[SIREN WAILING]
[TIRES SCREECHING]
[BRAKES SQUEAL]
[AMBULANCE DOOR CLOSES]
- Car smash? - Yeah.
Cement truck hit one of those baby Austins.
Fractured skull, I guess.
You know, a man's a fool to ride in those miniature cars.
Be yourself. This is the guy that drove the truck.
Aww.
- Boy? - Little girl.
Ah. Ahem. Uh-huh.
Gee, I hope my baby's a boy.
- I'll do my best, Archie. MAN: Attagirl, Mumsy.
Why can't my son have a screen around his bed?
- It's against the rules. - But this man has one.
- Yes. He's dying. - Oh.
[SPEAKING IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE]
Oh, nuts.
What makes you think you want to be a nurse?
Why, nursing people has always seemed sort of a second nature with me.
This is your only recommendation?
Who is this gentleman? What's his business?
- He's a grocer. - A grocer?
[CLEARS THROAT]
I'm afraid he knows more about groceries than about hospitals.
What does he mean "the time you were at high school"?
Didn't you graduate?
No, I had to leave when my mother died in the third year.
Probationary nurse must be a high school graduate.
I can make it up easy. I can go to night school.
You'll have neither the time nor the strength with work here.
- Oh, I'm sure I would... - Besides, it wouldn't be allowed.
But I'm sufficiently well educated. There must be some way.
- Not here. - Oh, I'm sure I can make good if...
My decision is final.
[CLEARS THROAT]
[DILLON CLEARS THROAT]
- Oh, I'm sorry. - You are in a hurry, aren't you?
- Did I catch the name? - Hart. Lora Hart.
Hart. That's a good name for a nurse.
Sturdy instrument, the heart.
- Hello, Miss Dillon. - Oh, good afternoon, doctor.
Now, what can we do for this young lady?
My dear, why didn't you mention the doctor?
Of course, doctor, anything you say.
Well, now, suppose you telephone the principal of Miss Hart's high school...
...and if everything is satisfactory, we'll waive the rest.
Oh, thank you, doctor.
I hope you realize what you're letting yourself in for.
Nothing can be too hard.
Now, you take care of her, will you, Miss Dillon?
I've gotta be going.
This lady will take care of you.
By the way, Dillon, you're doing something wonderful with the hospital.
Everything runs like a clock.
Thank you, doctor.
I'm sorry you didn't mention Dr. Bell in the beginning.
You'll find life here pleasant enough.
But there's one thing you must understand thoroughly:
Rules mean something.
- I understand. - You'll be told about them later.
You'll have one hour to yourself each afternoon...
...and your evenings after 7.
But you're to be in bed and lights out at 10.
There are no exceptions.
This decision is final.
[DILLON CLEARS THROAT]
- I, ahem, see. - Ahem.
You have one night out a week until 12...
...and quite a severe penalty if you're out later.
Miss Maloney, this is Miss Hart.
LORA: How do you do?
Take Miss Hart to the wardrobe and help her select some uniforms.
She hopes to be a probationer.
- Miss Maloney will show you. - Thank you.
Miss Maloney, you have no one sleeping in your room.
Miss Hart may go with you.
- Yes, ma'am. - Yes, Miss Dillon.
Yes, Miss Dillon.
[DILLON CLEARS THROAT]
Hype, the new probationer.
- Heads or tails? - Tails.
Heads. Life is going on for you in the same old way.
Say, I was afraid the hospital would burn down before I could get into it.
Now I have to watch myself with matches.
Well, if you hate it so, why do you stay?
It's the only job I know where they pay you to learn.
Oh, I'm sure in your heart you love it.
- Says you. - Yeah, says me in a big way, sister.
Oh. Goodness. Isn't there a smaller one?
If you don't like it, buy your own.
- I can't. I haven't any money. - Broke?
In a big way, sister.
Any advice?
- What were you doing with the big shot? - Who?
Dr. Bell. Say, are you kidding me?
- No, why? - You don't know Bell?
He's the chief of staff. One of the biggest surgeons in America.
Really?
Why, he just stopped me in the hall and offered to help me.
Hmm.
For a beginner, you're not doing so bad.
We'll see if we can find one that fits.
Here, try that.
- Oh, that's much better. - You better slip off your dress.
Oh, it's okay.
Oh, I suppose so.
I guess everybody around here has seen more than I've got.
Oh, don't be embarrassed. You can't show me a thing.
I just came from the delivery room.
MALONEY: What are you doing here, baby-frightener?
I come on behalf of this big institution to welcome the new sister to our midst.
You'll find we're just one big, happy family here.
[EAGAN CHUCKLING]
MALONEY: Beat it, Eagan.
- You're not sore, are you? MALONEY: I'm not laughing, veterinary.
How'd you like to go back to your sick horses?
Sometimes I don't like you, Maloney.
If only I could make that permanent.
What do you say, newcomer?
LORA: The score is 2-0, favor of the lady.
EAGAN: Hmm.
Take my tip and keep away from interns.
They're like cancer. The disease is known, but not the cure.
Really?
There's only one guy that can do a nurse any good, a patient with dough.
Catch one with a fever and a low pulse, make him think you saved his life...
...and you'll be getting somewhere. - Will I?
- And doctors are no good either. - Oh, no?
What for? They never marry nurses.
And the trouble with interns is they do.
All a wife means to an intern is someone to sit in his office when he starts practice...
...and play nurse the rest of her life without pay.
- Oh, I shouldn't like that. - Thing to do is to land an appendicitis case.
- They've all got dough. - Oh.
Gee, you look like an ad for Sloan's Liniment.
I don't care. As long as it means I'm not gonna be a probe anymore.
[BABY CRYING]
[BABIES CRYING]
Oh, dear.
Don't cry.
Yes, it's a shame.
Yes, it's a shame. There, there.
[CRYING STOPS]
[SIGHS]
Gee, it's half past 1. I was afraid old hatchet-face would see us.
You sap. She'll be in here to see if we're in bed.
Oh. We better get in with all our clothes on.
No, no. Slip your dress off, put it on the end of the bed here.
If she sees that, it's okay.
Gee, if she switches on the lights and sees my makeup, I'm sunk.
- Well, turn your face to the wall. - Oh, don't get funny.
My makeup goes around the back of my neck.
Hurry up, kid.
If we're caught this time, it means a month of no nights off.
[LORA SCREAMS]
Oh, some of that goofy Eagan's comedy.
Jump in bed. I bet hatchet-face heard you.
Oh, I can't. Not with that.
[KNOCKING]
Psst. Get in.
Come in.
Miss Hart, is it possible you have a man in here?
You worm. I hope you get caught in the nurses' quarters.
- You know what you'll get for that. EAGAN: Boo!
[KNOCKING]
Here he is again. Let him have it, and make it a bull's-eye.
Come in.
Who threw that slipper?
What, ma'am?
What, Miss Dillon?
DILLON: Did you throw that slipper? - I don't know what you're talking about.
DILLON: Well, Hart? - Well, you see, l...
DILLON: Take two weeks on the night shift at the emergency clinic.
[LAUGHS]
I thought so. You've both just come in.
- We had to walk home. - This isn't your first offense, Miss Maloney.
You'll take four weeks on the same night shift.
- Thank you. - And take two more for impertinence.
[DILLON CLEARS THROAT]
[DOOR CLOSES]
See what you get for yelling?
Say, suppose you found a skeleton in your bed.
MALONEY: If I could dodge that night shift, I'd live with one.
[LORA SHIVERING AND WHIMPERING]
Oh, quit your trembling, kid. It can't walk around.
Dillon's face took all the pep out of it.
Well, at least he can't clear his throat.
[LORA CLEARS THROAT AND GIGGLES]
[SIREN WAILING]
Just a scalp wound.
MAN: Oh, doctor. - Hold tight to my hand when it hurts.
You're certainly charitable with that hand of yours.
Was he hit anywhere else?
Sorry, but that's all.
Just put a bandage on him.
Give him a shot of anti-tetanus.
- What's that for? - Prevents lockjaw.
Lockjaw?
Ask Miss Maloney about it. She's been fighting it off all her life.
Grit your teeth, prisoner.
Just two more smart cracks and Dr. Mayo is through.
[MAN GROANS]
PoLICEMAN: Shall I take him to the station house?
Oh, I don't think we'd better.
Let's keep him here tonight.
Yeah, prison ward.
Come on.
PoLICEMAN: Hey, hey. MALONEY: The tougher, the softer.
Better get us a lift, lunkhead, he's fainted.
Huh?
Oh, all right, Florence Nightingale.
Could a guy bum some bandages and iodine in here?
- Are you hurt? - No. It's a friend of mine.
He got a little cut on his hand.
- Come in, I'll see what I can do. - Oh, maybe I better wait here.
- Come in. - Ouch!
You're the one that's hurt.
All right, I'll come in.
Let's see your hand.
You'll have to get up earlier than most bootleggers to fool me.
- Huh? How do you get that way? - We get many like you in here.
- Oh, give us the iodine, will you? - I'll fix it.
Say, I could do it myself if you'd just give me the...
I guess I better sit down.
- Hey, what's the idea? - It's the arm, isn't it?
Oh, all right.
This one here.
Thanks.
Say, that's silk.
That's how I know you're a bootlegger.
You win.
That looks like a bullet wound.
Well, it's a cinch it ain't a vaccination mark.
I'll have to make a police report of this.
Yeah? Why?
It has to be done on all bullet-wound cases.
- Oh, say, that ain't necessary. - I have to.
Oh, listen, sister, what's the difference to you?
I could get into trouble if I didn't.
Listen, just give me some bandages and forget you ever saw me.
How did it happen?
Well, a guy was cleaning a gun and it went off.
Oh, nonsense.
Well, that's my story, and a couple of cops with rubber hoses can't make me change it.
Oh.
Where was this man cleaning the gun?
In a limousine.
It hit a bump and the gun went off.
Why did they wanna get you?
Oh, because I won't buy their bum alcohol.
I don't poison people.
Why don't you tell who these men are and have them arrested?
For the same reason you don't squeal about half the raw work you see down here.
What do you mean?
Well, do you?
Why, we have professional ethics.
Yeah? That goes for my line too.
The things my profession keep quiet about, we believe it's for the public's own good.
Yeah? Ditto.
Well, it's gone clear through. You've lost a lot of blood.
What's up?
Say, that's a bullet wound.
Hey, nobody sent for you. Go rustle your hot-water bottles.
This is no hot-water bottle.
- Did you get this bird's name and address? - I don't think that's necessary.
MALONEY: Don't you know that you're supposed to report all bullet wounds?
You didn't see any bullet wound.
I didn't?
Say, what's the idea?
Friend of yours?
Thanks, pal.
He'd have to be hot before I'd take a chance like that.
- You said something, sister. - Hold quiet, will you?
Okay.
Hey, are you really taking a chance?
I'll say she is. All a nurse needs to do is to get into one jam and she's through.
BOOTLEGGER: Yeah? - Oh, don't talk so much.
You might as well turn in your uniform and quit.
Maybe 56 bucks a week isn't much, but it's 56 bucks.
Hey, is that all they pay you?
Better than selling apples.
That's probably what she'll be doing if she loses her diploma.
LORA: Shh!
There you are. It's a nasty cut, but it'll be all right now.
- Dump this. - Thanks, sister.
My pal.
EAGAN: What's his trouble?
LORA: He fell down stairs and cut his shoulder.
EAGAN: Walks like he'd lost a lot of blood. LORA: No, just drunk.
EAGAN: Oh.
Hey, Maloney, don't forget to wash that bedpan.
And make it shiny.
Yes, do that.
[MALONEY CLEARS THROAT]
[BELL RINGING]
MALONEY: Oh, calm down, Lora.
You've seen blood before.
Just because this is your first don't make it worse.
- I know... - Heaven's sakes...
...if you get dizzy or feel faint, keep an eye on me.
Remember, this is the final test.
And if you pass out this time, you don't graduate.
Okay.
NURSE: Wait a minute.
I almost forgot this. A man left this here.
He said it was to be given to you before you went into your big test.
He seemed to think you'd know who he was.
- Well, of all the... - That's what I call a pal.
- What'll I do with it? - Put it away for her.
But you're not allowed to drink. What's it good for?
It's swell for cleaning teeth.
[MALONEY CLEARS THROAT]
[PATIENT BREATHING HEAVILY]
Boy, are we lucky to get in on an operation as big as this.
Well, I hope Dr. Bell gets away with it.
He's got one chance in a hundred.
[BREATHING STOPS]
Oxygen.
[OXYGEN HISSING]
Does that happen often?
No. But when it does, it's bad news.
It's horrible.
Well, come on, let's get out of here. My teeth need cleaning.
[ORGAN PLAYING]
DILLON: Now, young ladies...
...you who are about to graduate to the noble profession of nursing...
...will recite the Florence Nightingale pledge.
ALL: I solemnly pledge myself before God...
...and in the presence of this assembly...
...to pass my life in purity and practice my profession faithfully.
I will abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous...
...and will not take or knowingly administer any harmful drug.
I will do all in my power to elevate the standard of my profession...
...and will hold in confidence...
...all personal matters committed to my keeping...
...and all family affairs coming to my knowledge...
...in the practice of my calling.
With loyalty will I endeavor to aid the physician in his work...
...and devote myself to the welfare...
...of those committed to my care.
LORA: I'm the new night nurse.
MAN: Oh? For the two little girls?
Yes. I had them at the hospital some months ago.
Poor little kiddies.
It's a long time since I've seen them toddling up these stairs.
[JAZZ MUSIC PLAYING ON RECORD]
- Good night, kiddies. GIRLS: Good night, Miss Maloney.
LORA: Hello there. - Well, it's about time you showed up.
- I'm dying on my feet. - How did you wangle me into this job?
I told Svengali the kids knew you at the hospital and were crazy about you.
Thanks. Who's Svengali?
Dr. Ranger. He's a new one on me.
He's not on any hospital staff I know of, but he's sure the boss around here.
Why did they take Dr. Bell off the case?
That's what I'd like to know.
Certainly seems funny to me, replacing a man like Dr. Bell with an unknown.
- Say, there's something screwy about this. - What do you mean?
Since those kids got back from the hospital, they've been living on nothing but milk.
That's no cure for anemia, or malnutrition either.
- I'll say it isn't. - They were all right at the hospital.
- Dr. Bell said they were getting along great. - Aren't they improving?
No, they're getting worse. And I'm beginning to wonder why.
But why should anyone...?
Oh, you're crazy.
Maybe. I don't know a thing. I just work here.
Any more instructions, Miss Maloney?
No, Miss Hart. Oh, yes, there's a chart pinned up...
...in the kitchenette beyond the children's room.
- Kitchenette? - Yeah.
Kitchen, bathroom, sitting room with every bedroom.
This dump's a palace. But not for those kids.
And, say, keep your eye open for old eczema.
- Who? - Mrs. Maxwell. She's the housekeeper.
Wait till you see her.
Well, so long, honey. I got a date.
- With whom? - Oh, you don't know him.
A gorgeous new boyfriend.
- Intern? - I should say not.
I'm not all crazy.
[LORA CLEARS THROAT]
[BOTH LAUGHING]
Children, what are you doing?
NANNY: Miss Hart. Miss Hart.
Stop it. Lie down, both of you.
Nanny, you silly little girl. You shouldn't try things like that.
- You're not strong enough. - I tried all I could, Desney.
Of course you did, Nanny.
Poor little baby.
I didn't mean any harm.
I know you didn't, Desney.
But now you must both be quiet.
We will, won't we, Nanny?
- Yes. We will. LORA: That's good.
DESNEY: We like you. Don't we, Nanny? NANNY: Mm-hm.
What's your other name? You didn't tell us at the hospital.
It's Lora. Lora Hart.
Lora? We had a sister named Lora.
But she's dead.
Oh, poor little baby.
You mustn't talk about her anymore.
DESNEY: She was runned over. She was all cut.
Cut in lots of places, wasn't she, Nanny?
All over, here and here and here.
Oh, you ought to seen her.
You mustn't think about her. You must go to sleep, both of you.
DESNEY: We didn't see her, but they told us.
Nick told us, and he showed us too.
- Who's Nick? NANNY: He lives here.
- That's not your father, is it? - No.
Daddy's up in heaven too.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Now, come on, both of you. Into bed.
Nick's not like Daddy. Daddy was a nice man.
Isn't Nick a nice man?
No. He's a horrid man. Isn't he, Nanny?
[NANNY CRYING]
LORA: Oh, Nanny, darling, don't cry, honey.
Such a nice home, lovely things...
...and you're going to get well real soon.
It isn't a lovely home.
We didn't wanna come home. Did we, Nanny?
NANNY: No.
DESNEY: Nick scares us.
Doesn't he, Nanny?
He says the most awful things.
LORA: You should tell your mother. DESNEY: We can't.
She won't come and see us anymore.
Why aren't you two asleep?
- They shouldn't be kept awake like this. - I've been trying to make them go to sleep.
DESNEY: That's true. - Then why didn't you?
We were hungry. Weren't we, Nanny?
MAXWELL: Hungry? Don't be absurd.
But we are hungry. We're always hungry.
- I want to speak to you. LORA: Are you Mrs. Maxwell?
Yes. I have charge of the children.
I don't want to hear another word out of you, either of you.
I wish we had something to eat.
Shh, or she'll come back.
Miss Hart, I must warn you not to be upset by anything the children may tell you.
They've been very sick.
Yes, I know. I had charge of them at the hospital.
Oh.
Since they've been home, they've had bad dreams. Nightmares.
Dr. Ranger says that's all part of their illness.
But they're too young to know the difference between dreams and facts.
You must realize that whenever they tell you anything.
I see. Thank you.
That's all I had to say.
[MAN LAUGHING]
[WOMAN SCREAMS]
[KNOCKING]
Who are you?
What do you want?
[SLURRING] A lady needs a little assistance.
What lady?
Shh. You'll never guess.
[JAZZ MUSIC PLAYING ON RECORD]
LORA: What happened? MACK: She passed out.
Who is it, Mrs. Ritchey? The children's mother?
Hm? What did you say?
[RITCHEY GROANING]
Are you going to be decent and leave?
I've got to undress her.
It's all right.
Just the type.
Huh?
What did you say?
- Come here. - Cut that out.
[MACK GRUNTS]
LORA: Leave me alone. MACK: I want a kiss. I want a kiss.
[LORA GRUNTS]
I tell you, I want a kiss.
LORA: Stop it!
Let me alone.
[PUNCHES LANDING] [MACK GRUNTING]
- Thank you. - Never mind that.
- Get busy, give her a stomach wash. - I'll call a doctor.
Listen. You'll do what I tell you.
- You trying to do what he did? - No, but you're not gonna call.
- You're a nurse. You give her the wash. - I can't, except under orders.
Oh, yes, you can. And what's more, you will.
I can't very well with a broken wrist.
- Operator, get me a doctor, quick. - End that or I'll break your neck.
- What right have you to? - Plenty.
- Hello, big boy. - Oh, shut up.
Oh, don't be sore, Nicky. Kiss me.
- Get busy. - I can't without the proper authority.
- I give you the authority. - Who are you?
I'm Nick, the chauffeur.
[GASPS]
Oh.
Operator? Operator? Operator?
[SMACK] [LORA GROANS]
Don't be sore, big boy. Where you going?
You dirty, lousy...
LORA: And I tell you, I wouldn't go through another night like that again...
...for all the money they could pay me. - Well, then what?
I locked the doors and windows and sat up until morning expecting that brute back.
- Well, did he? - No, but...
I see. It's unfortunate, Miss Hart, but not much likelihood of its happening again.
I'm going to make sure it doesn't.
- Forget it. - The police.
- What'll that get you? - You don't...
- Who'd believe you? - Believe me?
The Ritcheys wouldn't let you get away with that.
Blackmail's a pretty dangerous game.
- Blackmail? - You heard me.
- Well, then, you don't believe me? - Why should I?
- But, Dr. Ranger... - I visited that house daily for months.
- And I see no evidence of all this rot. - Oh, yes, you have. You know you have.
I thought you were a reputable physician. I came here to ask your advice.
You shall have it: Mind your own business.
You're in that house to watch two patients, not to oversee the conduct of its members.
Am I to take blows from its servants?
- I've said that wouldn't happen again. - You guarantee that?
That'll do, Miss Hart.
You've forgotten your place long enough.
Quiet down, now, and I'll see that you're fully compensated.
- Is that all? - It isn't.
- Well? - Something's gotta be done.
- You speaking of my patients? - You are the doctor.
The way things are going, those babies won't last.
Well, that's news to me.
Dr. Ranger, they're slowly dying of undernourishment.
- Aren't my instructions being followed? - I suppose so. Here.
See about...
Yeah, quite correct.
But I know starvation symptoms when I see them.
- I take it you don't approve... - No, I don't.
- It's your first case, isn't it? - Well, what of it?
You've been on one night.
It's only natural...
...that you should get excited about something that puzzles you.
You know, Miss Hart, you talk too much.
You've picked up half-baked medical knowledge around the hospital.
All nurses do.
I wouldn't air it quite so freely. You'll talk yourself out of your profession.
- Don't think you can muzzle me. - I'm not trying to. I'm giving you advice.
- You don't wanna take it, get off the case. - I resign.
I warn you, if you do, you're through as a licensed nurse.
- Oh, a threat? - Exactly. Your kind is too dangerous.
I have no doubt of it, to your kind of doctor...
...but I'm gonna find someone who will listen to me.
Riverside 12468.
Hello.
Uh, Nick, this is Dr. Ranger.
Now, listen carefully and I'll tell you what I want you to do.
LORA: I know it's my first case.
And I know Dr. Ranger's a big man, but I've got to do something.
You got me the job, that's why I came.
- But, my dear child... - I'm sorry to drag you into this.
But those poor little kids are starving. Anybody can see it in their faces.
And if somebody doesn't do something, they won't last.
Don't get so worked up about it.
Don't you think I know starvation symptoms?
- Yes, I suppose you do. - Well, then, won't you do something?
You know I can't interfere in another doctor's case.
Why can't you, when things like this are going on?
Why? It's about as unethical...
oh, ethics, ethics! That's all I've heard since I've been in this business.
Isn't there any humanity in it?
Aren't there any ethics about letting babies be murdered?
Steady. You need proof when you talk that way.
What more proof do I need than what I've already got?
Well, why don't you cool down a bit?
Those kids were getting along when you had them.
- Why were you taken off the case? - I don't know.
Ranger's a rotten doctor. You know his reputation.
- I can't discuss that. - It isn't ethical.
Well, I can. Why doesn't he belong to the medical association?
Why hasn't he got a job on some decent hospital staff?
Because he's shady, and you know it, as well as every other doctor in this city.
I know a lot of things inside the profession that I can't advertise.
I also know that Dr. Ranger has a tremendous practice.
And that alone can keep him out of trouble.
If I stir things up, if I go to the authorities, what does it look like?
- Jealousy. - Argue yourself out of your responsibility.
- I'll see this through. - Will you be reasonable?
No! I won't see this go on another minute.
- I'm going to the police. - Lora!
Don't you realize they'll only laugh at you?
You, a nurse on her first job, trying to pit your opinion against a man like Dr. Ranger.
Oh, what'll I do? It's maddening.
Two little babies being murdered.
I could go out and yell it on the street.
Listen, you've got to convince people that what you say is true.
- How? - Hysterics won't do it.
I'll calm down, if you'll only tell me what to do.
- My advice is for you to go back on that job. - What?
If you are convinced of malpractice...
...you can do more good there than you can shouting around on the outside.
Go back and watch those kids.
We've got to play Ranger at his own game.
It's a risky business, and it's right under Ranger's nose.
But if he wants to murder those youngsters, we'll make him use a gun.
I came to apologize for the way I acted this morning.
So you've thought it over?
Yes, I'm terribly sorry.
I hadn't gotten over the shock of last night.
I didn't realize what I was saying. I hope you'll overlook it.
Who were you talking to?
Why, I didn't discuss it with anyone.
I just sat in the park and thought things over.
I realized I was simply throwing my career away.
And I can't do that.
I thought you'd come around.
You're not the first hysterical nurse I've seen.
- You'll forgive me, then? - Entirely forgotten.
On both sides.
- That little business of last night? - Oh, yes, of course.
I understand that such occurrences are all part of a nurse's experience.
That's it exactly.
Let me give you a little friendly advice, my dear.
The successful nurse is the one who keeps her mouth shut.
You see, we doctors have to do it. It's part of our professional ethics.
So naturally, we want nurses whose discretion we can rely upon.
I realize that now.
Good. Come on, run along, now, back to your case.
- I'm sure everything's going to be pleasant. - You're generous to keep me on.
RANGER: Since we understand each other, Miss Hart...
...I shall probably have considerable work for you.
- Oh, do you think so? - I like your spirit.
Just put it to use in the interest of your doctor, can you?
I think I can.
- Good afternoon, doctor. - Good afternoon, Miss Hart.
How do you do? I was told you wished to see me.
Oh, yes, I have wanted to talk with you...
...but, oh, my head hurt so.
LORA: I hope it feels better now.
You know, if people only knew the tortures of neurasthenia...
...they'd forgive us everything.
You see, Dr. Ranger forgot to send my bromides.
Oh.
I do hope you weren't too upset by the conduct of the chauffeur.
[DOG WHIMPERING]
You know... Now, listen, Poochie, stop that.
You know, we discovered, for some strange reason...
...that Nick seems to irritate me less than any of the other servants.
So as far as feasible, Dr. Ranger wanted him to be my personal attendant.
Well, we'll just forget about it.
I'm sure you understand how much I'm depending upon you.
I'll do everything I can to help the children. Is that all?
- Oh, I want you to have this, Miss Hart. - Why, l...
Just a little appreciation of your tactful conduct.
Oh, thank you very much. Is that all?
I'll be sending for you soon.
[JAZZ MUSIC PLAYING ON RECORD]
Well, Poochie, now we can have a drink, huh?
[SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY]
MALONEY: Well, what'd she want?
- Gee, a hundred bucks. - Yeah, isn't that a scream?
Hey, don't handle it like it's rubber.
I won't get very much kick out of spending it.
Listen, belle, for a hundred bucks, I'd take a couple of socks on the chin.
Funny what people think money will do.
Keeping our nose out of patients' private affairs is part of our professional ethics.
I'll kill the next one that says "ethics" to me.
- Says you. - Yeah, says me in a big way, sister.
Will you make this up for me?
For the little girls, eh? Are they any better?
I wish I thought so.
BOOTLEGGER: My pal.
Well, of all the places. And drinking a soda too.
Why not? Have one?
Why not?
- One of the same. MAN: Yes, sir.
- How's your friend's hand? - Oh, fine.
Good as new.
- Say, you're looking pretty hot yourself. - Thanks.
Hey, where'd you get that?
Looks like somebody took a swing.
Oh, a chauffeur at the place where I work got fresh.
He socked you? On the level?
Well, not exactly on the level.
From a way down here someplace.
Why, the dirty...
- I'll get him. - What do you mean?
Say, listen. I know a couple of guys who'll do it as a pleasure.
- You wouldn't do anything like that? - I don't do a thing...
...but tell a couple of guys I don't like this bozo.
- Anyhow, you don't know who he is. - All you gotta do is tell me.
I should say not. I don't want you getting in a jam over me.
There's nobody I'd rather get in a jam over.
Well, maybe there's nobody I'd rather keep out of a jam.
- Honest? - Maybe.
I tried to get you at the hospital.
Oh, I'm on private duty now.
- Nights? - Mm-hm.
Then how about a buggy ride some afternoon?
Nurses have reputations.
Oh, I see.
What would you say if I told you I'd quit the racket?
- I'd say I didn't believe you. - Well, I did.
A month ago.
So how about a ride some afternoon? Tomorrow afternoon.
- What do you say? - I'd like to, but I hadn't better.
Oh, come on. I've been crazy to see you ever since that night.
When I go riding...
...it isn't gonna be with anybody that's liable to get shot.
- But I tell you I'm all washed up. - And I tell you I don't believe you.
On the level, sister.
Hey, you. Those two mugs won't wait forever.
Okay, I'm coming.
- Say, we're just going to see the fights. - Mm-hm.
Honest.
I'll find you sometime and prove I'm on the level.
- Hmm. - So long, sister.
[BAND PLAYING JAZZ MUSIC]
- How is she? - She dozed off at last.
Oh, thank goodness.
Say, when did you take to worrying so much?
I didn't realize it was so serious.
It's sort of gotten on my nerves lately.
It's about time.
And I heard something yesterday that I didn't like.
What?
Well, I'll tell you about it when I'm sure it's true.
Lora's late again. She would be. Every time I've had a decent date.
I think I'll blow and let you watch the kids till she comes.
Oh, you mustn't, with Nanny as low as she is.
- I wouldn't know what to do. - Keep your chemise on, I didn't mean it.
If she wakes up, hadn't we better try paregoric?
A lot of good that'll do if she can't retain a Murphy drip.
Oh, I wish Dr. Ranger would come. He'd know what to do.
Yeah. He would, all right.
I wish you'd try a milk bath. My sister Edna saved her baby that way.
- She did, I tell you, I was there. - Well, let's not go into that again.
- But if it worked once... - It was a mistake.
Well, it's about time.
- Good evening. MAXWELL: Good evening.
Where've you been? That rich boyfriend of mine is waiting again.
Is that so? I just saw Eagan downstairs.
He tried to duck, but I saw him.
I thought you was out delivering gin with that crush of yours.
I haven't seen him but once since that night in the drugstore.
Say, look, won't Nanny love that?
Not the way she was feeling today.
- Is she worse? - Yeah, took a nosedive.
I had to send Desney to Mrs. Maxwell's room.
- Nanny can't keep anything down or up. - Did you try a Murphy drip?
- Mm-hm. - Oh, the poor little baby.
- Have you called Dr. Ranger? - Yeah, I can't get him.
He's in Jersey on a case.
Well, I've done all I can do without orders.
You could give her a milk bath. My sister saved her baby with one.
You've got her started again. Well, good night, kid.
And good luck. And if you need me, give me a ring.
LORA: All right.
Why won't you try a milk bath?
LORA: She couldn't absorb nourishment through her pores.
But she might. We could try.
Oh, I didn't realize it was this serious.
- Poor kids, the way we treated them. LORA: Shh. You'll wake her.
Nanny. Nanny.
Look what I brought you.
[MAXWELL CRYING]
Pardon me. Could you tell me where Mrs. Ritchey is?
Say, what's going on here?
- A costume party? - Well, as I live and breathe.
Now, wait a minute. Hold on...
Control yourself, big boy.
- You don't know her. - Yes, I do.
One time, I had a pain and the doctor put a big cone over my face...
...and told me to take a deep breath.
And I did and I floated right up through the cone...
...and when I came out the other end, there she was.
- What have we here? - Why, it's little Miss lodine herself.
Do you know where I can find Mrs. Ritchey? It's important.
Well, if you're soliciting for a hospital, you're too soon.
Mrs. Ritchey won't need you till morning.
[BOTH LAUGHING]
WOMAN: Do you belong here? - Yes. Do you know where Mrs. Ritchey is?
She's the latest innovation.
All the newest household bars have attachable sick nurses.
[BOTH LAUGHING]
What's known as the morning-after pickup.
Pickup, yeah, whatever.
[MAN SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY]
RITCHEY: Mack, go back and be barkeeper.
MACK: Ah, shut up. RITCHEY: Go back and be barkeeper.
Tishy wants a drink.
- Oh, Tishy wants a drink, Mack. - Mrs. Ritchey. Mrs. Ritchey.
- What? - I wanna speak to you.
Yeah? Well, go back of the bar and give Tishy a little drink.
Nanny is very ill. You must come up to the nursery with me.
- What? - Nanny is dangerously ill.
Oh, you're crazy.
Oh, Mrs. Ritchey, I wouldn't come here if it wasn't absolutely necessary.
Don't you understand? Nanny is almost dying.
- It's my duty to make you come. - Ridiculous.
Dr. Ranger is a grand...
...splendid, magnificent doctor.
He's a magnificent doctor. Says she's almost well.
Don't be silly.
Dr. Ranger hasn't been near her for two days.
She's sinking very low. You've got to come with me.
Shh.
Utter confidence in Dr. Ranger. He's a magnificent doctor.
A marvelous doctor.
Says you're an alarmist, an alarmist.
[RITCHEY SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY AND LAUGHS]
He says that I can't see the children...
...because it makes them so nervous and so upset.
Oh, don't you understand? Nanny is dying.
Oh, go back of the bar and give Tishy a little drink.
- Mack, give Tishy a little drink. - Who says I am?
Oh, hello. I remember you.
What are you waving at?
You get out of here. He's mine.
You get out of here.
Dr. Ranger's a stupendous doctor.
And I love my big boy.
Don't stand there staring at me like that.
I'm a dipsomaniac and I'm proud of it.
You hear? I'm a dipsomaniac and I like it.
- I like it. How do you like that? - You're a cruel, inhuman mother.
I'm a dipsomaniac...
You're a rotten parasite, that's what.
Don't blame it on the booze. It's you.
Why do poor little children have to be born to women like you?
- How can l...? - Shut up!
Mack, don't let her hurt my feelings...
You're going up in that nursery if I have to drag you by the hair.
Let go! Mack, stop her.
Here, here, here. Just a minute, now.
Don't you realize that you're getting poor little miss all upset?
Oh, yeah?
Say, you can't...
- Come on, now. - Stop it, let go of me.
- I say stop it. Stop. - Oh, snap out of it.
- Stay on your feet. - Let me alone.
You mother.
MACK: Say, you can't do that.
MAN: Bye-bye.
LORA: Grand 2311.
Hello, is Dr. Bell there?
Oh. Well, do you know where I can find him? I'm Lora Hart, a nurse.
It's very important.
Will he be at the hospital?
When does he come in, tell him Miss Hart wants him to come at once.
Tell him it's vital, because I can't find Dr. Ranger. Thank you.
Hey, sister, where can I find Nick?
Hello.
- Where'd you come from? - I'm delivering.
I thought you quit.
Oh, well, I guess I kind of exaggerated.
- Say, are you working here? - Yes.
And one of my little patients is dying.
Say, you might help me.
- Well, if I can do anything... - Come with me.
Say, is this the dump you got the crack on the chin?
- That doesn't matter now. - Was Nick the guy?
I've got to think of this little child and you've got to help me.
Okay, sister.
Dr. Bell wasn't in.
- Oh, what'll we do? What can we do? - Just wait for Dr. Bell, that's all.
No use sending for an ambulance, Nanny couldn't be moved.
- Say, who is this Bell guy? LORA: Arthur Bell, the surgeon.
Maybe I can find him. I know a couple of guys...
LORA: How could you find him? Nobody can.
I wish for once you'd stop acting as though you knew everything.
- Can't we try a milk bath? LORA: Oh, that wouldn't do any good.
That's what saved my sister's baby.
- It's a crazy idea, but we'll try anything. MAXWELL: Oh, thank God.
But I'll need milk. Ten, 12, 15 quarts of it.
Can you get it?
- Why, where do you buy milk? LORA: In a grocery, a delicatessen.
- Oh, I get you. LORA: Now, hurry, bootlegger.
This has gotta be the fastest delivery ever.
Okay, sister. I know a couple of guys...
Bootlegger.
Come in here, will you?
Where are you?
Where's he gone? Where's our bootlegger?
[SLURRING] He left 10 minutes ago. He won't be back.
That's what's wrong with Prohibition.
Oh, I wish I could find one of those doctors.
Don't get Ranger. I don't like him.
- You don't? - No more.
- Why not? - Had my suspicions confirmed.
What suspicions?
I heard, on the telephone...
What did you hear? Tell me.
- I heard what I heard. - Oh, talk to me.
What did you hear? What about Ranger?
Not talking about him yet.
- It isn't time. - Oh, it is time, if it concerns those kids.
Will you talk to me? It's about Nick, isn't it?
I heard him talking to Dr. Ranger.
All right, you heard him talking to Dr. Ranger.
- What did he say? - To Dr. Ranger.
Oh, will you pay attention to me? What did Nick say to Dr. Ranger?
Nick don't want people to see her when she's drunk.
- Judge will take away the trust fund. - Trust fund?
I had my suspicions.
Is Mrs. Ritchey in charge of the children's trust fund?
Mm-hm.
So that's what they're after.
What's all the noise?
MAXWELL: Nick, you let us alone. Nanny's terribly sick.
Ah, shut up.
What are you up to with that kid?
I'm keeping her resting easily until a doctor comes.
- Have you anything to say about that? - Depends on how you're doing it.
- I'm giving her a milk bath. - Dr. Ranger tell you to?
No, I can't find Dr. Ranger. Strange, isn't it?
Nothing's gonna be done without orders.
Then you get Ranger here so we can place the responsibility where it belongs.
- I'm responsible when he ain't here. - I'll say.
- And I want Ranger's orders carried out. - You'll be responsible for a lot more.
Oh, yeah?
They use electric chairs for the kind of things you're responsible for.
Hey, just what's the idea behind that crack?
Don't you think I know deliberate malpractice when I see it?
- You're speaking right out, ain't you? - Yeah, and I'll make it even plainer.
In your case, I'm talking about murder.
Why, you little...
Keep your bean. If you don't like what Ranger's doing, talk to him.
- Don't bring me in. LORA: You're in already, plenty.
If this baby dies, you're in with Ranger.
Spill it, now. Come on.
How long did you think you could get away with this?
You think because you strong-arm women, you have the brains to put this over?
I had your number the minute I stepped in.
And I've reported my suspicions on the outside.
- Oh, yeah? Spit them out. - You want those kids to die.
- Yeah? - You want what their father left them.
That's why you keep the mother full of booze all the time.
You'll take her out and marry her and grab the trust fund.
- You're not gonna get away with it. - Who said there was a trust fund?
So you've been shooting off your nutty ideas, huh?
- Get out. - Nick, you be careful, now.
Get out!
I'm not afraid of you anymore.
[DOOR CLOSES]
MAXWELL: No, Nick.
[THUMP] [MAXWELL GROANING]
[DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES]
- Now I'll tell you a few things. - Beating me up won't get you any place.
[DRAIN GURGLING]
Poor little Nanny.
Nobody cares whether you live or die.
Gee, if you could only hear me.
I can. And I'm certainly glad I'm here.
- Doctor, you did get my message. - No, I didn't get any message from you.
But from a strange man, a most extraordinary fellow.
What man?
He said if I couldn't see my way clear getting here...
...he'd call around some evening with a couple of friends and take me for a ride.
- Did he say that? - Yes, he did.
And I didn't like the way he said it, either.
- Now, what's the trouble here? - Oh, she's low, doctor.
Very low.
- Do you think there's anything we can do? - Only one thing.
- A blood transfusion, and in a hurry. - Take mine.
I'm type 4A. I've been typed.
- But we don't know the baby's type. - I know it, it's 4A.
Oh, doctor, we've got to hurry.
Who's got to hurry?
- Who are you? - It's Nick, the chauffeur.
Oh, yeah.
I'm Dr. Bell.
We're about to give a transfusion and I ask you to keep out.
You're not on this case. You better get out.
Now, listen, this is a matter of life and death.
- I'd run along if I was you. - Oh, I can't be bothered with you... oh!
Oh, you dirty, lousy...
oh!
Hey, you.
Yeah, I mean you. Get out of here.
Come on, and make it snappy.
That's a good girl. Splendid.
Oh, l... Did I wake you? I'm sorry.
- How do you feel? LORA: All right, I guess.
- How's Nanny? - She's responded beautifully.
She'll pull out of it this time.
- Hello, Nanny. - Hello, Lora.
LORA: Daylight. My goodness, have I been asleep that long?
Yes, and a good thing too.
You better go right home and go back to bed.
Losing all that blood can make you feel pretty miserable.
I can't. I have to hurry and get dressed.
- I'm going to the police station first. BELL: Police?
Can't you see? I've got all the proof I need now.
And I'm going to the bat for you.
LORA: Gee, doctor, you're swell.
[YAWNS]
No, just sleepy.
[CHUCKLES]
[BOOTLEGGER SNORING]
Cuckoo.
Oh. You.
Ah, go on, let me in, will you?
You know me, I've been here before. Tony knows me too.
- Hey, what are you trying to pull? - Nothing.
Only, you make any joint look like a speakeasy.
- Oh, Dr. Bell. - Take good care of Nanny, Maloney.
She's had a blood transfusion. Keep in touch with me every hour.
Well, how about Dr. Ranger?
I'm going to settle with him once and for all. I'm going to engage a new night nurse.
A night nurse? What's the matter with you?
Well, it's a certainty Mrs. Ritchey will not want Lora around...
...after she learns what Lora has decided to do.
- Are you gonna sign a warrant? - Lf it's the last thing I ever do.
Don't be a fool. You'll never get another job.
One jam like this and even the patients are leery of you.
Will you give me a lift downtown? I'm in a hurry.
Give you a lift? I've been waiting for the chance.
Well, how about a date tonight?
You're not much to look at, but you do have a way of showing up when you're needed.
- Come here. - By the way, what's your name?
- Mortie. - Glad to meet you.
- Mine's Lora Hart. - It's the last name I like.
You won't be able to drive with one arm.
Sure I will. When I say shift, shift.
[WHISTLE BLOWS]
Shift.
Hey, stupe, look where you're going.
Try again.
- Happy? - Uh-huh.
- But there's one thing. - What?
I hate to think of Nick being arrested and that dirt coming out in court...
...on account of those little kids.
[SIREN WAILING]
You know, I've just been thinking.
- Maybe Nick won't be arrested. - Why not?
I ain't seen him around since last night.
- Think he's run away? - No.
- Well, what do you think? - I ain't got an idea.
Only, I happened to be talking to a couple of guys...
- What difference does that make? - Nothing.
Only, I happened to mention I didn't like Nick so good.
[SIREN WAILING]
[TIRES SCREECHING]
[BRAKES SQUEAL]
- What is it, for us? - Nope, for the morgue.
Some guy got taken for a ride.
Bootlegger?
No, he was wearing a chauffeur's uniform.
[WHISTLE BLOWS]
Shift.
[CAR HORN HONKING]
[ENGLISH SDH]