it hard to make an adjustment,
and he's no exception.

But I don't think you realise
that you've got an adjustment to make too.

- Maybe I already have.
- Have you?

I've got a hunch about you.

I've got a feeling that down deep,
you're hoping for a miracle

some piece of magic that'll restore
this man to you as he was.

Is it wrong to hope?

There's a motto on the wall
of my office. It goes like this:

"Please, God, give us the strength
to do the impossible..."

"...but give us the courage to recognise
what is really impossible..."

"...and, above all, give us the wisdom
to distinguish between them."

May I see him now?

No. Come to my office tomorrow night,
about eight.

There's a wedding,
and he'll be alone in the ward.

Thank you.

Bud?

Bud?

SHE WHISPERS:
Hello.

How did you get in here?

Dr Brock arranged it.

Don't look at me!

What do you want? What'd you come here for?
I told you I didn't want you around.

I told you I didn't want anything
to do with you!

Can't you understand English,
you stupid idiot?

- Oh, Bud, darling, please.
- "Bud, darling, please." Start walking!

- No.
- I'll get you out of here.

Will you get out!

No.

Alright, I'll give you what you want.

Wanna see what it's like? Alright, look.

I said look at me!

Get a good look, Ellie.
Does it make you feel healthy?

Is that what you want?

OK, you can go home now.

I'm not going home, Bud.

I'm staying with you.

Who asked you to pity me? Why'd you
have to come? Why didn't you listen?

I listened to you once.

I should've made you marry me
before you went away.

Ellie, go away, please.

What is it with you?
Don't you see it's all over?

(DISTANT VOICES)

How about some light in here?
Let's turn on those lights!

(MEN CHATTER)

Come on, open it up! Come on, hurry up!

(THEY CHEER)

(LIVELY CHATTER)

Hey, that's not fair!

ALL:
Oh!

FINE:
Everybody over to Ward B.

Ward B.

(CHATTER FADES)

Ward B...

- Bud...
- No, Ellie, no.

Why not? Why not us?

I told you. I told you why not.

Oh, we could make it. We still love
each other. That hasn't changed.

Ellen, you don't know pity from love, honey,
and you don't owe me anything.

Well, you owe me something.

I've waited four years. I've followed you
from one hospital to another.

Oh, Bud, we could really make it.

I worked all through the war.
I'm working now.

Honey, what would I be doing?

I'd go back to school
on an athletic scholarship.

I'd get a job weaving baskets.

What do you wanna do, wait on me
hand and foot all your life? I'm like a baby.

You could build yourself up. Others do.

You could try.

You might even walk again if you tried.

There's no hope. The wires are cut.

Alright. But you could get better.
You could do lots of things.

Oh, please.

Please try!

Don't you see?

I need you.

There'll never be anyone else.

Oh, darling!

Don't you want us to be happy?

Sure, I want us to be happy, honey,
but I don't know.

I don't know.

It was a very nice wedding.

Well, I'll tell you,
with her being a nurse and all

I think they got a pretty good chance.

- It ain't as if she didn't know the score.
- She's doing alright.

Instead of taking care of a whole ward
for 280 bucks a month

she's got one patient for 360.

The government gives him a transportation
allowance, so she's got a car.

The government pays for half a house,
so she's got a home.

That's not bad.

She's a nice girl, Norm.
She didn't marry him for his compensation.

- It's doomed.
- What do you mean, doomed?

Leo, my boy...

it's not in the nature of the normal woman
to be in love with one of us.

This is sad but true,
and we should face it.

That's what I mean by doomed.

- Don't you think it depends on the people?
- It's not in the cards.

Normal is normal and crippled is crippled,
and never the twain shall meet.

- LEO: Who said that?
- I did.

The fact of the matter is,
we make other people uncomfortable.

You know why?

Because we remind them that their own
bodies can be broken...

just like that.

And they don't like it.

- You were married once, weren't you, Norm?
- Yes.

Well, she's a nice girl and pretty smart.
I think they've got a chance.

What are you arguin' with him for?

What do you know, dumbhead? Go to sleep.

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

Come on, slow motion. Hit the linoleum!

Not me. I dreamed I was running
after streetcars all night.

I gotta stay in bed and rest up.

Don't disturb him today. He's re-adjusting.

He's been re-adjusting for three years.

Hey!

Where'd you think you were going?

- Down to the cigar store.
- You better start with cigarettes.

Hey, Sergeant, one cigar.

- Now I know why they call you Tarzan.
- Yeah.

What do you work so hard for?

I got to. I gotta get outta here.
I want to get a home.

Why? You gettin' married?

No. I'll never get married.

See, I got six little brothers and sisters.

My mother, she's getting pretty old.
That makes me the papa now.

You don't need a house. You need a hotel.

Yeah. See, where they live now,
it's not so good.

My kid sister, she's 16. A girl like that,
she's got to have her own room.

A nice place where she can have company,
not be on the street all the time.

- You know.
- Yeah, sure.

Well, let's go, Papa.

(FAINT CHATTER)

It's gotta mean only one thing.
He's got a girl.

No. It's just that summer's coming.
I used to do the same thing to my dog.

I'm telling you, he's got a girl!

Alright, gentlemen,
and I use the term loosely

I'll satisfy this vulgar craving for gossip.

Yes, I expect a visitor, a lady.

The subject is now closed.

I was the one who said it,
but I don't believe it.

Look, Donald Duck,
I got just one thing to say to you.

When she gets here,
I don't want any whistling, sighing

ogling or anything else
that you consider wit and humour.

In other words, behave!
Because if you don't...

- Norm, old boy, this sounds serious.
- Maybe it is.

But... what about...

- You said...
- I said what?

Skip it.

Hiya!

- Hiya.
- Hi, partner.

Where were you headed for?

Well, I wanted to catch you
before you came in.

Why?

- Come here and sit down.
- I'm not sure I will.

I don't think I like your tone.

If you're not gonna sit down,
I'm not gonna tell you.

Tell me what?

Come on, sit.

Well?

- Well, don't get excited or anything.
- Who's excited?

OK.

I think I'm gettin' return.
I'm startin' to feel things.

I think my legs are comin' back.

- Are you sure?
- I'm pretty sure.

That's why I came out here. I didn't wanna
tell you in front of the others.

- Have you told anyone?
- Weaver.

He's gonna tell Brock.

Oh, Bud, that's wonderful!

I knew it! I always knew it.

Well, if I'm right, there won't be
any more of these darned spasms.

I've gotta be right.

(HE SPEAKS SPANISH)

(SHE SPEAKS SPANISH)

♪ Dolores, Dolores ♪

Aren't you gonna talk to me today, Dolores?

- Hey, Angel.
- Yeah?

Ask your mother if I can marry Dolores
when she grows up.

(HE SPEAKS SPANISH)

(SHE SPEAKS SPANISH)

Oh. She says men who love horses
don't make good husbands.

I don't love 'em.
I just take a scientific interest in 'em.

(SHE SPEAKS SPANISH)

She says you're a good boy,
but then she doesn't know you like I do.

Yeah, well, you tell her
you're the laziest joker in the whole ward.

- He is not! You are!
- Ah!

What do you know, chicken?

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

- Hiya, Pop.
- Hello, Leo. How ya feelin'?

OK. How's Ma?

Not so good again.

That's why she couldn't come.

- How they treating you, boy?
- Can't complain.

Oh.

Here you are, Pop.

Thanks, boy.
I'll get a little present for your mother.

Yeah, do that.

You're coming along alright, aren't you?

Look, Pop, you don't have to hang around.

Well...

I got a couple of things to do.

- I gotta see a fellow about a deal.
- Yeah.

Lay off the long shots, Pop.

You haven't got the knack.

Take care of yourself, boy.

Thanks.

So long, Pop.

Did Normie tell you about last night?

Did he tell you how he clean
fell out of his chair?

Oh, was he a scream!

And did I have a head this morning. Please!

Anyway, that's when I got him
to promise to get rid of the muff.

Oh, what's a beard? If I could
grow dollars as fast as I grow hair

- I'd be an international banker.
- Oh, Normie, you kill me!

You know, some of the kids at the drive-in
thought I was goofy at first.

But I said, "What's the difference?
He's cute."

"And he's real educated.
And what a sense of humour!"

- "And that car of his is really something."
- Yeah, it's nice.

My, this sure is a big hospital, isn't it?

You know, Normie took me on the 20-cent tour.

Honestly, I've got corns on my feet
from walking.

- You're not tired, are you, hon?
- NORM: No, I'm fine.

- You gotta take care of yourself, hon.
- Yeah, I know.

She watches over me
like a probationary nurse.

Say, what time is it anyway?

Oh, my! I've got to get back to the drive-in.

- I'd better go now, Normie.
- I'll take you to the gate, Laverne.

Okey-dokey.

Gee, I'm glad we got to know each other.

- We got a lot in common.
- Yes, we have.

- Well, goodbye, you all.
- Nice to have met you.

Laverne... It's a pretty name.

Well...

(LABOURED BREATHING)

Hey, what's the matter?

Hey, jughead, what's the matter?

I'm sick.

Sick to my stomach.

See that neck? See how rigid?

- Temperature's 103 now.
- All the classic signs.

Get him into a private room right away.
Get ready for a spinal tap.

Call neurosurgery.

(HE BREATHES HEAVILY)

Well?

You can see for yourself.

Shall we try another transfusion?

Try.

Out of nowhere.

Out of a clear sky.

Are you sure?

Yes.

I liked that boy.

You ought to get some rest. You have
grand rounds in exactly three hours.

Yes, I know.

He had a shell fragment
in the soft tissue near his spine.

It never bothered him.
No point in messing with it.

It started to abscess

and it breached his spinal canal.

Meningitis.

It's nobody's fault.

It just happened.

We did everything.

- Anything new?
- No, sir.

(THEY MUTTER)

Good morning.

Dr Weaver tells me
you think you're getting return.

Let it go, Doc. Some other time.

No.

Pin, please.

Now, tell me what you feel.

The point or the round end.

Say sharp or dull.

Sharp.

Dull.

Dull.

Sharp.

Sharp.

Sharp.

Look here, Ken.

I just jabbed that pin into your calf.

You didn't feel it, did you?

Look, Ken, the legs are gone.

Now the head has to take over.

I know what it means to you. Forget it.

Before you can change the world,
you have to accept it as it really is.

Without illusions.

You understand that, don't you?

You've been doing fine.

Good reports from the gym. Keep it up.

And go out more often.

Be with people.

You remember we discussed trying
another pudendal block on Mr Butler.

- Seems like a good idea.
- Why bother?

- There's no need for insolence.
- Oh, come now, Doctor.

Precisely. I am the doctor here

and I'm sick and tired of this attitude
of doing me a favour

by allowing me to keep you alive!

What do you men think this is,
a country club?

It's a hospital!

We're not magicians here!
We're only doctors!

We do the best we can!

And you can either develop
a sense of responsibility about yourselves

or you can get out, all of you!

(JAZZ BALLAD PLAYS)
♪ Love like ours ♪

♪ ls not just for today, dear ♪

♪ Love like ours ♪

♪ ls for evermore ♪

I have a table for you. This way, please.

- We'll wait our turn, thank you.
- But I have a table, sir.

Just follow me.

♪ Like you always thrill me ♪

♪ Whenever your hand ♪

♪ Touches mine ♪

Just take it away.

- Thank you.
- ♪ Men like you ♪

♪ Make my love worthwhile ♪

What we have to come here for?

Why didn't we go to the Pump Room
where people know us?

We can't always go where people know us.

Look at them. Look at them staring at us.

- Come on. Let's get out of here.
- Alright.

Better take me back to the hospital.
I'm not very good company tonight.

No, you're not, but it's alright.

I know you've got Angel on your mind.

I got him on my mind, alright.

He was a wonderful boy,
but brooding won't help.

No, nothing helps.

He was the best patient in the ward.
He worked harder than anybody.

He wanted a house so bad.

It wasn't anyone's fault, Bud.

That's right. But if he was normal,
he'd have had a chance.

You try and you try,
and you're still behind the eight-ball.

Take Norm. He's a brilliant guy.

He graduated with every honour
they had around

and he kids himself into thinking
that cheap little...

Oh, well.

You've talked about everybody but us.

I know it. I've been trying to work up to it.

I've been kidding myself
about getting return.

Brock set me straight this morning.

Alright.

I counted on it too.
But it doesn't change anything.

Doesn't it? I think it does for you.

If you can live with it,
it's not that important to me.

- Ellie...
- No, Bud, I won't listen.

You don't have to play it this way, Ellie.
You've done enough for me.

Then how about doing something for me?

You've taken up six years of my life.

When are you gonna
make an honest woman of me?

Very funny.

Yes, isn't it?

You worry a lot about being fair to me.

I wish you'd quit worrying
and start being fair.

Alright, we've had a disappointment.

I say we go ahead and set a date

and get married on that date
the way other people do.

We're not the same as other people.

Only in your mind.

I'm not marrying a wheelchair.
I'm marrying a man.

Are you going to marry me or aren't you?

Because for your information, if you are,
I've got an awful lot of things to do.

Clothes to buy. We'll have to get you
a car you can drive.

We'll need a house, furniture, dishes, and...

I've got to get home and tell my folks
and be with them for a while.

You make it sound real.

Oh, Bud...

you haven't told me you love me
in an awful long time.

I miss it.

It doesn't embarrass me to say it.

I love you.

Well, where have you been all this time?

(HE SLURS)
I had a date with Laverne.

The corporal's getting married.

Getting married.

Well, that's nice.

Did you know I've been planning on
getting married too?

Did I tell you I had a date
with Laverne tonight?

I did.

Only she didn't show up.

- Maybe you got your wires crossed.
- Yeah...

I got 'em crossed, alright.

Of all people, me... the wise guy.

The spectator on the scene of life.

How stupid can you be and still be alive?

Don't you think you're going off half-cocked
cos she didn't show up once?

Oh, a very good question.
Very good indeed!

I like your style, young man.

What's more, I'll give you the answer.

You know why Vernie didn't show up tonight?

Because she's in Canada.

Do you know how much she took me for?

Nine hundred bucks!

Well, don't you think that's kind of funny?

Go to sleep, Norm.

Yeah, "Go to sleep, Norm."

To sleep.

"To sleep..."

"And by a sleep"

"to say we end the heartache..."

"And the thousand natural shocks..."

"That flesh is heir to..."

"...'tis a consummation..."

"Devoutly to be wished."

"To die..."

"To sleep..."

"To sleep, perchance to dream."

"Ay, there's the rub."

That's by William Shakespeare.

A very nice man.

Well, Ellie...

I wish you luck.

- We both do, of course.
- Oh, yes, dear.

You don't sound very happy
about it, either of you.

You don't like the idea, do you?

- We haven't said so.
- No. But it's pretty obvious.

Even if that's true, it's not important.

It's your life, El.
You're not a baby anymore.

No, I'm not a baby.

And it is my life.

But I'm disappointed in you,
both of you.

You're taking it like just anyone would,
as if you didn't understand.

You think I'm a silly young girl

who doesn't know the difference
between pity and love.

You could at least be honest about it.

If honesty is what you want,
I think you're making a big mistake.

Is that what you think too?

What you mean is, that I ought to be
very cold and practical about this.

That even though Bud and I love each other,
I ought to break it off and find a...

That's one way of putting it,
not necessarily the fair way.

Look, Ellie. I like Bud. I like him a lot.

I always have.

I'd be proud to have him for a son.
I mean that.

But the point is, things are different now.

Yes, I know, through no fault of his.

But he's different too.

He's not the same man.

To me, he is!

- I love him!
- You love him.

Love can be very fragile, El.

Even healthy people can't always
hold onto it or take it for granted.

I'm telling you this for his good
as well as yours.

How long do you think
that love is going to last

after you realise you've signed a contract
to be his nurse the rest of your life?

It won't work. You're a young, healthy girl.

It doesn't have to be that way. There's hope.

So, you're going to live on hope.

Oh, I'm not blaming you. I know you love him.

I'd probably be ashamed of you
if you felt any other way.

But actually, I blame Bud.

Yes, I do.

He knows the score better than any of us.

He ought to let you go.

If he loved you as much as you love him

he'd make you go.

You're being so clever, so logical.

I never knew you could handle words so well.

That's not an answer, El.

You weren't quite so logical a few years ago

when we needed some boys
to go out and get killed...

-...or paralysed!
- That's enough, Ellie.

I can't let you talk to your father
like that.

It's not fair,
because he's not cold or selfish.

He's done more for boys who were
in the army and have had trouble...

- Harriet, please.
- Well, you have!

FATHER:
That's not the point.

MOTHER: I don't care.
I can't allow Ellie to talk to you like that.

Ellie...

I haven't said anything because it's so hard.

But you're all we have.

Baby...

is it so wrong for us
to want a grandchild?

I'm going to marry Bud.

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

Well, why don't you know?

You're his doctor. Who else is there?

We're still learning.
I've told you that before.

Would you like to see the results
of our research in fertility?

I'll save your time.

Some paraplegics are capable
of having children, others aren't.

We don't always know why.

- In Ken's case...
- In his case?

It isn't very probable

but it is within the realm of possibility.

I don't think...

I'd rather say, "I don't know".

It's pretty late in the day
for this sort of thing.

No, it isn't.

Because it really doesn't matter.

Thank you, Doctor.

Goodbye.

What are you tryin' to do, walk outta here?

No.

But I'm gonna be married standing up.

(INAUDIBLE CHATTER)

(MEN CHATTER)

"Do you take this woman
to be your wedded wife"

"to have and to hold from this day forward"

"for better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer..."

- You sure you want to go through with this?
- Come on!

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here
in the sight of God

and in the presence of this company

to join together this man
and this woman in holy matrimony

an honourable estate

and therefore not to be entered into
unadvisedly or lightly.

Into this holy estate come now
these two persons present

to be joined together.

If any man can show just cause

why they may not be joined together

let him speak now or else,
hereafter, forever hold his peace.

The bride and groom will join hands.

Do you like it?

Yeah, it's nice.

I'm not completely happy with the drapes

but the material's good.

Uh-huh.

Do you like the lamps?

Sure.

Yep.

I got the biggest ashtrays I could find.

I hate those little things
that are always tipping over...

(WHEELS SQUEAK)

I gotta oil these darn wheels tomorrow.

Yes.

Well, what have we got,
a family album already?

They say no home's complete without one.

Boy...

Hey... Hey, what'd you put these in here for?

Those are all those pictures
I've had for years, I thought...

I'm sorry. I suppose it was stupid of me.

- I didn't think...
- No, that's alright.

- I'll take them out tomorrow.
- It's alright!

I mean, forget it, honey.
It doesn't bother me.

I was just surprised, that's all.

Leo sent us a... bottle of champagne.
Shall we open it now?

- Yeah, that's a good idea.
- I'll get it.

(BOTTLE CLINKS)

(WHEELS SQUEAK)

Get the glasses.

Yes, I know.

It's such a big bottle.
We'll never finish it.

Maybe we should call Leo.

Yeah, he probably had that in mind.

I don't know how they expect you
to open these things.

Darn wires go every which way.

Let me have it.

(CORK POPS)

My carpet!

Oh... I hope it won't stain.

I heard somewhere that cold water would...

What's the matter?

Nothing. I'll get some water.

What are you lookin' at?
You've seen this before.

I'm sorry.

I don't like the way
you're lookin' at me, Ellie.

- I said I was sorry!
- Yeah, I know, but what are you sorry for?

I don't know.

Stop putting me on trial!

You pick at me so I can't think!

Wait a minute. What are you thinking?

Are you thinkin' you made a mistake,
is that it?

You're sorry, aren't you?

You're sorry, aren't ya?

What do you want me to say?

Alright, I am!

Why did ya have to wait till we were married?

(BELL RINGS ON TV)

ANNOUNCER: They come out slowly,
both boys feeling the pace.

It's been a very fast fight so far.
Very even, as far as I can see.

Matt comes in fast now
with a left to the head.

It glances off. Didn't do very much damage.

Jenkins jabs with the left
and brings over a right cross.

And a fast left and right by Jenkins.
I think Pyle is hurt.

He's holding on now.
Jenkins is trying to measure him.

Pyle throws a left jab
that goes wild of the mark

but he scores with a right under the heart.

Well, what are you lookin' at?

(COMMENTARY CONTINUES INDISTINCTLY)

It kinda depends on what you like best.

People or horses.

With me, it's horses.

Someday, I'm gonna have
a whole stable full of 'em.

You boys are vets, I take it.

No, we're just up from Atlantic City,
and we brought our chairs along.

God, No, you're not! Hey!

That's a great little
sense of humour you got there.

You know...

that's a great characteristic
of the American soldier

God bless 'em, is a sense of humour.

I'm a vet myself.

- The other war, of course.
- What other war?

You know, the first one, 1918.

- Oh, the big one.
- Well...

(HE LAUGHS)

You're quite the kidder, aren't ya?

But seriously, boys,
I wanna tell ya somethin'.

I admire ya. I admire the both of you.

Boys like you, after what you've been through

I say the best is none too good for you.

- Is that what you say?
- Yes, sir.

- That's what he says.
- You say it all the time?

Oh... sure!

- God bless you, mister.
- Oh, I mean it.

- You boys have made a great sacrifice.
- Tell me somethin'.

Uh, could I marry your daughter?

- I haven't got a daughter.
- Well, then, could I marry her?

- Well, I...
- Alright. Keep her.

Who wants the old crow?

OK, boys. I can take a hint.

These days, every punk that got run over
in a blackout's a big hero.

But that's OK. No hard feelings. Here.

Buy yourselves a drink.

Hey, buddy.

Buddy, come here a minute, will ya?

Look, uh...

I want to apologise to you.

(MEN MUTTER)

Hey, what's the matter, boys?

OK, we're leaving. We're leaving.
Come on, slugger.

Hey, champ, come in for a landing, will ya?

- What's the matter, you worried?
- Me?

No, I just bruise easy, that's all.

Hey! Look out!

(TYRES SCREECH)

Congratulations.

DR KAMERAN: Very nice for the hospital,
of course. Wonderful publicity.

I know. I don't like it any more than you do.

Look, Gene. It isn't a matter of liking it.

I'm the one who's going to have
Washington breathing down his neck.

- I know.
- How am I going to explain it?

Here's a man who's been nothing
but trouble since he's been back.

Consequently, he's restricted to the post.
He sneaks out, gets fighting drunk and...

Question. What kind of a hospital
am I running here?

- It isn't very pleasant for you.
- The point is, what is he doing here anyway?

He's married, isn't he? He's got a home.

He isn't sick.
He's had maximum physical benefits.

Medically, yes.
Psychologically, he could use some help.

Gene, let's be realistic.

How many normal people
are there in the world?

I want you to discharge him.

I can't do that, Dr Kameran.

What do you mean, you can't do that?

He's going up before
the PVA disciplinary board.

I don't intend to intervene.

That's nonsense.
This has nothing to do

with the Paralysed Veterans Association.

- This is a hospital matter.
- I don't quite agree with you.

Oh, Gene, let's be sensible.
You've done wonderful work with those men.

But he's one of them.
They'll be easy with him, you know that.

I can't agree with that either.

This is too important to let the men
decide for themselves.

Doctor, you admit
that they've done a good job

that they've been practically self-governing.

And just because it is important,
I can't very well take it out of their hands.

Just as I can't go over their heads,
whatever they decide.

You see that, don't you?

This thing gets out of hand,
I may not be able to protect you.

I hope you're prepared
to take the consequences.

I am.

So I said to her, "Hey, Robbie,
when are you gonna marry Brock?"

And she hits me.
Boy, did she give me a crack.

Gin.

Twenty-six.

He can't play the game.
He just talks ya out of it.

- Next game.
- LEO: Next player.

Hello.

Hi. I thought you went home.

No, I've been around.

I read about you in the paper. I thought
maybe you were hurt or something.

No, I'm alright.

- I'd like to talk to you, Bud.
- OK.

No, stick around.
Ellie and I don't have any secrets.

What's on your mind, El?

Alright, Bud.

We'd better be going, huh?

Stay!

These are my friends, Ellie.
They know all about us.

I came here to tell you I'm sorry.

You see, at first, I was very sure of myself.

Then I started to get confused
and afraid and...

- That night, the way everything...
- Forget it.

- It doesn't matter anymore.
- But it does matter, Bud.

I've had a chance to see things
the way they really are.

The important thing is to know
what you're willing to settle for

to be really sure.

I'm sure now.

I want you. I want you to come home.

I'm home. This is my home.
This is where I belong.

- Oh, please!
- You go home.

Go far away from me.

Pretend it never happened,
and we'll both be better off.

Let's go to chow.

And don't feel bad.
You won't even have any scars.

Well, we can restrict him
to the hospital for 60 days

or we can vote for discharge.

It's up to us.

From what I hear,
this guy's been a trouble right along.

- I say kick him out!
- For what? For being AWOL?

Sixty days' restriction is plenty.

We're not responsible
for what the guy does on the outside.

That's what I say!

- Suppose he killed somebody?
- But he didn't.

Look. That's up to the cops.

They didn't put him in jail and we can't.

We can only try him
for breaking hospital rules

for being AWOL,
that's all we know about officially.

- "Officially", my eye!
- We're not the police department.

Listen. The cops brought him in here
so the hospital could handle it.

And that means us.
Otherwise, he'd be in jail right now.

- So, he's lucky!
- Alright, he's lucky!

But we're supposed to be
a disciplinary board or something

and I know if we go easy on him,
we're not kidding anybody but ourselves!

Listen.

People always remember these wheelchairs.

Don't ever forget that.

Guys like him
just make it tough on the rest of us.

What's he doing here, anyway?
He's well, isn't he?

He's married. He's got himself a home.
Why isn't he living in it?

- Maybe he's had trouble.
- Let him patch it up.

Listen, anybody that's married
is gonna have trouble.

- You know, huh?
- You can say that again.

But if he's got things on his mind

are we gonna help him any
by kicking him out?

You're not helping him any
by being easy on him.

He'll just make more trouble
for himself and everybody else.

- I still think 60 days is tough enough.
- Well...

Let's vote on it.

All in favour of discharge, raise your hands.

All against?

Norm?

Discharge.

You voted to kick me out?

Well, you're a nice bunch of fellas.

Who do you think you are?
What makes you think you can do it?

This is a veteran's hospital,
and you're nobody, you're nothin'.

You see? And we'll just see
what Brock has to say about it.

Ken!

Before you go in there,
I want you to know something.

I want you to know I voted for discharge.

Thanks.

- I want you to know why.
- Don't bother, friend.

Thank you. Thank you for calling.

Bye.

- Well, they kicked me out.
- Yes, I know.

Well?

- Well, that's crazy, isn't it?
- Do you think so?

What's the matter with everybody around here?
What do you mean, do I think so?

Listen. You're my doctor,
and you're gonna keep me here.

I'm not going to overrule the board.

Oh, I get it.
It's easier for you that way, isn't it?

Yes. But it's better for you.

- You're well, Ken.
- What...

What am I gonna do? Where am I gonna go?

Into the world.

I can't go out there anymore.

- You still can't accept it, can you?
- No.

What did I do? Why'd it have to be me?

Is there an answer? I haven't got it.

Somebody always gets hurt in a war.

Look, Ken.

You're a married man.
You've got a home.

- That's where you ought to be.
- I haven't got anything.

What happened? Why did you run away?

Nothin' happened.

She couldn't take it, that's why.

She... she looked at me like I was a bug.

You want what everyone wants.

Peace of mind.

It's pretty hard sometimes
to accept the truth instead

even though that's where
real peace of mind lies.

And the truth is that you are what you are.

The truth is that your wife is a human being
with all the weakness

and all the strength that human beings have.

- Yeah, it's easy for you to talk.
- Oh, yes. I know.

It's easy for me to talk.

I know, I can walk outta here
when the day is over

and I've got a good job.

Only I can never see a patient
walk outta here, never.

I can keep a man alive,
but in his heart, he feels I've failed him.

You feel that way, don't you?

Took me a long time to get used to that.

Peace of mind.

Why didn't she leave me alone
in the beginning?

Why'd she have to come around here
and make me think we could make it?

Suppose it were just the opposite.

Suppose you were on your feet
and she were in the chair

would you have come around?

- Well, I don't know.
- Shall I tell you something?

I was married once.

On our third anniversary, we...

we were in an accident.

Paraplegia was a new field then.

At least, she didn't have to suffer too long.

That was 18 years ago.

And I'd give anything I've got to know

that when I go home,
I'd find her there waiting for me

in a wheelchair.

I'm due at a meeting.

I think you ought to go back to your wife,
Ken, if she'll take you.

I can't guarantee that she won't
ever look at you like that again.

But if she loves you, and if you behave,
the chances are she won't.

Anyway,
you've got a lot of living ahead of you.

And nobody can do it for you but you.

Ellie.

Hello, Ellie.

You've come a long way.

Yeah.

Had a flat tyre. Fixed it myself.

Good for you.

Are you doin' anything tonight?

No.

Would you like to go to a movie
or something, or... talk?

Yes, I would.

Do you want me to help you up the steps?

Please.

WOMAN SINGS:♪ Love like ours
is not just for a day, dear ♪

♪ Love like ours is for evermore ♪