- 2 days ago
A thought-provoking drama from 1948 that explores the controversial intersection of science, medicine, morality, and society. As new scientific possibilities raise difficult questions, the story examines the consequences of pushing the boundaries of medical experimentation.
Test Tube Babies offers a fascinating look at how mid-century cinema portrayed scientific discovery, social values, and the fears surrounding new medical technology. A compelling classic for fans of vintage cinema, dramatic stories, and films exploring controversial ideas.
Test Tube Babies offers a fascinating look at how mid-century cinema portrayed scientific discovery, social values, and the fears surrounding new medical technology. A compelling classic for fans of vintage cinema, dramatic stories, and films exploring controversial ideas.
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FunTranscript
00:00The End
00:31The End
01:06The End
01:35The End
02:08The End
02:16The End
02:26The End
02:38The End
03:05Boy, this is a life
03:07It is lovely, isn't it?
03:10I hate the thought of driving back to the city
03:13It is too bad it can't last
03:16Why can't it?
03:19Why can't things be like always?
03:22We do get along well, Kathy, don't we?
03:25Yes, George
03:28Well, I guess people would think us silly
03:30What do you think I'd be like a junior architect
03:31What do you mean, George?
03:33I'm only a junior architect
03:36Well, what's wrong with that?
03:39Just that a junior doesn't make the big money
03:42You make more than enough to support a family
03:50Then you've thought about it, Billy?
03:51Of course, Billy
03:52Do you think I'd keep seeing you if I hadn't?
03:55Think you could be happy with me?
03:57I know I will
03:58Well, that was easier than I thought it would be
04:00That isn't the way I imagined I'd be proposed to either
04:02Just so we'll have a good story to tell our grandchildren
04:31Well, that was easier than I thought it would be
04:34Well, that was easier than I thought it would be
05:04Well, that was easier than I thought it would be
05:45Well, that was easier than I thought it would be
05:45You should say, George
05:46Well, that was easier than I thought it would be
05:49Well, that was easier than I thought it would be
06:04Realty, how can I tell you?
06:04Hmm. Is this the menu?
06:07Doesn't look like there's much to eat this morning.
06:10Oh, is that so?
06:11Well, you just close your eyes.
06:14Close my eyes? What for?
06:16Just close your eyes.
06:23Now?
06:24Now.
06:26Strawberries and cream.
06:27Mm-hmm.
06:31Honey!
06:32Honey!
06:33Young lady, what's the occasion for all this attention?
06:37Oh, I just saw them in the market yesterday and thought you would like some.
06:42Do you realize this is my favorite breakfast?
06:45Of course, darling.
06:47Do you realize this is the first time you've served them to me since our honeymoon?
06:51Yes, darling.
06:53And do you realize that was nearly a year ago?
06:56Yes, darling.
06:58Well, then, why haven't we had them more often?
07:00Well, darling, strawberries don't grow in the snow.
07:03There's no excuse.
07:14You've been happy, sweet?
07:16Very happy.
07:17No regrets?
07:18None, darling.
07:24Do you have to work tonight, George?
07:27I really should.
07:28Why, honey?
07:29You've been working so hard lately.
07:31Can't you take tonight off?
07:33Why?
07:33Do you have anything in mind?
07:35Darling, do you remember?
07:36We're supposed to go to Bill and Janet's baby shower this evening.
07:40Baby shower?
07:41I thought they just had a baby.
07:42Are they rabbits?
07:44You goof.
07:44This is for the Grayson's baby.
07:46Don't you remember anything?
07:48Oh, sure.
07:49I've forgotten.
07:50Well, all right.
07:51I enjoy things like that.
07:52Say, why don't we see those kids more often?
07:54It seems like they're always busy with their families.
07:57They don't have time to get out with the gang anymore.
08:00Maybe they don't want to.
08:01Why shouldn't they want to?
08:03Honestly, Kathy, do you really enjoy these parties we've been going to?
08:07Not especially, George.
08:09But we have to have some recreation.
08:10I agree, but they do so much drinking lately.
08:14I know most of them drink a lot, but they're just having a good time.
08:19Kathy, that isn't all.
08:20What do you mean, darling?
08:22Well, sometimes they go a little too far.
08:24I'm interested in someone else's life, and I don't want someone else making passes at my wife.
08:29Nobody's making passes at me, darling.
08:32I don't mean you, but I've seen plenty.
08:35Take Frank Grover, for instance.
08:37I know he's a friend of mine, but I can't get used to the way he tries to take over
08:40every girl he sees.
08:42You take things too seriously.
08:44I'm sure he doesn't mean anything wrong.
08:46Well, maybe not, but he takes in a little too much territory.
08:49You're just jealous.
08:50Just because Frank's single and can run around with as many girls as he wants, you think he's a wolf.
08:55Well, if he's not a wolf, how can he give such a good imitation?
08:58Oh, George, let's not quarrel about Frank.
09:01He isn't that important.
09:03Okay, sweet.
09:04I still don't like these parties, though.
09:07I know, darling.
09:08I really don't enjoy them much either.
09:10Well, what else can we do for entertainment?
09:12You work late so often, and when you do come home early, you breathe with you.
09:17Maybe I have been neglecting you, sweet, but it's just because I want to make a real home for you.
09:23I'd like a nice place, too, but I'd like to have you take enough time off to enjoy it with
09:28me.
09:28I guess it is pretty dull for you at that.
09:31I'll try to take enough time off from my work so we can be together more.
09:35Speaking of work, I'd better get going.
09:37Oh, I forgot to tell you, Frank Grover's coming over this morning.
09:40He's going to take me to work.
09:41What on earth for?
09:42It's about a divorce case he's handling.
09:44The husband works in my office, and Frank has to pick up some papers.
09:48Well, speak of the devil.
09:49Never mind, honey.
09:50I'll get her.
09:56How are you, Frank?
09:57I'm at death's door.
09:59I went to a little social gathering last night, and the lemonade just about killed me.
10:04You'd better ease off on that lemonade, chum.
10:06We're getting to get the best of you.
10:08Oh, I'll be all right.
10:09I'm just a little short on sleep, that's all.
10:13Well, who was at the party last night?
10:15Oh, everybody you know.
10:16The usual crowd.
10:18How come you and Kathy weren't there?
10:20Work.
10:21You and your midnight oil.
10:23What are you trying to do, knock yourself out?
10:28And tell me, how do you keep that beautiful wife of yours entertained while you're working?
10:33Oh, Kathy doesn't mind.
10:34She knows I'm working for our future.
10:35Good morning, Frank.
10:36Oh, I feel great.
10:40Hey, you look terrific, Kathy.
10:43Are you going to Bill and Janet's baby party this evening?
10:46Baby party?
10:47Stop it, Kathy.
10:48You don't really expect me to sit around drinking tea all evening.
10:52Besides, I get the jitters around these people that get themselves all wrapped up in their kids.
10:56Why, Frank, what's the matter with children?
10:59What are you getting so defensive about, Kathy?
11:02You and George aren't thinking about the pattern of little feet, are you?
11:05I don't think having children is such a bad idea.
11:07Oh, are you ready to go?
11:10Oh, say, I almost forgot.
11:11Are you two going to the country club dance this Friday?
11:14Lord, Frank, I don't see how we can make it.
11:16Next Friday catches me right in the middle of my month in reports.
11:19I'm sorry, I know Kathy would like to go.
11:22Well, why not?
11:23If I do, will you get me home early?
11:25Sure, Kathy, anything you say.
11:28Go ahead, Frank, I'll be right on.
11:30Okay.
11:31Goodbye, Kathy.
11:33What is this, Kathy?
11:34Hey, who are you going to step out on me?
11:36Don't be silly, George.
11:38If you didn't have to work, we could go together.
11:40You don't mind if I go by myself, do you?
11:42Frank will bring me home early.
11:44Darling, how can you want to go with Frank?
11:47Oh, Frank's bark is worse than his bite.
11:49I don't think he's nearly as bad as he's supposed to be.
11:52Anyway, I can take care of myself.
11:55Now, you better get going, darling.
11:57We can talk about it tonight if you want.
12:34Hello?
12:36Oh, hello, George.
12:38No, I just got here.
12:40No, he's still here with me.
12:42What?
12:43I said I'd be home in a few moments.
12:45You better get that gigolo out before I get there,
12:47or I'll kick him out myself.
13:07Uh-oh.
13:14What's the matter, sugar?
13:16George is pretty sore about you being here
13:18Maybe you had better leave, Frank
13:19The indignant husband, eh?
13:22Catherine, you make me feel melodramatic
13:24Or maybe it's just mellow
13:27Frank, George is all right
13:30He doesn't mean... he's just...
13:32Just a husband
13:34Is that it, Kathy?
13:36Frank, you know that's not what I mean
13:38I think you'd better go
13:39Thanks for everything
13:42Kathy, you precious
13:44Okay
13:45Kiss you a gigolo, good night
13:58Frank, you shouldn't have
14:00Why did you do that?
14:22Well, did you enjoy yourself?
14:25Mm-hmm
14:25I would have enjoyed myself more if you'd been there, though
14:28Why?
14:30Did Frank run out of gas and make you walk?
14:32Or did he just make you?
14:33Don't be stupid, George
14:35Frank is just a friend
14:36He knows I'm your wife
14:37He wouldn't try to play around with me
14:39Oh, no
14:40No, of course not
14:42He's a perfect little angel
14:43He wouldn't touch a hair on your head
14:45Unless you thought he could get away with it
14:46Well, I'm not going to argue about it
14:49I'm too tired
14:49I think I'll get ready for bed
15:04I should think that even if you don't trust Frank
15:07You could trust me
15:10I know, Kathy
15:11It's just that I know Frank's tricks
15:13And I worry
15:15I've seen him in action, you know
15:28Well, darling
15:29You don't have to worry about me
15:31I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself
15:34And if the occasion should arise
15:35I can take care of Frank, too
15:38I hope so, sweet
15:45Anyway, darling
15:46I only went with him to make you jealous
15:50So that's your alibi
15:52Okay
15:54Come around here where I can see you
15:57Hey, you look sharp in that thing
15:59Well, I saved it to wear for you
16:02You better
16:02It's your own fault
16:04The one you got for my birthday
16:05It's a good thing I'm your husband
16:07The way you talk
16:09George, what did you think of Bill and Janet's baby shower the other night?
16:15What's the matter, honey?
16:16Trying to change the subject?
16:18No, darling
16:18But I was just wondering if you'd want to be a father, too
16:21After seeing how proud and happy Bill was
16:24Why, sure, darling
16:25But what brought this on?
16:27Well, I was just wondering
16:28About what you were seeing the other day
16:30I mean about having a real family of our own
16:33I remember, Kathy
16:34I meant it, too
16:36Well, then, darling
16:37Can't we have our baby now?
16:40I mean, can't we start planning on having our baby?
16:43I'd like to have him soon
16:44It's kind of lonely around here when you're not home
16:47Anyway, I think you'd look cute changing your diapers when you come home at night
16:52You already decided we're going to have a heat
16:55Well, I thought we could have a boy now
16:58Then after a while, we could give him a little sister to play with
17:01We could make a nursery out of your bedroom easily
17:03Hold on, wait a minute
17:04Let's get Junior on his way before we start worrying about his sister
17:08Besides, what if Junior's a girl?
17:10I never thought about that
17:12And what if he is?
17:13We'll just have to keep on trying until Junior comes along
17:16Okay, darling, okay
17:18But really, Kathy, I want a family as much as you do
17:21You know, darling, you talk a lot about wanting a family
17:25Don't you know the talk won't get you anywhere?
17:29Woman, what are you hinting?
17:32George, I'm sleepy
17:35Let's go to bed
17:38Sleepy, huh?
17:41Go to bed
17:43Talk won't get me anywhere
17:45Indeed
17:59George
18:01Uh-huh
18:02You meant what you said last night, didn't you?
18:05I mean, it wasn't just last night, was it?
18:08Certainly I meant it
18:09But then we can go ahead and plan on the baby
18:11I mean, we're going to have Junior
18:13You're going to have Junior?
18:14You are?
18:16Kathy
18:16Do you feel all right?
18:18Do you want me to call the doctor?
18:20Well, it seems like Prince Charming has deserted me
18:23I trust he doesn't think he can get away with it for the rest of the evening
18:27Well, Don will see that those two don't spend too much time together
18:30I doubt that this Don person will be with us much longer
18:34He's quite disgustingly drunk, isn't he?
18:37Well, Don can go on like that for our work
18:39Wait till he tries his magic tricks on you
18:42Here he comes now
18:46Heal
18:48And you
18:50How about cutting a rug, gorgeous?
18:52Cutting a rug?
18:53I'm afraid I don't understand, Mr. Williams
18:55He may be delighted to dance, Mr. LaForge
18:58This is the first time I ever need an interpreter to talk to my babe
19:02My dear Miss Williams
19:04I am not yours and I most certainly am not a babe
19:07If you must be entirely Clivean, kindly direct your attention elsewhere
19:11Okay, babe, no offense
19:13My dear sir
19:15Rather than using your energies on me
19:17I would suggest you pay a little more attention to your wife
19:36Ah, they look real cozy, don't they?
19:39That Frank is quite a card
19:41Please, let me know
19:45Have you seen my latest card trick here, huh?
19:48Mr. Williams, please
19:49I haven't the slightest interest in your prestidigitation
19:52My prestidigitation
19:55I didn't expect you to be interested in my prestidigitation
19:58I just wanted to show you my card trick
20:01Never mind, Don
20:02Why don't you show Phil your card trick?
20:04Okay, Kathy
20:05See you later, babe
20:10Hi, people
20:11Got any more of that hilarity juice?
20:13Sure, Don
20:13I'll make you one
20:14Don, this is Jerry
20:16Yeah, you're really cute
20:19Here, take one
20:20Pick any one of them
20:21Okay, Don
20:22Now what do I do?
20:24Show it to everybody
20:29What do I do now, Don?
20:31Put it back on the deck
20:32Okay
20:35Hold them tight
20:41What do I do now?
20:46Some trick
20:46Some trick
20:47Some trick
20:48Some trick
20:51My God
20:55You're quite a magician, Don
20:59You're quite a girl, beautiful
21:03How did your audience like the performance, Mr. Williams?
21:07Oh, fine
21:08Fine
21:09Say, how about you and me are cutting the rug?
21:11I told you before, Mr. Williams
21:13No, thank you
21:14Oh, that's all right
21:16You're quite welcome
21:20Say, baby
21:28Why don't we sit the rest of this one out?
21:30I've got things to tell you
21:31And this isn't the place for it
21:34Oh, that's what I call real interesting
21:37What were you going to tell me?
21:38Oh, you've got beautiful eyes
21:42You have a beautiful mouth
21:46You have beautiful shoulders
21:48Mmm, and before you go any further
21:51Let's get a drink
21:52Okay, come on
22:03It seems I'm deserted after all
22:05I doubt if Frank took What's-Her-Name
22:07Into that other room
22:08To teach her legal tricks
22:09Oh, they'll be back in a minute
22:11Maybe they just wanted to get away from the music for a while
22:14They had better come back
22:16To where the music is
22:23Now, this is real cozy
22:25Real cozy
22:26Well, darling
22:27How about a drink?
22:29Thanks
22:30Let's have a toast
22:33Here's to it and to it again
22:35If you don't do it when you get to it
22:37I hope you never get to it to do it again
22:49Broad and winded, isn't he?
23:01Hey
23:03Say what?
23:05Am I interrupting?
23:06Yeah, beat it
23:14You're not late
23:17Oh, now that's what I call music
23:26You know, you remind me of a gal I saw once in a burlesque show
23:29I'll bet you could do as well as she could
23:32Hmm, think I couldn't?
23:35Why don't you try it?
23:36I'll bet the gang would get a big kick out of it
23:38Okay, I will
23:39Come on
23:41Hold everything, gang
23:42Hold it
23:43Betty's going to show us how they dance at the better burlet concert
23:49Go ahead, baby
23:50That's your cue
24:00Say, look at that
24:01That's all right
24:03If my little honey needs a button
24:05Hold everything, babe
24:07I'll be right there
24:08Uh, let's go
24:10I'll be right there
24:11I'll be right there
24:29Come on
24:31or do you mind?
24:33Come on
24:37stop
24:58I guess I'd better poke my coat.
25:02Take it easy, boy.
25:03It's all over.
25:04How was that?
25:05Pretty good, huh?
25:06Pretty good, huh?
25:07Magnificent, Don.
25:09Hey, that calls for a drink, pal.
25:11Here, drink it down.
25:12You need it.
25:14You're a real pal.
25:23Attaboy!
25:25Oh, no.
25:26Hey, Phil, take care of him, will you?
25:31Where is my hero going now?
25:33As though I couldn't guess.
25:35Oh, he's just taking their clothes into her.
25:37He'll be right back.
25:39He'd better.
25:39This farce has gone quite far enough.
25:51Well, that's the end of Don's tricks for tonight.
25:53I guess I'll have to show you my tricks.
25:56Don't tell me you do tricks.
25:57Sure.
25:59Just look.
26:01Say, is that gin?
26:02Sure.
26:03You gonna drink it?
26:04You just wait and see.
26:15Hey, you're terrific.
26:19Oh, Phil, I'm all wet.
26:22What shall I do now?
26:23I guess you'll have to take off that dress and let it dry.
26:26I haven't anything under it.
26:28Not anything?
26:29Well, it's me.
26:32Wait, there's Don's shirt.
26:34You can put that on.
26:35I guess you'll have to take off that dress and let it dry.
26:38Oh, Phil.
26:44Oh, Phil.
26:45Oh, Phil.
26:47Oh, Phil.
26:52Oh, Phil.
26:53Oh, Phil.
26:57Oh, Phil.
26:59Oh, Phil.
27:00Oh, Phil.
27:02Oh, Phil.
27:08How do I look?
27:11Mmm.
27:11Cozy, I'd say.
27:13Mmm.
27:23Hello.
27:24Hello, George.
27:26Darling.
27:27Can you come home right away?
27:28What's the matter, Kathy?
27:32Okay, I'm on my way.
27:46Look at that.
27:48Wipe the lipstick off your face, darling.
27:50That shade is a little too vongar.
27:53What's the matter, dearie?
27:55Can't you stand a little competition?
27:57I can compete with any stripper.
27:59Amateur or otherwise.
28:01Stripper, huh?
28:02Say, now I remember you.
28:05I thought I'd seen that bleached mop before.
28:08Dolores Lafleur.
28:10Dolly flowers of the star and garter, wasn't it?
28:13Sorry, I didn't recognize you with your clothes on.
28:16Frank, you've been slumming a cane.
28:19Why, you cheap tramp.
28:25Come on.
28:26Come on.
28:29Come on.
28:30Come on.
28:31Come on.
28:31Come on.
28:31Come on.
28:31Let's go.
28:31Here we go.
28:31Ray, can't you just get right here?
28:34Let's go.
28:36Come on.
28:47Come on, let's go.
28:54Come on.
28:56Come on.
29:07Come on, let's go.
29:18Come on.
29:24Come on, let's go.
29:43What's going on?
29:44All right, Grover, you take over from here.
29:46Get these girls presentable, then the whole bunch of you clear out of here.
29:48I mean it.
29:49And take Don with you.
29:57Stop it, Kathy.
30:01It's all right.
30:02They're leaving now.
30:04Oh, George, it was so terrible.
30:07Everything went wrong.
30:10Well, darling, I don't like to say I told you so, but I did tell you.
30:15You know that.
30:15Oh, George, please, let's not quote about it.
30:19You realize, Kathy, that we'll never have another party like this again.
30:23I never want another party like this.
30:26Kathy, what's happening to us?
30:28Why are we breaking up?
30:29We are, you know.
30:32Neither one of us is happy.
30:33I love you, Kathy.
30:35You know that, don't you?
30:36I know you love me.
30:38It isn't that.
30:39I just feel that in some way our marriage isn't complete.
30:43That we weren't meant to be married either.
30:45Somehow I feel that if we were, we'd have the children we want.
30:48Just as other people do.
30:50Oh, I'm all mixed up.
30:52Do you mean that you want a divorce, Kathy?
30:55Oh, no, George.
30:56I don't think I want a divorce.
30:59I don't know what to think or what I want except real family.
31:03Children of my own.
31:06I guess we're willing to settle for these parties as long as they were fun, but they aren't fun anymore.
31:12I guess we need a family.
31:15George, I think I'll go to a doctor in the next few days.
31:19What for, darling?
31:20Well, we've been married long enough now so that something should have happened.
31:24The other day I was talking to Mother and she asked me when she was going to be a grandmother.
31:30George, I told her I didn't know.
31:32Oh, and what did she say?
31:34Not very much.
31:36I asked her what she thought I should do about it.
31:38And she said that if I were really worried, why didn't I go to a doctor?
31:42Yeah?
31:43Did she say any doctor in particular?
31:45Well, she told me about a doctor right downtown.
31:49She said he's a very good obstetrician and genic...
31:53Genicologist?
31:54That's it.
31:55Anyway, I thought that going to see him wouldn't do any harm.
31:58Do you think we should?
31:59No, I don't think so, but...
32:02They'll probably tell you there's nothing wrong, but what do we have to lose?
32:06Anyway, it would be better than going on like this.
32:09Oh, George, I do so want a baby, and I want to make you happy, too.
32:14I know, darling.
32:16We'll phone from the point first thing Monday morning.
32:18We'll forget this old party ever happened.
32:20Will that make you happy, darling?
32:22Yes, George.
32:24Doctor is expecting you to give me a good idea.
32:32Good afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Bennett.
32:34Yes, doctor, this is Mrs. Bennett.
32:36How do you do?
32:36Please sit down.
32:39I judged from our telephone conversation that you and Mr. Bennett are having difficulty in starting your family.
32:46Well, yes, doctor.
32:47We thought that possibly you could tell us what's wrong.
32:50I mean, so many of our friends are having children while we aren't.
32:53Do you suppose you could find out what the trouble is?
32:56Possibly.
32:57I think the first thing will be to give you an examination.
32:59Would you mind waiting in the other room, please, Mr. Bennett?
33:01Sure.
33:07Will you prepare, Mrs. Bennett, for an examination, Miss Mason?
33:10Yes, ma'am.
33:24Will you remove your things behind that screen, Mrs. Bennett?
33:27All of them?
33:28I think so.
34:09Are you ready, Mrs. Bennett?
34:11Well, I haven't any clothes on.
34:12Will you step into this gown, please?
34:16Now, will you just sit on the table, please?
34:37Good blaster.
34:55Sit down, Mrs. Bennett.
34:59How does it look to you, doctor?
35:02Mrs. Bennett, I can see no reason at all for you to worry about your physical condition,
35:07nor about your ability to bear children.
35:09But, doctor, if there is nothing the matter with me, why aren't my husband and I having
35:14the children we want?
35:15Are we just unlucky?
35:17Luck, as you call it, may be the reason in your case, Mrs. Bennett.
35:22But then again, there might be other factors involved.
35:25I think while Mr. Bennett is here, we'd better ask him to come in.
35:28But surely you aren't suggesting that there is something wrong with George, are you, doctor?
35:33Don't be alarmed, my dear.
35:36I'm only suggesting that we be sure of our facts before we attempt to arrive at a solution
35:40of your problem.
35:41All right, doctor.
35:48How was it, sweet?
35:49Was everything all right?
35:50Uh-huh.
35:51He wants to see you, George.
35:52Why?
35:53What for?
35:53I guess he wants to examine you, too.
35:56Well, I guess it's all right.
35:57I'll be back shortly.
36:03Sit down, Mr. Bennett.
36:04I'd like to ask you a few questions.
36:06All right, doctor.
36:07Mr. Bennett, have you ever had any form of venereal disease?
36:12No, doctor.
36:13I never had anything like that.
36:15Months?
36:15No.
36:17Any serious injury?
36:19No, doctor.
36:20Why, do you think it's me?
36:22Mr. Bennett, for my examination of Mrs. Bennett, I can find no apparent reason why she should
36:27not become a mother.
36:29We can only surmise that you may be the reason for your trouble.
36:33But, doctor, what shall I do?
36:36Take this card to Dr. Farrell, whose office is in this building.
36:41He's a very competent urologist, and one who specializes in that particular phase of
36:45your problem.
36:47He will examine you and send his report to me.
36:50If you can come in tomorrow at, say, two o'clock, I'll have all the facts, and she'll
36:54be able to give you your answer.
36:56You'd better bring Mrs. Bennett with you.
36:58Certainly, doctor.
36:59I'll see you tomorrow, then.
37:04Mr. Mason, will you make an appointment for Mr. and Mrs. Bennett at two tomorrow, please?
37:11Yes, doctor.
37:37Dr. Wright, we'll see you now, Mr. Bennett.
37:39See you later, honey.
37:47Have you found out anything yet, doctor?
37:50Yes, I have, Mr. Bennett.
37:56I guess that means that it's me that I'm sterile.
38:01I'm afraid that's the word I was going to have to use, Mr. Bennett, from the looks of
38:05this report.
38:06Being sterile means that I can never become a father?
38:10I'm afraid that in your particular case, Mr. Bennett, that that is what these findings
38:14mean.
38:15What do you mean my particular case, Dr. Wright?
38:19Isn't there some way I can get around this?
38:22No, there isn't.
38:23In some cases, operations or medication or other treatment may be beneficial.
38:29In others, this sort of thing is without help.
38:32Unfortunately, according to the report of your urologist, you fall into this latter classification.
38:38I don't understand that, doctor.
38:40I always thought I was perfectly normal.
38:43At least I seem to be normal.
38:46Yes, I understand.
38:47It is quite common for a male to have a normal sex reaction in every way and still be sterile.
38:54I might explain that to each drop of male reproductive fluid known as semen, there are as many as 15
39:00million tiny sperms, each in itself capable of inducing pregnancy.
39:06Enough of them could be housed in a thimble to father the entire world ten times over.
39:12In some cases of temporary sterility, the sperm count may drop as low as 20 or 30,000 sperms
39:19to the drop of semen.
39:20In these cases, treatment may be effective.
39:23Isn't there treatment I can take?
39:25No, Mr. Bennett.
39:26According to this report, your sperms are all completely inactive, or to put it bluntly,
39:33dead.
39:35Oh, I see.
39:38Well, I guess that's that.
39:41You know, Dr. Wright, that throws a lot of our plans out the window.
39:45I'm sorry, Mr. Bennett.
39:47Would you like to bring Mrs. Bennett in?
39:49Dr. Wright, I hope you won't think I'm a coward, but I'd sure appreciate it if it helped me tell
39:54her.
39:55Certainly.
39:56I can quite appreciate your feelings.
39:58You may call her in.
40:05Well, it's about time.
40:07I thought you had deserted me.
40:09George, what's the matter?
40:10Dr. Wright would like to see both of us, darling.
40:13All right, but what's wrong?
40:21Sit down, please.
40:23Both of you.
40:26George, what's the matter?
40:30Kathy, would you mind if we didn't have Junior?
40:32You mean we can't have children right away?
40:34Oh, George.
40:36I mean, we can't have children at all, dear.
40:39Why not?
40:40What Mr. Bennett is trying to say is that he is incapable of fatherhood.
40:47No, doctor, you can't be serious.
40:49I'm afraid I am, Mrs. Bennett.
40:52I guess we'll just have to adopt our family, Kathy.
40:55I won't.
40:56I don't want a ready-made family.
40:58If I'm going to have children, I want them to be mine, my own.
41:02But darling, what else can we do?
41:04Dr. Wright says I'm sterile.
41:06He must know what he's talking about.
41:08I suppose so.
41:11I don't know what to say, Kathy, except that I'm sorry.
41:15If you two have decided against adoption, there may be something I can do.
41:20That is, if you want your own child.
41:22Why, doctor, you don't think...
41:24No, no, Mrs. Bennett.
41:25You misunderstand me.
41:26Hey, let me read you this letter by way of explanation.
41:31Dear Dr. Wright,
41:32I'm writing you this letter on my daughter's first birthday.
41:35Today, my husband and I are so happy
41:38and cannot express to you the gratitude
41:40we feel for telling us about artificial insemination
41:43and helping us to have our baby.
41:46Nothing in our lives has given us such happiness,
41:48and when I look at baby Dorothy,
41:51I bless God that we were sent to you.
41:53My husband joins me in wishing you the greatest of success
41:56in your fine work.
41:59Well, what do you think?
42:00Does that appeal to you?
42:02I don't understand even yet.
42:04What is this artificial insemination thing?
42:08Have you ever heard of it before, George?
42:12Seems to me I've heard it mentioned before.
42:14It sounds as though it might be connected
42:16with what you were telling me a few minutes ago, Dr. Wright.
42:19Well, yes, in a way it is.
42:22It consists, in effect,
42:24of removing semen from a normal, healthy man
42:27and implanting it in a receptive woman.
42:30Pregnancy takes place as in normal conception,
42:33and a normal birth is the result.
42:36To all intents and purposes,
42:37this method is the same as in normal conception,
42:40except, of course,
42:41that the mother never sees the donor.
42:43How can that be, Doctor?
42:44I thought that...
42:46No, no, Mrs. Bennett.
42:47Contact between the father and the mother
42:49is not necessary,
42:50nor, in this case, desirable.
42:53The male fluid is withdrawn from the donor
42:55and stored under refrigeration
42:57until it is needed.
42:58At that time,
42:59it is introduced into the prospective mother
43:01by artificial means.
43:02That is, by syringe
43:04or by means of a capsule.
43:06Oh, I see.
43:08What about the selection of the father?
43:10How can you tell it?
43:11Is donor the word you use?
43:13Is satisfactory?
43:15We do that by examining his background.
43:18We look for the same qualities
43:20and characteristics in him
43:21and in his family background
43:23that we would want to appear in the child.
43:25If his family history reveals
43:27certain admirable traits,
43:29either physical or mental,
43:31we can be sure that these same traits
43:33will appear in him
43:34and in his children.
43:42You see,
43:44each male sperm cell
43:46and each female egg
43:49consist of 24 sections
43:51called chromosomes.
43:53Now, each of these chromosomes
43:54is the determining factor
43:56in some part or phase of the infant.
43:58One chromosome might cause the baby
44:01to have black hair.
44:02Another might determine
44:04whether his eyes would be blue or brown.
44:06And still another would be
44:07the determining factor
44:08in regard to his size.
44:15But, Dr. Wright,
44:17has there been much work done
44:18in this artificial insemination field?
44:21I mean, is it just a theoretical thing
44:23or has it been done before?
44:24A tremendous amount of work
44:26has been done
44:26in artificial insemination,
44:28Mrs. Bennett.
44:29I'll admit that up to the past few years,
44:31a great majority of it
44:33has been done with livestock.
44:34But the results
44:35with all sorts of animals
44:37and lately with human beings
44:38have been exceedingly gratifying.
44:41One more thing, Dr. Wright.
44:42Is there any danger in this?
44:44The only possible source of danger
44:46in artificial insemination,
44:48Mr. Bennett,
44:49is the same danger
44:50that is present
44:51in ordinary childbirth.
44:52In the hands of a competent gynecologist,
44:55however,
44:55the patient is perfectly safe.
44:57Well, Dr. Wright,
44:58I think my wife and I
44:59better have a talk about this
45:00before we decide anything.
45:03Thank you for your help, Dr. Wright.
45:04We'll let you know what we decide.
45:06All right.
45:06Give what I told you
45:07careful consideration, though.
45:09Goodbye.
45:10Goodbye, Dr. Wright.
45:10Goodbye, Dr. Wright.
45:15Mason,
45:16will you bring in the files
45:17on our insemination donors, please?
45:23Dr. Wright certainly was something
45:25to think about, didn't he?
45:27What do you think
45:27we ought to do, Kathy?
45:29I don't know, darling.
45:31I want baby terribly,
45:32but having someone else
45:34as its father
45:35doesn't seem right.
45:37I'd rather you have a baby
45:38that way than
45:39have you as unhappy
45:40as you've been
45:41and take the risk
45:42of losing you.
45:45Besides,
45:45it would be your baby,
45:46which is more than we could say
45:47for an adopted child.
45:49I think if it's all right with you,
45:51I'll ask Mother
45:52what she thinks of it.
45:53Certainly.
45:54I think that's good.
45:57Your mother's
45:57an intelligent woman
45:58and having her tell us
46:00what she thinks
46:00might help us decide.
46:02All right, darling.
46:03I'll ask her
46:04to come over tomorrow.
46:05Now, I'd better
46:06get us some dinner.
46:12And the doctor assured us
46:14that this artificial insemination
46:16wouldn't be dangerous.
46:17Tell me, Mother,
46:18what do you think
46:19we should do?
46:19I want a baby of my own,
46:21but I'm not sure
46:22that I wouldn't feel guilty
46:23every time I look at it.
46:25Why should you feel guilty, Kathy?
46:27Naturally,
46:28it wouldn't be George's baby,
46:29but he understands that.
46:32I know that George
46:33will understand.
46:34He knows already
46:35how badly
46:36I want my own baby,
46:37but I'm a little worried
46:38of what he may think
46:39in the future.
46:40Darling,
46:41you're being
46:41a little bit silly.
46:43You know that George
46:44loves you now,
46:45if only from the fact
46:46that he's willing
46:47to let you have a baby
46:48through this artificial
46:50insemination.
46:51Then you think
46:52we should go through
46:52with this.
46:53I certainly do.
46:55It's obvious
46:56that you not only
46:57want a baby,
46:58you need one.
47:00We're getting neurotic
47:01done about this business.
47:02That's a relief
47:03to know that you think
47:04we should have a baby
47:05as the doctor suggested.
47:07I was worried
47:08about several things.
47:09George,
47:10myself,
47:11what all are for think.
47:12Why should they know?
47:13None of them knows
47:14of George's inability
47:15to be a father.
47:16Do they?
47:18No,
47:18of course not.
47:20Then you don't think
47:20we should let them know
47:21that George isn't
47:22the father of our baby
47:23when we have it?
47:24I don't think
47:25it's any of their business.
47:27There's no reason
47:27for anyone to know
47:29that it isn't George's child
47:30as well as your own.
47:32That's what I think, too.
47:33Of course, Kathy.
47:35Now I'd better be leaving.
47:36If I were you,
47:38I'd call George
47:39right away
47:40and tell him
47:41that you want to go
47:41through with this thing.
47:43And then I'd call
47:44Dr. Wright.
47:44Miss Peterson,
47:46I'm sure you'll find
47:47that you'll be all right
47:48in the morning.
47:49Mm-hmm.
47:50I understand.
47:52Well, if you're not better
47:53in the morning,
47:53give me a call.
47:55Very well.
47:56All right.
47:57Goodbye.
47:59I'm very happy
48:00to see that you've
48:01reached your decision.
48:02I'm sure that you'll find
48:03it was a sensible one.
48:05We're sure of it,
48:05Dr. Wright.
48:06It would be necessary
48:07for you to sign
48:08this paper,
48:09which is your permission
48:11and waiver of responsibility
48:13for this insemination.
48:15Right here, please.
48:22On this side, Mr. Wright.
48:25Will you come in,
48:26please, Miss Mason?
48:30This will take
48:30about half an hour.
48:32Will you wait outside
48:32to benefit, please?
48:37Miss Mason,
48:38will you prepare
48:38Miss Bennett
48:39for an insemination?
48:41Right here, sweetie.
49:03Is she all right?
49:04Is...
49:05Is everything all right?
49:06Well, young man,
49:08yes to the first question.
49:09Yes to the second?
49:10Well, you must realize
49:12that there's a certain
49:13element of chance involved,
49:14just as in a normal conception.
49:16If this one doesn't work,
49:18will you have to try again?
49:20When will you want
49:21to see me again, doctor?
49:22Two weeks, I think.
49:23Can you make the appointment,
49:24please, Miss Mason?
49:25Doctor?
49:25Will two weeks from today
49:26at the same time
49:27be satisfactory?
49:28Will I need
49:29any other treatments, doctor?
49:31No, my dear.
49:31Not if this one is successful.
49:33You'll be no different
49:34than any normal woman
49:35bearing her child.
49:37And I see no reason
49:38for you to tell your friends
49:39that George
49:40is not the father.
49:41In fact,
49:42from my past experience
49:43in these cases,
49:44I strongly advise against it.
49:45I guess you should know
49:46best, doctor, right?
49:47Well, Miss Bennett,
49:48you two aren't the only ones
49:50I've had with this problem.
49:51Do you realize
49:52there are an estimated
49:53five to ten percent
49:54of the married couples
49:55with same difficulty?
49:57And I thought
49:57we were an original family.
49:59I don't know.
50:33You're not the first man
50:34whose wife had a baby.
50:36Well, it's the first time
50:37it ever happened to me.
50:39I mean to Kathy.
50:40But why does it have
50:41to take so long?
50:42Why didn't he stay with her?
50:43But, George,
50:44Kathy is okay.
50:46But where is Dr. Wright?
50:48Where did he go?
50:49Why is he with her?
50:50He'll be here soon enough.
50:52My goodness,
50:53women have been having
50:54ever since the beginning
50:55of time.
50:56And mostly without
50:57Dr. Wright now.
50:59Dr. Wright,
51:00how is Kathy?
51:01Is she all right?
51:01How long is it going to be?
51:03Kathy's going to be fine,
51:04George.
51:05You better get hold
51:05of yourself.
51:06Why don't you sound
51:07and smoke a cigarette?
51:08I've smoked a whole pack
51:09of those things
51:10since I've been here,
51:10doctor.
51:11I'm worried about Kathy.
51:12Yes, I know.
51:13Say, why don't you
51:14run out and buy
51:15a pack of cigarettes?
51:16I haven't got any either.
51:17You're sure nothing
51:17will happen
51:18while I'm gone.
51:19I'll get you a pack
51:20too, doctor.
51:20Go ahead, George.
51:22I'm sure Catherine
51:22isn't even in the
51:23delivery room yet.
51:24Or Dr. Wright
51:25wouldn't be here.
51:29Oh, bless
51:30our newborn infant,
51:32our baby,
51:34God adore.
51:35Till love
51:36shall gently lead us
51:38home to the
51:39eternal shore.
52:03Well, Daddy,
52:04are you happy
52:04with your little family?
52:06Yes, honey.
52:08This is everything
52:09I've worked for.
52:11Is my family
52:12happy with me?
52:13Of course, silly.
52:14It's been a wonderful
52:14father.
52:15It's been a wonderful
52:16five years.
52:18Look, Mom.
52:19Look, Mom.
52:20What is it, dear?
52:21I'm trying to
52:22catch on my
52:23baby brother.
52:39What is it, dear?
52:41What is it, dear?
52:51What is it, dear?
52:53What is it, dear?
52:56What is it, dear?
52:57What is it, dear?
52:57What is it, dear?
52:59What is it, dear?
52:59What is it, dear?
53:00What is it, dear?
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