0:01:39 > 0:01:41Michael, it's Elizabeth!
0:01:41 > 0:01:46- Hello, Alan.- Hello, Miss Kenny. Glad to see you back.- Thank you.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50- Mother!- Darling.- Elizabeth. - Father, darling.
0:01:50 > 0:01:54- You're home.- It's wonderful. How are you?- Fine.
0:01:54 > 0:02:01- Dr McDonnell.- What do you think of your daughter?- I don't know what kind of a nurse she's going to make.
0:02:01 > 0:02:08- I guess I'll have to get sick to find out.- We wanted to see your graduation but we've been so busy...
0:02:10 > 0:02:13Did you see her graduate, doctor?
0:02:13 > 0:02:18- He came in in the middle of my oath. - In time for the important part.
0:02:18 > 0:02:24- What was that?- "With loyalty will I aid the physician in his work." - Precisely.
0:02:24 > 0:02:31- She'll be no good.- Why?- Nursing is a career for a homely woman and not one of the Kenny girls is homely.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34There'll be trouble.
0:02:34 > 0:02:39- I'm a bit concerned.- It's a nurse's duty to keep the patients cheerful.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43Not that cheerful. You haven't told us all the news about Mrs McDonnell.
0:02:43 > 0:02:48Michael means that we heard Nellie was going to have a baby.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51Yes, she lost it.
0:02:51 > 0:02:56- Oh, dear. Again. She loves children so.- She's very good with them too.
0:02:56 > 0:03:01She wants Elizabeth to stay with us when she comes into the hospital.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05- Remember when you stayed when you broke your arm?- I do.
0:03:05 > 0:03:10- That's when you decided I wanted to be a nurse.- I discovered a talent.
0:03:10 > 0:03:15- And you didn't encourage it? - You did it of your own free will.
0:03:15 > 0:03:21- Many people do as YOU want. - You're a born nurse and you know it.
0:03:21 > 0:03:28Our hospital's a fine chance for you. It's going to grow. Some day you'll be matron there. When can you start?
0:03:28 > 0:03:33I'm not going to your hospital, Dr McDonnell. I'm staying here.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37- What are you going to do? - Be a bush nurse.- Bush nurse?
0:03:37 > 0:03:41Do you remember what you said when I broke my arm?
0:03:41 > 0:03:46"A good bush nurse could have set that arm without breaking it."
0:03:46 > 0:03:49I'm going to be that bush nurse.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52That's quite a responsibility.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56- I'm the nearest doctor and I'm 50 miles away.- That's the point.
0:03:56 > 0:04:03- A couple of years in our hospital would give you more confidence. - Then I'd never be a bush nurse.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07- Where did you get this crazy idea? - From you.
0:04:07 > 0:04:12Why start something you can't finish? It's a killing life.
0:04:12 > 0:04:18- I grew up in the bush.- Not as a nurse, 30 miles from one neighbour to the next, always in the saddle.
0:04:18 > 0:04:23- Dirty cabins, boiling bedclothes... - I've thought of all that.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27If you wanted to be really useful as a nurse, where would you work?
0:04:27 > 0:04:32- Who's asking questions? - Tell me I'm not needed here.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35Elizabeth, I'm very worried about you.
0:04:35 > 0:04:40Someday that stubborn streak's going to get you into trouble.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42How soon do you think?
0:04:42 > 0:04:49In six months, you'll be applying at the hospital either as a nurse or as a patient.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14INAUDIBLE
0:05:22 > 0:05:25PIPE MUSIC STOPS
0:05:25 > 0:05:28INAUDIBLE
0:05:40 > 0:05:41Whisht!
0:05:41 > 0:05:43Whisht, everybody.
0:05:43 > 0:05:48Elizabeth Kenny, we have gathered here tonight to do you honour.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51- <- And it's about time! - Whisht, will yer?
0:05:51 > 0:05:55..To do you honour. It's about time. LAUGHTER
0:05:55 > 0:05:59You've laboured amongst us without a thought for yourself.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02In lonely watches of the night, in foul weather...
0:06:02 > 0:06:05Get on with it, Angus.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09If you think you can do any better, come up and do it!
0:06:09 > 0:06:11LAUGHTER
0:06:11 > 0:06:18- Where was I? He's driven it out of my head.- It's a beautiful speech. - It was when I tried it on Maggie.
0:06:20 > 0:06:26There's some of us here who wouldnae be here, if you hadn't patched us up.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28Look at me.
0:06:28 > 0:06:32Two years ago when I had a broken leg, I thought I'd never walk again.
0:06:32 > 0:06:37All the bairns you brought into the world. Aye, a bonny crop of Aussies.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41Aye, they are. Don't forget me, Angus.
0:06:41 > 0:06:46- She pulled me through pneumonia. - Aye, but she's allowed one mistake.
0:06:48 > 0:06:55Nurse Kenny, since you won't get a penny for what you've done, we've all got together and...Archie!
0:06:55 > 0:06:57Archie!
0:07:03 > 0:07:06APPLAUSE
0:07:10 > 0:07:13- Speech!- Speech!- Speech!
0:07:15 > 0:07:20- Well, I... I don't know what to say. - HORSE WHINNIES
0:07:20 > 0:07:24You shouldn't have. I can't tell you how much...
0:07:24 > 0:07:26HORSE WHINNIES
0:07:26 > 0:07:28LAUGHTER
0:07:28 > 0:07:31I'm not good at making speeches...
0:07:31 > 0:07:33HORSE WHINNIES
0:07:33 > 0:07:39- LAUGHTER - He seems to be able to say it far better than I can.
0:07:39 > 0:07:45Thank you, thank you all. Now, let's go on with the dance.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51PIPE MUSIC RESTARTS
0:08:04 > 0:08:07INAUDIBLE
0:08:14 > 0:08:18INAUDIBLE
0:08:25 > 0:08:28INAUDIBLE
0:08:37 > 0:08:40CHILD GROANS
0:08:45 > 0:08:48Does it hurt here, Dorrie?
0:08:48 > 0:08:50Here too?
0:08:50 > 0:08:54She went lame yesterday, just like I've seen cows do before they fall.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02Can't you straighten your leg, Dorrie?
0:09:03 > 0:09:06Try this one. Try, now.
0:09:08 > 0:09:12There, don't cry. We're not going to hurt you.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15Try and go to sleep now.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18I fell over.
0:09:20 > 0:09:22Yes.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26But we're going to fix you up.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42Are you sure it isn't the cow sickness?
0:09:42 > 0:09:46- What ails her, Nurse Kenny? - What is it?
0:09:49 > 0:09:51Don't you know what it is?
0:09:54 > 0:09:57No, Martha, I don't.
0:09:57 > 0:10:03- Where's the nearest telegraph office?- Dry Fork.- How long will it take?- About an hour.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07Wake up the operator. It's got to get through.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11- It's a Dr McDonnell in Toowoomba. - But he can't get out here.
0:10:11 > 0:10:15He can tell me what to do. Please hurry.
0:10:19 > 0:10:25- <- Mummy, can I go with Daddy? - You go back to sleep now, Nora.
0:10:25 > 0:10:30Martha, keep the twins away from Dorrie. It might be catching.
0:10:30 > 0:10:32DORRIE GROANS
0:10:32 > 0:10:39- Can't you do something? The pain's so bad.- I can't do anything until I hear from Dr McDonnell.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42I can't stand to hear her cry.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46Go and make some tea and try and get some rest.
0:10:46 > 0:10:51Everything will be all right when we hear from Dr McDonnell.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56DORRIE GROANS
0:11:38 > 0:11:41Nurse Kenny! Nurse Kenny!
0:11:43 > 0:11:46Did you get an answer?
0:11:48 > 0:11:51What is it?
0:11:51 > 0:11:54- What does it say? - Infantile paralysis.
0:11:54 > 0:11:59- Paralysis?- They don't know how to treat it. What kind of help is that?
0:12:02 > 0:12:07- "No known treatment." - That's what it says.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25What are we going to do?
0:12:25 > 0:12:30- What the telegram says.- It says "no known treatment".- Read it again.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34"Do the best you can with the..."
0:12:34 > 0:12:37"With the symptoms presenting themselves."
0:12:38 > 0:12:41She's twisted into knots.
0:12:41 > 0:12:46Yes. These muscles are contracted. They're pulling her into knots.
0:12:46 > 0:12:50- They're paralysed?- If they were paralysed, they couldn't pull.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53They feel tense.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55Her back is arched.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58The spinal muscles feel contracted.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01DORRIE MOANS
0:13:06 > 0:13:09The posterior neck muscles too.
0:13:12 > 0:13:13Better?
0:13:18 > 0:13:22They look to me to be shorter than they should be.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27Pulling against other muscles. That's why she's in pain.
0:13:29 > 0:13:33You see, this muscle isn't tense.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35This opposing muscle is.
0:13:36 > 0:13:41Looks to me to be drawn up in a kind of spasm or something.
0:13:45 > 0:13:47Spasm.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54I'll need your help, Martha.
0:13:54 > 0:13:59I'm going to try moist heat, as hot as she can stand it.
0:13:59 > 0:14:04We'll tear an old blanket into strips. Build up the fire.
0:14:04 > 0:14:09Get me the basin first, please. Martha, You'd better bring towels.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13Help Martha first, please. Take that towel.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16Take the other end of it, Martha.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19Hold it over the basin.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22Now, you keep fixing these strips.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26I'll put them on Dorrie as fast as they're ready. Here.
0:14:26 > 0:14:31Give me that end. Lift the basin, Martha. Twist it now. Hard.
0:14:31 > 0:14:36There mustn't be any water in that wool or it'll scald her skin.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38Like that.
0:14:38 > 0:14:43Get another one ready. You'll have to do this whenever they lose heat.
0:14:43 > 0:14:48Now Dorrie, this is going to feel hot but it won't burn you.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50Don't be frightened.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54I'm going to wrap you all up in hot rags.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10- I won't need any more, Martha.- >
0:15:23 > 0:15:25There.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28Now we'll keep the heat in.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31Feeling better, Dorrie?
0:15:33 > 0:15:35Dorrie?
0:15:35 > 0:15:37She's asleep!
0:15:57 > 0:16:02- Hello, Kevin!- Hello, Mr Kenny. - Well, well, well.
0:16:02 > 0:16:07- How are you, my boy?- Grand, thank you.- Hello.- Mother Kenny.
0:16:07 > 0:16:14- You look so well.- It's lovely to see you.- The army hasn't done you any harm.- It's good to get out of it.
0:16:14 > 0:16:19- This country suits me. - We expected you last night.- Oh?
0:16:19 > 0:16:23- Where's Elizabeth? - We've hardly seen her for days.
0:16:23 > 0:16:29- Infantile paralysis - she's got five cases. - I hope it doesn't spread any more.
0:16:29 > 0:16:34If you want an epidemic, just send for me. What did you say it was?
0:16:34 > 0:16:36Infantile paralysis.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39- That's bad, isn't it?- Terrible.
0:16:39 > 0:16:44- It would break your heart to see those children.- Is it contagious?
0:16:44 > 0:16:47Nobody seems to know anything about it.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51Whisht! Here she comes.
0:16:55 > 0:17:00Get back, she'll see you. Remember the plan. Get in the pantry.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02Get busy, Mary.
0:17:02 > 0:17:09- I think it's mean.- Come on, Mary. Cut the bread, pour the tea. Whatever you do, do it natural.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11Michael.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22- Is he here yet? - Are you sure it was today?
0:17:22 > 0:17:25Well, you saw his letter.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30- Any more cases, dear? - No, thank goodness.
0:17:30 > 0:17:35- How's the little Benson girl?- Only fair. I'm going over there tonight.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39- Got to go to the McIntyres first. - What about Kevin?
0:17:39 > 0:17:44- Why does he have to come at a time like this?- Elizabeth!- I mean it.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46That's a fine way to talk
0:17:46 > 0:17:51- about a fine boy fighting in India for the motherland.- Nonsense.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54He was sitting on a small hill in Afghanistan.
0:17:54 > 0:18:02- What would he say if he heard that? - That's what he told me.- You know you wanna see him.- Course I do.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04I'm dying to see him but look at me.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08I don't want things to happen like last time.
0:18:08 > 0:18:13- There's mutton in the pantry, can you get it?- I just want some tea.
0:18:15 > 0:18:19- Hm. Why the best china? - It's pretty, isn't it?
0:18:26 > 0:18:29Oh, I've mislaid my spectacles.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33Where...? Oh, yes. I was fixing a shelf in the pantry.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35Elizabeth, would you...?
0:18:35 > 0:18:37Thank you.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44I think I will have some of that mutton.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49PLATE SMASHES
0:18:56 > 0:18:59Kevin, I don't think you should come.
0:18:59 > 0:19:06- You only found one case in a family and then in houses miles apart.- That doesn't prove it isn't catching.
0:19:06 > 0:19:11My only chance of getting attention from you is to get sick myself.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14I want to see Dorrie McIntyre.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17Come on, boy. Whoa!
0:19:21 > 0:19:25Whoa! Nurse Kenny, my mother wants you to come as quick as you can.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28- What happened?- My brother's got it.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30Oh.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32Is he in much pain?
0:19:32 > 0:19:37Yes, his back's bent and he can hardly breathe. Will you come?
0:19:37 > 0:19:41Yes, Geordie. I'll come.
0:19:44 > 0:19:49- But Liz, can't I drive you?- It looks like it's contagious this time.
0:19:49 > 0:19:54Will you go on to the McIntyres and say I'll be along as soon as I can.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00I'll drive over with Geordie. You can bring me back. Gee-up!
0:20:12 > 0:20:15Come on, boy. Take your time.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21Dorrie, that's exactly what happened.
0:20:21 > 0:20:26Just when I was all ready, Nurse Kenny rode off with another chap.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29Dorrie here is just as bad, Nurse Kenny.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33- She didn't even remember me. - You remember him, don't you?
0:20:33 > 0:20:38- No, I don't.- Three years ago you went to sleep in my arms.- I didn't!
0:20:38 > 0:20:42He brought your brother and sister. No, he didn't!
0:20:42 > 0:20:46- Where are the twins? - At my sister-in-law's.
0:20:46 > 0:20:52- Nurse thought it might be catching. - Does that hurt?- No.- Good girl.
0:20:52 > 0:20:59- She has been good, Nurse Kenny, so still and patient.- When we changed the rags, she never stirred.
0:20:59 > 0:21:04I don't think she's going to need more hot rags. The spasm's gone.
0:21:04 > 0:21:09- You'll soon be dancing around like a kangaroo.- Will you dance with me?
0:21:09 > 0:21:15- I don't know how.- Well, I'll teach you. Captain Connors is very good.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19- I don't know how she knows. - You always thought you were.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22You won't need me any more.
0:21:22 > 0:21:27- Can she get up now?- Yes. Sit up and we'll put your nightie on.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29All the way up, dear.
0:21:29 > 0:21:35- Don't tease Nurse Kenny. Sit up. Here's your nightie.- Just a minute.
0:21:35 > 0:21:39- Don't you want to sit up, Dorrie? - Yes.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43Lie still.
0:21:51 > 0:21:56Now, do that yourself. Put your knee up like you do when you walk.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01Pull it up, darling. Try, dear.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06- Try hard.- I can't!
0:22:07 > 0:22:11Move your leg, dear. Just move it.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15- I can't!- She's paralysed.- Martha.
0:22:22 > 0:22:28- Does this leg feel numb, Dorrie? - It feels funny.- Course it does.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31See how I'm moving your leg now?
0:22:31 > 0:22:34It's as if you were walking in bed.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37The legs look perfectly normal to me.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42Dorrie, I think you're just lazy.
0:22:42 > 0:22:47You want me to move your legs for you when you walk.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49That's a silly idea, isn't it?
0:22:49 > 0:22:54There now. I'm tired of walking for you. You do it for yourself.
0:22:54 > 0:22:59Lift your legs as if you were walking, Dorrie.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- Try, Dorrie.- I can't. I can't!
0:23:05 > 0:23:08Oh, my baby! She's paralysed.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12MARTHA SOBS
0:23:22 > 0:23:27- Teach me how to dance, Nurse Kenny. - Oh, my baby, my baby!
0:23:33 > 0:23:36You know what the trouble is?
0:23:36 > 0:23:41You've forgotten how to walk. You've been in bed so long.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44I didn't forget. My legs won't do it.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47Very well then. We'll blame your legs.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51Dorrie didn't forget. They forgot.
0:23:53 > 0:23:57Look at those wicked legs. They've forgotten how to walk.
0:23:57 > 0:24:01We're going to have to teach them all over again.
0:24:01 > 0:24:06How can I teach them when they haven't got ears?
0:24:06 > 0:24:10Dorrie, you should have grown ears on your legs.
0:24:10 > 0:24:14Do you know how people talk to each other when they haven't got ears?
0:24:14 > 0:24:17They talk with their hands.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23That's what we're going to do.
0:24:27 > 0:24:32You don't know it, Dorrie, but I'm scolding away at these muscles.
0:24:36 > 0:24:37Yes.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40I'm giving them such a talking to.
0:24:43 > 0:24:48- Dorrie, one of them just answered back.- What did it say?
0:24:48 > 0:24:50It said it couldn't remember.
0:24:50 > 0:24:56- I told it it had to remember.- Think, dear. Think hard. Try to remember.
0:24:56 > 0:25:01This has nothing to do with her memory. I don't want her to think.
0:25:01 > 0:25:05- Look.- What is it?
0:25:05 > 0:25:09Dorrie, your leg just told me something.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12It's beginning to think it can remember.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19Now, you think, Dorrie.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21Think with it.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24Think of pulling from here.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43Pulling from here, Dorrie.
0:25:45 > 0:25:47Now, lift your leg.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50Lift your leg.
0:25:58 > 0:26:00My darling!
0:26:02 > 0:26:06- You wicked leg. - I wouldn't scold it, Dorrie.
0:26:06 > 0:26:10The last thing it said to me was that it was going to be good.
0:26:13 > 0:26:18You're going to walk again, Dorrie, and dance, but it will take time.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21That's enough for today.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31Oh, Kevin, I was scared.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34I sort of thought so.
0:26:34 > 0:26:38But Dorrie didn't know it. Neither did her mother.
0:26:38 > 0:26:43Liz, before she moved her leg, you told me to look. What was I to see?
0:26:43 > 0:26:48The tendon. It began to stand out. Then I knew it wasn't paralysed.
0:26:48 > 0:26:54I'd been trying to get that reflex. If I'd been a doctor I'd have known what to do.
0:26:54 > 0:27:01- It's lucky I found out on my first case. I may get the same with the others.- How's Geordie's brother?
0:27:01 > 0:27:04Pretty bad.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07You know, Liz, sometimes I get scared.
0:27:07 > 0:27:11What made you take up nursing in the first place?
0:27:11 > 0:27:14I like nursing.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17Where's it going to end?
0:27:17 > 0:27:20Kevin, what are you afraid of?
0:27:20 > 0:27:22You and nursing.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25Oh, darling. Don't be ridiculous!
0:27:25 > 0:27:30- I told you I'd give it up when you came back.- Well, I'm here.
0:27:30 > 0:27:35- And I'm going to marry you.- When? - As soon as these children are well.
0:27:35 > 0:27:39- No more cases?- No more cases. - No more babies?- No more...well.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42Except our own.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07Cold feet?
0:28:07 > 0:28:10They're freezing. You don't know him.
0:28:10 > 0:28:14- Do you mind if I see him alone first?- No.
0:28:14 > 0:28:21- I don't see why you have to. - I'll be two minutes.- We'll wait two minutes. Come on, Dorrie.
0:28:24 > 0:28:29- Elizabeth, you look as if you're going to a party.- Do you like it?
0:28:29 > 0:28:34- Yes. Have a chicken leg. I'm just eating my lunch.- Well, you eat it.
0:28:34 > 0:28:38- A pickle?- No, thanks. Doctor, you're going to be disappointed in me.
0:28:38 > 0:28:44- Oh, no! I'm sure you did the right thing.- You knew about it all along?
0:28:44 > 0:28:48- Why, of course! - Well... Who told you?
0:28:48 > 0:28:53- You did. You sent me the telegram. - Oh, dear. This has nothing to do...
0:28:53 > 0:28:57I asked Dr Brack to go, but with so many cases here, he didn't have time.
0:28:57 > 0:29:01- Thank goodness you had only one. - Six.
0:29:01 > 0:29:03Six?
0:29:03 > 0:29:06- Six.- Oh, dear.
0:29:06 > 0:29:13- Now - why I'm here. There's a young man outside...- How many cases did you lose? How many children died?
0:29:13 > 0:29:16Why, none.
0:29:17 > 0:29:22- Dr McDonnell, I want you to meet a man...- I'll examine him later.
0:29:22 > 0:29:24How much crippling did you have?
0:29:24 > 0:29:28- How many children are deformed? - Not any!
0:29:28 > 0:29:33You had five more cases like the one you described and they recovered?
0:29:33 > 0:29:35- Yes.- That's fantastic.
0:29:35 > 0:29:40I'm still working on my last case. I'm still re-educating his muscles.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43- What?- Teaching them to work again.
0:29:43 > 0:29:47Teaching, re-educating - you must know all about it.
0:29:47 > 0:29:52- It's what you told me to do. - What did I say?- Treat the symptoms.
0:29:52 > 0:29:59For spasm, moist heat. Then I had a shock when I had to re-educate the muscles. You didn't mention that.
0:29:59 > 0:30:06Re-education, moist heat, spasm - these terms are not in the standard work on infantile paralysis.
0:30:06 > 0:30:11- May I see it?- You'll see something else first. Come with me.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13One of us is crazy.
0:30:13 > 0:30:15- Liz!- >
0:30:15 > 0:30:18I'll be with you in a moment.
0:30:23 > 0:30:28Now, these are cases of infantile paralysis that ran true to form.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31- Hello, doctor.- Hello, how's Becky?
0:30:31 > 0:30:34Oh, Becky's fine today.
0:30:34 > 0:30:38- Hello, Dr McDonnell!- Hello, David.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42Are they getting better?
0:30:42 > 0:30:45They get worse instead of better.
0:30:46 > 0:30:5088 out of every 100 cases finish this way.
0:30:59 > 0:31:04- So you had six cases and they all recovered?- Yes.- That's fantastic.
0:31:04 > 0:31:11- Let's check the symptoms. Headache? - Yes.- Fever?- Yes.- Muscular pain? Limbs twisted? Back arched?- Yes.
0:31:11 > 0:31:16- Trouble breathing?- One case.- That's very bad.- Liz!- With you in a moment.
0:31:16 > 0:31:20It couldn't be a clearer picture, Elizabeth.
0:31:20 > 0:31:25There's infantile paralysis in the acute stage. Is that what you saw?
0:31:25 > 0:31:30Yes. That's exactly like my second case. That's like the Benson girl.
0:31:30 > 0:31:35- The same muscles were shortened. - Shortened?- They were in spasm.
0:31:35 > 0:31:40- You said treat the symptoms. That's all I did.- That's what you think.
0:31:40 > 0:31:44Elizabeth, I don't think you realise what you've done.
0:31:44 > 0:31:48I may be wrong. I'm just a general practitioner.
0:31:48 > 0:31:52Dr Brack will know. It's his field. Let's go to his office.
0:31:52 > 0:31:57- He's one of the best.- Dr McDonnell. - I'll be with you in a moment.
0:32:03 > 0:32:05We'll stop this.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12I shall never forget that telegram.
0:32:12 > 0:32:20- It was as concise a description of the symptoms of poliomyelitis as I've ever seen.- Thank you, doctor.
0:32:20 > 0:32:24Sit down. I want to hear everything. It was a little girl?
0:32:24 > 0:32:29- Yes.- Tragic business. Is she badly crippled?- No.- Fine, fine.
0:32:29 > 0:32:33- You were lucky only one case developed.- She had six cases.
0:32:33 > 0:32:37Really? But, why weren't they reported?
0:32:37 > 0:32:42- They have all recovered and there is no crippling.- How extraordinary.
0:32:42 > 0:32:44No crippling, Brack.
0:32:44 > 0:32:49I don't know of another epidemic that was so light.
0:32:49 > 0:32:53- I wouldn't call it light. - I don't think you've got the point.
0:32:53 > 0:32:56I'm no expert,
0:32:56 > 0:33:01but I think she has discovered a new treatment for infantile paralysis,
0:33:01 > 0:33:03and what's more, it's successful.
0:33:03 > 0:33:07McDonnell, I'd say you may be wrong.
0:33:07 > 0:33:13- But let's hear it. Sit down, Nurse Kenny. Sit down.- You sit down. - Don't mind my scepticism.
0:33:13 > 0:33:17McDonnell is a joker. He may be pulling my leg.
0:33:17 > 0:33:23- What did you do?- First, I treated the shortened muscles for spasm.
0:33:23 > 0:33:25- Spasm?- Spasm.
0:33:25 > 0:33:30- And then?- Then I thought they were well but they weren't.
0:33:30 > 0:33:32Some muscles were paralysed.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36- I thought they were. - Well, weren't they?
0:33:36 > 0:33:40They were disconnected from the brain, alienated.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43They certainly didn't work.
0:33:43 > 0:33:45Oh, I see - alienated.
0:33:45 > 0:33:50It wasn't the sick muscles that were alienated. It was the others.
0:33:50 > 0:33:55Did you hear that? The other ones were alienated. What did you do?
0:33:55 > 0:33:59There was still some reflex, so I re-educated the muscles.
0:34:01 > 0:34:04And they lived happily ever after?
0:34:04 > 0:34:09- McDonnell, are you serious about this?- I certainly am.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12Then you're a bigger fool than I thought.
0:34:12 > 0:34:17Nurse Kenny, I don't want to hurt your feelings. You did a fine job.
0:34:17 > 0:34:24- But it might be useful for you to know what really happens in polio. - But what happens didn't happen.
0:34:24 > 0:34:28We'll come to that in a minute. Come here.
0:34:28 > 0:34:33I use this to show how infantile paralysis produces deformity.
0:34:33 > 0:34:40This is the normal functioning of the leg. The muscles pull against each other in pairs.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43What happens in infantile paralysis?
0:34:43 > 0:34:47These muscles become paralysed and can't pull.
0:34:47 > 0:34:54These normal muscles contract and, meeting no resistance, pull the leg into a deformed position.
0:34:54 > 0:35:01- Did you see that in your patients? - Yes.- It may become a permanent deformity.- What do you say to that?
0:35:01 > 0:35:04- You say these muscles are sick. - Paralysed.
0:35:04 > 0:35:08But if they were not paralysed.
0:35:08 > 0:35:13If they were normal and these ones were sick, drawn up in spasm,
0:35:13 > 0:35:18they'd contract and you'd get the same deformity, wouldn't you?
0:35:18 > 0:35:25- Exactly what occurred to me. - Nonsense. You're trying to find a reason for an irrational concept.
0:35:25 > 0:35:32- But it IS rational.- You can't take theory that's been accepted for 50 years and turn it upside-down.
0:35:32 > 0:35:39- Spasm, re-education... I don't know what they mean.- They're not in the books. Nurse knows what they mean.
0:35:39 > 0:35:46If her theories were correct, she'd have discovered not a new treatment but a new disease.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49Fine, as long as she can cure it.
0:35:49 > 0:35:54- Are we to take Nurse Kenny's work against Sir Robert Jenkins?- Oh, no!
0:35:54 > 0:35:58You can't take her word when you haven't heard it.
0:35:58 > 0:36:00I think this is very important.
0:36:00 > 0:36:05I'm asking you to sit down and listen to what she did.
0:36:05 > 0:36:07Very well.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18Oh, sorry.
0:36:21 > 0:36:23Where's Nurse Kenny?
0:36:23 > 0:36:26It's about time to find out, Dorrie.
0:36:26 > 0:36:28Come on.
0:36:32 > 0:36:38Let me sum up your interpretation of the symptoms you observed.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41You say the muscle we call sick is not sick,
0:36:41 > 0:36:44but it's the opposing muscle.
0:36:44 > 0:36:50Secondly, you say that the sick muscles do not become paralysed,
0:36:50 > 0:36:58- but that the opposing muscles, pulled out of their normal length, lose their function.- Yes, doctor.
0:36:58 > 0:37:03These apparently paralysed muscles can have their function restored
0:37:03 > 0:37:06by stimulating certain reflexes,
0:37:06 > 0:37:10- what you call re-education. - That's it.
0:37:11 > 0:37:16Well, yes. These certainly are revolutionary discoveries.
0:37:16 > 0:37:22- So, I've found a way to help the children?- No, you've wasted my time.
0:37:22 > 0:37:28Before you revolutionise medicine, learn that it is facts not fancies.
0:37:28 > 0:37:33- But surely, Brack...- It's taken me 20 years to collect this library.
0:37:33 > 0:37:37Every book in this section is by an authority on polio.
0:37:37 > 0:37:42Spasm, re-education, alienation - you won't find them in the books.
0:37:42 > 0:37:46- They deal with facts. - But that's what we are here for.
0:37:46 > 0:37:51Nurse Kenny's brought a few facts and they're new ones.
0:37:51 > 0:37:54- She did something. - She did something dangerous.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57The acute stage has no treatment.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00The only fight is against frightful deformity.
0:38:00 > 0:38:05- The only treatment is prompt, complete immobilisation.- How?
0:38:05 > 0:38:09- You put them in splints. - But they must be in agony.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12It's better than lifelong deformity.
0:38:12 > 0:38:17If you make the arms and legs rigid, how can they learn to walk again?
0:38:17 > 0:38:22My dear girl...
0:38:19 > 0:38:22KNOCK AT DOOR
0:38:20 > 0:38:22Yes?
0:38:23 > 0:38:28He can do it now, Dr Brack. He insisted on coming right now.
0:38:28 > 0:38:32Excellent. Show me. You're very clever, David.
0:38:32 > 0:38:37- Go ahead, you've got an audience. - Easy, David.- No, as hard as you can.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42- Oh, I'm sorry, Dr Brack!- Not at all.
0:38:42 > 0:38:47That's very clever of you, David. I'm glad you came in.
0:38:47 > 0:38:53Nurse Kenny, this is an example of poliomyelitis in its chronic stage.
0:38:53 > 0:38:57He had no spasm, no hot pack, no alienation or re-education.
0:38:57 > 0:39:02You should not encourage a nurse to contradict the greatest...
0:39:02 > 0:39:06- I'm not contradicting you. - I don't mean myself.
0:39:06 > 0:39:12I'm not contradicting anybody. I didn't know what the disease was.
0:39:12 > 0:39:17- It was your diagnosis, Brack. - Your patients are not deformed?- No.
0:39:17 > 0:39:23- Deformities can develop later.- Look, the man you wanted me to examine.
0:39:23 > 0:39:28No, it's the child. This is my first patient. Come here, Dorrie.
0:39:28 > 0:39:33- Take a look at her, Brack. Is she recovered or not?- Let's find out.
0:39:33 > 0:39:38- Kevin, come in. I'll explain in a minute.- Take her clothes off, nurse.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40Yes, doctor.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44- Which leg was affected?- Both legs.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46Sit down, dear.
0:39:46 > 0:39:49- Arms?- No, not the arms.
0:39:49 > 0:39:53- Spine?- Yes, and the posterior neck muscles.
0:39:54 > 0:39:58Dorrie, look at those knees. You've got them all dirty.
0:39:58 > 0:40:01Those hands aren't too clean either.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04Now, lie down for the doctor.
0:40:04 > 0:40:06OK.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09Now, flex your leg.
0:40:11 > 0:40:15Hold your leg against my hand. Hold tight.
0:40:16 > 0:40:21Normal strength - she takes full resistance. Pull your foot up.
0:40:24 > 0:40:26Push down.
0:40:27 > 0:40:29Yes... Sit up.
0:40:31 > 0:40:33Lean forward.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38Perfectly straight, no scoliosis.
0:40:38 > 0:40:43- Sit up.- You did a good job. She looks perfectly well.- Perfectly.
0:40:43 > 0:40:48I knew you just had to see her. Show the doctor how you can run.
0:40:48 > 0:40:53I can dance too. She taught me how to dance. I can do cartwheels.
0:41:01 > 0:41:03There it is.
0:41:03 > 0:41:07They've had the same disease and different treatments.
0:41:07 > 0:41:11- Are you sick? - I was, but I'm well now.
0:41:11 > 0:41:14- What's your name?- David.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17- What's your name?- Dorrie.
0:41:18 > 0:41:24- You know what? I can kick a football.- Wanna see me dance again?
0:41:24 > 0:41:27No, do another cartwheel.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29Dorrie.
0:41:33 > 0:41:38- Come along, David. Nurse, take him out of here.- Yes, doctor.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46- Goodbye.- Bye.
0:41:56 > 0:42:04Well, it looks like this little fact here with dirty knees is not your books and braces orthodox treatment.
0:42:04 > 0:42:09I said your facts weren't right. Here's your first wrong fact.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12This child never had infantile paralysis.
0:42:12 > 0:42:17- Never had it?- Not a trace of it. - Are you out of your mind?
0:42:17 > 0:42:24- My experience proves that no child could have recovered from polio so quickly.- Then what did she have?
0:42:24 > 0:42:27- I wasn't there.- But the telegram...
0:42:27 > 0:42:30The symptoms were not accurately observed.
0:42:30 > 0:42:34- Liz, if you want me as a witness... - No, Kevin, please.
0:42:34 > 0:42:41- Nurse Kenny says those symptoms were observed.- She's a good nurse.- She's more then that.- Has she got degrees?
0:42:41 > 0:42:48That's the point. If she'd been a doctor she'd have followed the orthodox treatment.
0:42:48 > 0:42:54- Why not let nurses do our job(?) - OK... KEVIN: Just a minute, doctor.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57I saw this child when she couldn't move.
0:42:57 > 0:43:01- Are you a doctor too? - I saw her make Dorrie walk.
0:43:01 > 0:43:06Nurse Kenny, your friends are going to lead you into grave trouble.
0:43:06 > 0:43:11I advise you to stick to nursing and not meddle with medicine.
0:43:11 > 0:43:15Leave it to those who've studied it. Excuse me.
0:43:15 > 0:43:21Brack, no-one who knows your record can doubt your sincerity or ability.
0:43:21 > 0:43:26But, since I know Nurse Kenny better than you do, I can't dismiss this.
0:43:26 > 0:43:32All you have to do is try Nurse Kenny's treatment on one acute case.
0:43:32 > 0:43:37Never would I consent to it! You can't play with children's lives.
0:43:37 > 0:43:42- This is a tragic business. - That's just why I'm asking.
0:43:42 > 0:43:45You've seen a few cases. I've seen thousands.
0:43:45 > 0:43:48I'm in charge here, not you.
0:43:48 > 0:43:55- But if no new treatment were ever tried...- I won't experiment with children.- Not even to save them?
0:43:55 > 0:44:00Even if you think a treatment is dangerous, it's your duty to try it.
0:44:00 > 0:44:05- Guinea pigs, yes. Children, no. I wouldn't let my children...- I would.
0:44:07 > 0:44:10You have no children.
0:44:26 > 0:44:29Well, I'm glad you're through with it.
0:44:29 > 0:44:32We're not licked yet, Elizabeth.
0:44:32 > 0:44:37As long as I live, I'll never forget David...ever.
0:44:43 > 0:44:48PIANO PLAYS
0:44:57 > 0:45:02I don't know who's having the best time, Dorrie or Mrs McDonnell.
0:45:02 > 0:45:06- I don't think we should have any children.- Why?
0:45:06 > 0:45:10- You wouldn't have any time left for me.- Then I won't have any.
0:45:10 > 0:45:12Fine.
0:45:12 > 0:45:15That's settled.
0:45:16 > 0:45:18No brats.
0:45:18 > 0:45:21How many do you really want?
0:45:21 > 0:45:25- Well, I plan on ten. - I think I'll go on being a nurse.
0:45:25 > 0:45:30Not after next Saturday. No married nurses in this country.
0:45:30 > 0:45:34Liz, you forgot to tell me, what did McDonnell say?
0:45:34 > 0:45:37- About what?- Our getting married.
0:45:37 > 0:45:40Did he get angry?
0:45:41 > 0:45:44You forgot to tell him.
0:45:46 > 0:45:50- What's the matter, Liz? Are you ashamed of me?- Oh, no!
0:45:50 > 0:45:54Well, here's your chance to prove it.
0:45:57 > 0:46:00I'll be with you in a moment.
0:46:00 > 0:46:04He must have had another fight with Dr Brack.
0:46:12 > 0:46:16- The doctor's in his office. - Thanks, dear.
0:46:22 > 0:46:24- Hello, darling.- Emily.
0:46:26 > 0:46:31- Have you had any food?- No, could you get me a snack?- I'll warm it up.
0:46:32 > 0:46:34Come in here, you two.
0:46:44 > 0:46:48- This is tougher than I thought. - Didn't you get anywhere?
0:46:48 > 0:46:53About that far. He wouldn't let you touch a case of polio with a pole.
0:46:53 > 0:46:57- Brack isn't the only specialist in Australia.- Everyone would back him.
0:46:57 > 0:47:02He's a brilliant man. In his opinion, he's defending the lives of children.
0:47:02 > 0:47:07- He'll never let you touch an acute case.- I did it as a nurse.
0:47:07 > 0:47:10Try it again, you'll be prosecuted.
0:47:10 > 0:47:14Brack's on the warpath. Even my scalp feels a bit loose at the edges.
0:47:14 > 0:47:19- Take it to the newspapers.- That's wonderful.- He wouldn't have a hope.
0:47:19 > 0:47:25If you were a quack, that's what I'd tell you to do. You'd hang yourself.
0:47:25 > 0:47:28Medical questions aren't settled in newspapers.
0:47:28 > 0:47:36- You'd brand yourself as a fake in the eyes of every decent doctor. - Are they all fools?- Look, captain.
0:47:36 > 0:47:41Suppose a civilian came to you and said military science was all wrong.
0:47:41 > 0:47:47The medical profession is society's only defence against quackery.
0:47:47 > 0:47:51Our degrees, licences and medical associations protect society
0:47:51 > 0:47:56against men who are willing to trade on human ignorance and misery.
0:47:56 > 0:48:04- That's a beautiful speech, but you go on making cripples.- There must be some way you can try what I did.
0:48:04 > 0:48:08I can't, but you can.
0:48:09 > 0:48:14- Elizabeth, do you believe in your treatment?- Of course.
0:48:14 > 0:48:19Then take their failures - the Davids - you can find plenty of them.
0:48:19 > 0:48:21You saw some today.
0:48:21 > 0:48:28They'll be discharged soon, hidden away in little houses, in forgotten streets, with broken-hearted parents.
0:48:28 > 0:48:32Take the worst cases - that can't walk.
0:48:32 > 0:48:34Make them walk and your treatment,
0:48:34 > 0:48:40the Kenny treatment, will be adopted in every hospital in Australia,
0:48:40 > 0:48:42in the world.
0:48:43 > 0:48:46Take their failures.
0:48:46 > 0:48:49What's the matter?
0:48:49 > 0:48:53We came here to tell you we're going to be married.
0:48:55 > 0:48:57Oh.
0:49:00 > 0:49:02Congratulations.
0:49:29 > 0:49:32I'll help you, Richard.
0:49:32 > 0:49:35- Bye, Miss Kenny.- Goodbye, Valerie.
0:49:35 > 0:49:38- Bye, Miss Kenny.- Goodbye, Dorothy.
0:49:38 > 0:49:43- You know this isn't our doing. - I know.- We think it a wicked shame.
0:49:46 > 0:49:51- Haven't his parents come? - Richard has no parents, doctor.
0:49:51 > 0:49:56- We are to take him to the orphanage. - Is that his case history?- Yes.
0:49:56 > 0:50:00- Does it say he was given up six months ago as a cripple?- Yes.
0:50:00 > 0:50:03By a general practitioner, however.
0:50:03 > 0:50:08- Any specialist could see he never had infantile paralysis.- Precisely.
0:50:08 > 0:50:13What twisted his legs out of shape, cramp? I've heard that before too.
0:50:13 > 0:50:17- He had an obscure nervous derangement.- That's a new one.
0:50:17 > 0:50:22So he was treated for five months for infantile paralysis.
0:50:22 > 0:50:26We do not discuss these matters in front of patients.
0:50:26 > 0:50:31Sit up. I only see doctors when they come to take my patients away.
0:50:31 > 0:50:34I had 12 children. All were carried in.
0:50:34 > 0:50:39Seven of them walked out tonight. Richard was one of the worst.
0:50:39 > 0:50:42I've no intention of arguing.
0:50:42 > 0:50:47- All right, my boy...- You don't need to lift him. Come on, Richard.
0:50:50 > 0:50:54- We've had fun here, haven't we? - Yes, Nurse Kenny.
0:50:54 > 0:50:57You'll have fun where you're going.
0:50:57 > 0:51:04- There'll be lots of children to play with. Will you remember all the exercises?- Yes, Nurse Kenny.
0:51:04 > 0:51:07All right.
0:51:07 > 0:51:11- Off you go.- Come on.- Don't touch him. He'll walk out by himself.
0:51:17 > 0:51:19Just a moment.
0:51:21 > 0:51:24You forgot something.
0:52:12 > 0:52:15Is there anything more I can do?
0:52:15 > 0:52:20You've done too much already, Mrs Gordon. I wish I could pay you.
0:52:20 > 0:52:24I've been well paid, my dear.
0:52:36 > 0:52:40DISTANT SINGING AND MARCHING
0:52:40 > 0:52:44# ..It's a long way to go
0:52:44 > 0:52:48# It's long way to Tipperary
0:52:48 > 0:52:52# To the sweetest girl I know
0:52:53 > 0:52:56# Goodbye, Piccadilly
0:52:57 > 0:53:00# Farewell, Leicester Square
0:53:00 > 0:53:04# It's a long, long way to Tipperary
0:53:04 > 0:53:08# But my heart's right there... #
0:53:31 > 0:53:33Kevin!
0:53:36 > 0:53:40Oh, Kevin, you look wonderful in uniform.
0:53:40 > 0:53:47- Best tailor in Toowoomba. How are you?- Fine, except for the fact that you're going away.- Not for long.
0:53:47 > 0:53:52- Why didn't you tell me you were going so soon?- I didn't know.
0:53:52 > 0:53:56- This address will find me overseas. - I'll write tonight.
0:53:56 > 0:54:03- Kevin.- Don't worry, Liz. I'll be back by Christmas.- Don't fall in love with a nurse.- I already am.
0:54:03 > 0:54:10- You're mother sent this for the children. How are they?- Seven walking.- Goodbye, darling.- Goodbye.
0:54:10 > 0:54:12- Careful, sir.- >
0:54:27 > 0:54:32- I still don't see why you want to go in the army.- I'm used to a fight.
0:54:32 > 0:54:36I think they'll take you, but not in that hat.
0:54:36 > 0:54:39- Have you told Captain Connors?- No.
0:54:39 > 0:54:46- I've cabled von Hindenburg to cease firing, so we can have a holiday in Paris.- I wouldn't put it past you.
0:54:46 > 0:54:52One last question - you don't start this massage in the acute stage?
0:54:52 > 0:54:59- Not until the pain is all gone - and don't call it massage, you sound like Brack.- Well, what is it?
0:54:59 > 0:55:02I stimulate subconscious neuromotor impulses,
0:55:02 > 0:55:06- by agitating proprioceptors in the periphery.- You what?
0:55:06 > 0:55:11- I stimulate subconscious...- Why are you asking all these questions?
0:55:12 > 0:55:14Well...
0:55:14 > 0:55:18In France, you might forget about it. Take care of yourself.
0:55:18 > 0:55:25- You too, for a change. - Don't forget, the fight against polio will outlast the war.
0:55:25 > 0:55:29It'll go on until the last doctor dies of it.
0:55:35 > 0:55:38DISTANT EXPLOSIONS
0:55:41 > 0:55:46This is a new one - putting a soldier underground before he's dead.
0:55:46 > 0:55:49- Who ordered this transfer? - I don't know, sir.
0:55:49 > 0:55:54- I was fine where I was. - You're supposed to be quiet, sir.
0:55:54 > 0:55:58Not until I find out who ordered this transfer.
0:55:58 > 0:56:02- Take it easy, sir, we'll get you off.- It's OK, I'll make it myself.
0:56:09 > 0:56:14Wait, chaps. Who's in charge here? Who ordered this transfer?
0:56:14 > 0:56:16I did, sir.
0:56:17 > 0:56:19Liz!
0:56:22 > 0:56:26- Anything else, nurse?- No, thank you.
0:56:32 > 0:56:37- Any further complaints, Major Connors?- I can't believe it.
0:56:37 > 0:56:42But Liz, your last letter was from Lyons. How did you get here?
0:56:42 > 0:56:46I had myself transferred, then I had you transferred.
0:56:46 > 0:56:51- I wish I had your brains.- Will you come and see me in the guard house?
0:56:51 > 0:56:53- Forgery?- Almost.
0:56:53 > 0:56:58- Darling, how is your leg?- All it needs is time and a good nurse.
0:56:58 > 0:57:03- It's not too bad?- It's the luckiest thing that's happened in four years.
0:57:09 > 0:57:11Let's see.
0:57:11 > 0:57:14Yes, think of nothing, Clarence.
0:57:14 > 0:57:17- What's nothing?- It's er...
0:57:17 > 0:57:22- It doesn't matter. Don't pay any attention to what I'm doing.- OK.
0:57:22 > 0:57:25- Is there any pain there?- No.
0:57:28 > 0:57:33Doctor, I told Dr McDonnell you gave orders not to remove any splints.
0:57:33 > 0:57:38- It's OK. I gave permission.- I keep telling her.- What's that for?
0:57:38 > 0:57:43You're not supposed to pay any attention to what I'm doing. Relax.
0:57:44 > 0:57:47- Why don't you relax?- Clarence.
0:57:49 > 0:57:52What are you doing?
0:57:52 > 0:57:57I wish you'd stop asking questions. I don't quite know what I'm doing.
0:57:57 > 0:57:59If you don't know, I don't.
0:57:59 > 0:58:04I'm trying to stimulate subconscious neuromotor impulses,
0:58:04 > 0:58:08- by agitating the proprioceptors in the periphery.- Oh.
0:58:11 > 0:58:13Now.
0:58:14 > 0:58:17Now you can watch. No, lie down.
0:58:20 > 0:58:23Pull from there. Now, think.
0:58:26 > 0:58:30You see what I'm doing. I'm exercising your quadriceps.
0:58:31 > 0:58:34Now do that yourself.
0:58:34 > 0:58:40- Lift your leg. Can't you lift it? - If I could, I'd walk out of here.
0:58:48 > 0:58:52- Have you finished, doctor? - Yes, I've finished.
0:58:54 > 0:58:57- Goodbye, Clarence.- Bye, doc.
0:58:57 > 0:59:02- Can I have my splint back?- Nurse, put back his splint.- Yes, doctor.
0:59:04 > 0:59:09Well, McDonnell, do you want to experiment on any more patients?
0:59:09 > 0:59:11No, I'm no good at it.
0:59:11 > 0:59:14But Kenny can do it.
0:59:14 > 0:59:16Not in this hospital.
0:59:39 > 0:59:41Elizabeth!
0:59:42 > 0:59:49- Dr McDonnell.- Your mother said you'd be another month.- I was on my way when the armistice was signed.
0:59:49 > 0:59:54- My, you look fine.- So do you. How's Nellie?- Never seen her so happy.
0:59:54 > 0:59:58- You have a son.- She's very proud. - And you're not?
0:59:58 > 1:00:01Well, he's quite a remarkable child.
1:00:01 > 1:00:05- Brack delivered him. - Couldn't you get anybody else?
1:00:05 > 1:00:08It was a bit of a hurry. Sit down.
1:00:08 > 1:00:14- Congratulations on your promotion. What do I call you now?- Sister Kenny.
1:00:14 > 1:00:18- And please respect my military rank. - I will. How's Major Connors?
1:00:18 > 1:00:26- He's in hospital in England. It'll be six months before he can walk. - But he'll walk.- Yes.- Good. Fine.
1:00:26 > 1:00:31- And now what are you planning to do? - I'm going home to wait for Kevin.
1:00:31 > 1:00:34Ah-ha. You're not interested in nursing?
1:00:34 > 1:00:36No.
1:00:37 > 1:00:40- No more clinics?- No.
1:00:43 > 1:00:50- You feel you need a rest, eh? - I certainly do. Mother's all alone now. I'll wait there for Kevin.
1:00:50 > 1:00:54- What about polio?- Never heard of it.
1:00:54 > 1:00:58- Did you ever here of the Kenny treatment?- Elizabeth Kenny?
1:00:58 > 1:01:03She's a dangerous quack. Every doctor in Australia knows that.
1:01:03 > 1:01:10- You've lost your faith in her.- Not at all, but let somebody else do it.
1:01:10 > 1:01:14The trouble is, they don't know enough about it.
1:01:14 > 1:01:17When they try it, it doesn't work.
1:01:17 > 1:01:22Then they're stupid. It's perfectly simple. Who's been trying it?
1:01:22 > 1:01:24How should I know?
1:01:24 > 1:01:28- Well, you just said...- Oh, dear.
1:01:28 > 1:01:33I forgot to see that patient in ward three. Would you like the paper?
1:01:36 > 1:01:41Aye, you ought to have a fine six months at home.
1:02:03 > 1:02:06CHILDREN LAUGHING
1:02:10 > 1:02:15- Sister, how soon is tea? - Pretty soon.- I'm hungry.
1:02:15 > 1:02:17There we are, Carolyn.
1:02:21 > 1:02:23Mm-hm.
1:02:23 > 1:02:26Very good. Turn over, on your face.
1:02:29 > 1:02:31That's a girl.
1:02:31 > 1:02:35Now, we're gong to pull those shoulder blades back.
1:02:35 > 1:02:38Pull them back, dear.
1:02:41 > 1:02:46Can't you hold that there? We've got to learn to anchor that scapula.
1:02:46 > 1:02:50- Try this one. - DOORBELL RINGS
1:02:51 > 1:02:53Nurse Warren.
1:02:53 > 1:02:57- Give Carolyn her exercises, please. - Yes, sister.
1:03:02 > 1:03:05BELL RINGS AGAIN
1:03:08 > 1:03:11- Hello, Liz.- Come in, Kevin.
1:03:18 > 1:03:21- Would you like to see the children? - No.
1:03:21 > 1:03:28- I read your letter and I don't understand.- I tried to be definite. - You certainly were definite.
1:03:28 > 1:03:31This seems absurd. I won't accept it.
1:03:31 > 1:03:38I have sympathy with your work, but I can't let you throw away every chance of personal happiness.
1:03:38 > 1:03:41Let's sit down, darling.
1:03:45 > 1:03:47Well?
1:03:48 > 1:03:52You may be right. I may be wasting my life.
1:03:52 > 1:03:57- But I don't have the right to waste yours too.- Nonsense.- No, it isn't.
1:03:57 > 1:04:01Each time I asked you to wait, you never said a word.
1:04:01 > 1:04:06You didn't let me realise how unfair it was. I didn't want to.
1:04:06 > 1:04:09If I choose to wait, it's my responsibility.
1:04:09 > 1:04:16Maybe I'm a fool. All right, I'm a fool. Finish your job here in Townsville. How long will it take?
1:04:16 > 1:04:20Well, when do you think you'll be finished?
1:04:20 > 1:04:24- I don't think I'll ever be finished. - Let's say two years.
1:04:24 > 1:04:31It'll go on. The day that doctors let me treat an acute case I'll be in sight of the end, but that's all.
1:04:31 > 1:04:36Face facts. Are you any nearer today than ten years ago?
1:04:37 > 1:04:40Yes. A little, I think.
1:04:40 > 1:04:43I'm learning a lot about polio.
1:04:43 > 1:04:46I'm getting better results with the children.
1:04:46 > 1:04:48I rather wanted some children too.
1:04:51 > 1:04:55- That's a little unfair. - Maybe, but it's true.
1:04:55 > 1:04:57You're wrong, Liz. I know it.
1:04:57 > 1:05:00That's my decision.
1:05:00 > 1:05:05I won't let you throw yourself away on this any longer. If there was...
1:05:05 > 1:05:08DOORBELL RINGS
1:05:13 > 1:05:16- Sister Kenny?- Come in, please.
1:05:23 > 1:05:28My name's Johnson. I've come from Brisbane. This is Emily.
1:05:28 > 1:05:31- Hello, Emily.- Hello, sister.
1:05:31 > 1:05:35I've got no money, sister, but if you could take Emily here,
1:05:35 > 1:05:40maybe I could work for you, scrubbing or something.
1:05:40 > 1:05:43Let's have a look at you, Emily.
1:05:43 > 1:05:45How old are you?
1:05:45 > 1:05:48Eight, no - eight and a half.
1:05:48 > 1:05:51- When did you take sick? - I don't remember.
1:05:51 > 1:05:54She was only three.
1:05:54 > 1:05:59I can't tell whether I can help you until I examine you, but we'll try.
1:05:59 > 1:06:01First we'll take off those braces.
1:06:01 > 1:06:06I think you'll have a good time here. There are lots of girls.
1:06:06 > 1:06:10Do you hear them? We'll meet them in a minute.
1:06:10 > 1:06:13Most of the time we live outside...
1:06:13 > 1:06:16DOOR CLOSES
1:06:29 > 1:06:31INAUDIBLE
1:06:45 > 1:06:49Now we're going to take you out into the sun.
1:07:01 > 1:07:07- Have you seen Sister Kenny?- A minute ago.- Did she buy a ticket?- Yes.
1:07:08 > 1:07:10Ticket?
1:07:16 > 1:07:23- Elizabeth.- What are you doing here? - Did you think you could sneak off to Brisbane without telling me?
1:07:23 > 1:07:30- Ten years ago, you'd have sent me there.- You've learnt nothing. You're so stubborn.- Give me the bag.
1:07:30 > 1:07:37- In this epidemic, there'll be nothing but the orthodox treatment. - That's why I'm going.
1:07:37 > 1:07:42- They'll shut you up in a week.- I just want one acute case.- No chance.
1:07:42 > 1:07:47- You'll be in jail.- I'm going.- All right. Let's sit down. There's time.
1:07:50 > 1:07:53Look, there's one thing you don't realise.
1:07:53 > 1:07:58Big people make little people feel small, and they resent it.
1:07:58 > 1:08:03When the big person is a nurse, well, you know as well as I do.
1:08:03 > 1:08:10I've heard a lot of complaints about the same thing. You antagonise them. You've said some unkind things.
1:08:10 > 1:08:17I've never said anything unkind about doctors. I'd like to see a few of them in their own splints.
1:08:17 > 1:08:21Two things, Elizabeth - first, use more tact, more patience...
1:08:21 > 1:08:24- I'm never impatient.- And second,
1:08:24 > 1:08:29when you run into Brack, don't use those words that aren't in the book.
1:08:29 > 1:08:32If you say spasm, he'll have a spasm.
1:08:32 > 1:08:37Alienation, re-education - he doesn't know what you mean.
1:08:37 > 1:08:41- He won't take the trouble to find out.- It's one of the facts you face.
1:08:41 > 1:08:44To him, they aren't scientific terms.
1:08:44 > 1:08:50- What can you call spasm, except spasm?- A "muscle condition".
1:08:50 > 1:08:54A "muscle condition" but not spasm. WHISTLE BLOWS
1:09:01 > 1:09:06- Goodbye, doctor.- Goodbye. Good luck, and no spasm.- No spasm.
1:09:42 > 1:09:49I'm sorry, sister. When I let you move in, I didn't know the place was unfit for hospital purposes.
1:09:49 > 1:09:54It was not unfit for hospital purposes - not until I put that up.
1:09:54 > 1:09:56If there's anything I can do.
1:09:56 > 1:09:59Thank you, Mr Todd.
1:10:03 > 1:10:07This patient has just finished his quarantine isolation.
1:10:07 > 1:10:14At the onset, the familiar symptoms of polio appeared - stiff neck, headache, fever, muscular pain,
1:10:14 > 1:10:18followed by the loss of use of arms and legs.
1:10:18 > 1:10:21I advised total immobilisation.
1:10:21 > 1:10:28Certain muscles are paralysed, due to the destruction of the horn cells of the spinal column.
1:10:28 > 1:10:35Strong, normal muscles are pulling against weak, paralysed muscles, producing deformity.
1:10:35 > 1:10:41Doctors who have worked in orthopaedic medicine know the tortured position of the victims.
1:10:41 > 1:10:45Here you see the application of splints to...
1:10:45 > 1:10:47Dr Brack.
1:10:50 > 1:10:53On the right arm,
1:10:53 > 1:10:56- I've applied the latest...- Dr Brack.
1:10:59 > 1:11:03Ladies and gentlemen, this is Miss Elizabeth Kenny,
1:11:03 > 1:11:09who has original notions on the pathology and treatment of polio.
1:11:09 > 1:11:14- I presume you've come to discuss infantile paralysis.- Yes, Dr Brack.
1:11:14 > 1:11:21In order not to waste the time of these busy people, I suggest we postpone the discussion.
1:11:21 > 1:11:25- For how many years? - Please call at my office.
1:11:25 > 1:11:31- I already have. - Did you have an appointment?- Your secretary refused to give me one.
1:11:31 > 1:11:36I'm sure it can be arranged. There is an epidemic. I was probably busy.
1:11:36 > 1:11:40The last time I was there, you were having tea.
1:11:40 > 1:11:45I hope that this class will not be further disturbed. Where was I?
1:11:45 > 1:11:49- Oh, yes. The splint I applied... - Dr Brack.
1:11:49 > 1:11:52I don't like this any more than you do.
1:11:52 > 1:11:58But I must have an answer, a public one if possible, to this question.
1:11:58 > 1:12:01Why do you prevent me from doing my work?
1:12:01 > 1:12:06- I do not prevent you, it's the authorities.- At your request.
1:12:06 > 1:12:09Isn't that rather rude?
1:12:09 > 1:12:12Do you know how to put it politely?
1:12:12 > 1:12:17Ladies and gentlemen, perhaps we can make use of this interruption.
1:12:17 > 1:12:22As men of science, we do not reject ideas without examination.
1:12:22 > 1:12:26Miss Kenny's ideas were familiar to me 20 years ago.
1:12:26 > 1:12:30I permitted a general practitioner, a Dr McDonnell,
1:12:30 > 1:12:34to test them - with very sad results.
1:12:36 > 1:12:41Nobody who reads the newspapers, in which Miss Kenny appears frequently,
1:12:41 > 1:12:46can be unaware of her, but they may be unfamiliar with her ideas.
1:12:46 > 1:12:52How many of you here know anything of the so-called Kenny treatment?
1:12:55 > 1:13:03Miss Kenny, would you tell us how ignorant I am, and how dangerous the orthodox treatment is?
1:13:04 > 1:13:09I would, but I don't think you're ignorant, only pig-headed.
1:13:09 > 1:13:11LAUGHTER
1:13:11 > 1:13:14Come down here, please.
1:13:18 > 1:13:21Come over here.
1:13:21 > 1:13:23Speak freely.
1:13:23 > 1:13:25Explain your theory.
1:13:27 > 1:13:28Well...
1:13:28 > 1:13:33- the fundamental difference between us is which muscle is sick.- Go on.
1:13:33 > 1:13:37Dr Brack, I didn't expect to find you so tolerant.
1:13:37 > 1:13:45- This is the first time in 20 years I've been given a hearing before orthopaedic men.- Yes, go on.
1:13:45 > 1:13:52Well, Dr Brack considers that one muscle is paralysed and the opposing muscle is healthy.
1:13:52 > 1:13:58I say the opposing muscle is sick in sp... Call it a muscle condition.
1:13:58 > 1:14:03When you first find such a muscle condition, you apply moist heat,
1:14:03 > 1:14:06and reduce the sp... muscle condition,
1:14:06 > 1:14:09keeping the muscles relaxed.
1:14:09 > 1:14:13If you put them in splints, you make the muscle condition worse.
1:14:13 > 1:14:17That's fine if your concept were correct.
1:14:17 > 1:14:22- Come to the convalescent stage. - After the spasm...- Spasm?
1:14:22 > 1:14:28Yes, spasm. After the spasm is relieved, the muscles look normal.
1:14:28 > 1:14:35- But they are not. They are alienated and need re-education. - There's no such thing as spasm.
1:14:35 > 1:14:42Re-education, alienation - you find that word in the divorce court. These aren't scientific terms.
1:14:42 > 1:14:47- You invented them.- Yes, for a new concept. New ideas need new words.
1:14:47 > 1:14:54- They describe the things I see.- Why don't we see them?- Because you've got a book in front of your eyes.
1:14:54 > 1:14:56You shouldn't care about words.
1:14:56 > 1:15:03- Without strict use of words, there could be no science. Your terms have no meaning.- They have for me.
1:15:03 > 1:15:06I call it spasm. I treat spasm.
1:15:06 > 1:15:09You get cures, isn't that right?
1:15:09 > 1:15:14You all try to catch me with that. I don't claim to have a cure.
1:15:14 > 1:15:17But I get improvements, even with your failures.
1:15:17 > 1:15:22I can't show what I could do if I started in the acute stage.
1:15:22 > 1:15:2920 years ago in the bush, I had that chance. Six acute cases all recovered.
1:15:29 > 1:15:35But I hear the same thing whenever a patient improves - "He didn't have polio."
1:15:35 > 1:15:42- Finished?- Not until you stop doing that!- We won't stop immobilisation. Patients must be encased in plaster.
1:15:42 > 1:15:45To me that's terrifying.
1:15:45 > 1:15:50- I have patients whose bodies are straight as a result.- And rigid.
1:15:50 > 1:15:55Those in the graveyard have as much chance of using their legs.
1:15:55 > 1:16:02- Miss Kenny, there's a patient here! - I've tried to speak to you elsewhere. He has a right to hear.
1:16:02 > 1:16:06- You're making a serious mistake. - I've made lots of mistakes, doctor.
1:16:06 > 1:16:09Are any of us infallible?
1:16:09 > 1:16:14Your fathers bled their patients for everything. Do you do it now?
1:16:14 > 1:16:19- Pasteur changed a few ideas. - You compare yourself to Pasteur?!
1:16:19 > 1:16:23Certainly not, but I wish he were here.
1:16:23 > 1:16:29- So do I, Miss Kenny. He had a cure for hydrophobia. - LAUGHTER
1:16:33 > 1:16:39That laughter is only tolerable because I know you're sincere.
1:16:39 > 1:16:46But sincerity doesn't excuse a shut mind or subjecting thousands of children to cruelty.
1:16:46 > 1:16:51Luckily, these children are not in the hands of emotional quacks.
1:16:51 > 1:16:57While we have authority, we won't let you tamper with their lives.
1:16:57 > 1:17:01It's a dangerous thing to traffic in human affliction.
1:17:01 > 1:17:09You can stop me treating an acute case, but not the hopeless ones, the ones you've given up.
1:17:09 > 1:17:14If you need any more instruments of torture, I can send them to you -
1:17:14 > 1:17:17I've taken plenty off your patients.
1:17:17 > 1:17:20Miss Kenny...
1:17:24 > 1:17:27Don't consider this matter settled.
1:17:27 > 1:17:32To become a nurse, you took an oath. Do you remember the last paragraph?
1:17:32 > 1:17:37"With loyalty will I endeavour to aid the physician in his work."
1:17:37 > 1:17:42Instead of aiding physicians, you try to teach them their profession.
1:17:42 > 1:17:46In the opinion of many doctors, you are no longer a nurse.
1:17:46 > 1:17:50You can't dispose of me that way, Dr Brack.
1:17:50 > 1:17:55I've given up too much for the right to wear a nurse's uniform.
1:17:55 > 1:17:58HEATED MURMURING
1:18:05 > 1:18:08- Sister Kenny!- >
1:18:11 > 1:18:16- I'm Tutor, of the Queensland Health Department.- Were you in there?- Yes.
1:18:16 > 1:18:19Just a moment, Sister Kenny.
1:18:19 > 1:18:26- I'm not against your work. - Who said my clinic was unfit for sick children?- Not my department.
1:18:26 > 1:18:31- Will you come to my office tonight? - What for?- We have a lot to discuss.
1:18:31 > 1:18:36- You say that happened in 1914? - July 1914.
1:18:36 > 1:18:40And then your work was suspended because of the war.
1:18:40 > 1:18:43That's right.
1:18:43 > 1:18:50- Did you keep a record of the cases you treated?- Not as well as I should. What is this all about?
1:18:50 > 1:18:54I'll explain as soon as I get this record straight.
1:18:54 > 1:18:59- Good evening. Am I late?- Not at all. Sister Kenny, this is Dr Gideon.
1:18:59 > 1:19:03- How do you do?- I've wanted to meet you for a long time.
1:19:03 > 1:19:07- So you're not an orthopaedic man. - I'm afraid I am.
1:19:07 > 1:19:12- I saw the result of your treatment on a girl named Johnson.- Oh?
1:19:12 > 1:19:15She's walking remarkably well.
1:19:15 > 1:19:20If there's anything wrong with the orthodox treatment, I want to know.
1:19:20 > 1:19:24- You're sure you're an orthopaedic man?!- Yes!
1:19:24 > 1:19:29- Hello. Well...Elizabeth. - What brought you here?
1:19:29 > 1:19:31Spasm.
1:19:31 > 1:19:36You made a mess of my treatment in front of Dr Brack.
1:19:36 > 1:19:41- I...- Dr McDonnell...- Who told you about that?- Muscle condition.
1:19:41 > 1:19:47You won't scold when you read this. It's from the London County Council.
1:19:47 > 1:19:54They want you in England. That's the most encouraging thing to happen in 20 years.
1:19:54 > 1:19:57It doesn't say I can treat an acute case.
1:19:57 > 1:20:01- It's the only way I'll ever prove anything.- Finish the letter.
1:20:01 > 1:20:07- She must go to England.- What of our plan to get her a royal commission?
1:20:07 > 1:20:12- Go ahead with it. - But she mustn't leave Australia.
1:20:12 > 1:20:17If the best doctors investigate her treatment, the fight is won.
1:20:17 > 1:20:22She can't sit around while they stop her work at every turn.
1:20:22 > 1:20:26The only thing slower than a royal commission is full payment.
1:20:26 > 1:20:31- She can't go to England.- She can. We'll learn from them in England.
1:20:31 > 1:20:38- She should be here when we get that royal commission.- Patience.
1:20:38 > 1:20:45- She belongs in Australia. - She belongs where she'll get recognition the quickest.
1:20:45 > 1:20:49- Let her make ten crippled children in England walk...- Then what?
1:20:49 > 1:20:54- Royal commission - I don't know where I am.- If you just...
1:20:54 > 1:21:00When I was going to get married, you told me if I made ten children walk
1:21:00 > 1:21:05my treatment would be adopted all over the world!
1:21:05 > 1:21:11I've made 100 children walk and in 20 years one physician has shown an interest!
1:21:11 > 1:21:14I'm sorry, but these are the facts.
1:21:14 > 1:21:19I can't flatter myself that I persuaded you into this work.
1:21:19 > 1:21:22It was the children.
1:21:22 > 1:21:27I can talk to the plain doctors, but the Dr Bracks, the specialists,
1:21:27 > 1:21:31the men who alone could open the door to my work,
1:21:31 > 1:21:35they live in a fortress.
1:21:35 > 1:21:39I'm only a nurse. I'm outside the walls of Jericho.
1:21:39 > 1:21:44They're strong walls - you don't know how strong and how high.
1:21:44 > 1:21:49Inside the walls, they can't hear the crying of children.
1:21:53 > 1:21:58< CLAMOUR OF VOICES OUTSIDE
1:22:00 > 1:22:03Sister Kenny.
1:22:11 > 1:22:15CHEERING AND CLAPPING
1:22:17 > 1:22:21VOICES SHOUT OUT FOR SISTER KENNY
1:22:23 > 1:22:29Elizabeth...a minute ago, you were talking about the walls of Jericho.
1:22:29 > 1:22:33Do you remember what happened to them?
1:22:33 > 1:22:38Some people shouted and blew trumpets, didn't they?
1:22:38 > 1:22:41Some people - yes.
1:22:41 > 1:22:44And the walls came tumbling down.
1:23:08 > 1:23:13- I'm booked on flight 70.- Half an hour's delay, ma'am, due to fog.
1:23:13 > 1:23:18- Oh, then I'll get a cup of tea. - Right-ho, this way, please.
1:23:43 > 1:23:45Kevin!
1:23:45 > 1:23:46Well!
1:23:46 > 1:23:51- Well, I've finally found you. - I phoned your...
1:23:51 > 1:23:57- I phoned your office a dozen times. - Got back an hour ago. Just missed you in Paris and Berlin.
1:23:57 > 1:24:01- But I was determined to catch you in London.- Bless the fog!
1:24:01 > 1:24:07Can't you miss this plane and get one tomorrow? Let's go to London.
1:24:07 > 1:24:12I'd love to, but I've got to be in Sydney on the fifth.
1:24:12 > 1:24:19There's a plane waiting for me in Alexandria. Could I get there on time if I went in the morning?
1:24:19 > 1:24:23- No.- Oh, well, we'll take what time there is.
1:24:23 > 1:24:27- Another order of tea, please. - Yes, Sister Kenny.
1:24:27 > 1:24:31- You're famous!- Everyone likes me except the doctors.
1:24:31 > 1:24:38I read that you were doing a lot of work here. Why are you in such a hurry to get back to Australia?
1:24:38 > 1:24:45The government has sent for me. There's another bad outbreak of polio.
1:24:45 > 1:24:52- I haven't seen anything about this in the papers.- The Munich business has crowded it out.
1:24:52 > 1:24:56"The people want Kenny clinics." So you've done it.
1:24:56 > 1:25:01No, but I can see a wee crack in the walls of Jericho.
1:25:01 > 1:25:04- Dr McDonnell?- Yes.
1:25:04 > 1:25:08He realised that my real hope was in the people.
1:25:08 > 1:25:13- Do you remember when he told me to take their failures?- I certainly do.
1:25:13 > 1:25:17For 20 years I didn't think I was getting anywhere.
1:25:17 > 1:25:23But the parents and friends of the children were forming an army.
1:25:23 > 1:25:28They didn't know it, I didn't know it, the Dr Bracks didn't know it.
1:25:28 > 1:25:32But we know it now, and it's a powerful army.
1:25:34 > 1:25:37You're a great woman, Liz.
1:25:37 > 1:25:41I've had great friends.
1:25:45 > 1:25:48- How's your mother?- Not too well.
1:25:50 > 1:25:54Oh! Did you know I'm a struggling author?
1:25:54 > 1:25:59Oh? "The Kenny Concept Of Infantile Paralysis." That's wonderful, Liz.
1:25:59 > 1:26:04- Just off the press.- May I have it? - Of course you may.
1:26:04 > 1:26:11Liz, you know it's taken me many years to understand what you tried to tell me in Townsville.
1:26:13 > 1:26:17Well, it wasn't easy for either of us.
1:26:17 > 1:26:23- I wanted ten children - you have thousands.- I still miss the ten.
1:26:23 > 1:26:25So do I.
1:26:25 > 1:26:29But when they laughed, you heard the crying of crippled children.
1:26:29 > 1:26:33That's what you knew, wasn't it?
1:26:33 > 1:26:36Yes, Kevin.
1:26:39 > 1:26:42I'm glad it turned out this way.
1:26:42 > 1:26:45That's what I've always hoped for -
1:26:45 > 1:26:48to hear you say it.
1:26:48 > 1:26:53TANNOY: 'Check in, please, flight 70. Paris, Rome, Alexandria.
1:26:53 > 1:26:57'Passengers, please go to gate three.'
1:26:57 > 1:27:02- Would you like this to read on the plane?- Oh, thank you.
1:27:02 > 1:27:06"Peace in our time, says Chamberlain."
1:27:06 > 1:27:11- Do you believe it, Kevin?- Well, it gives us time to get ready.
1:27:19 > 1:27:23BAND PLAYS: "Waltzing Matilda"
1:27:37 > 1:27:44- Well, what do you think of it? - It's incredible. If she sees this, she'll certainly go to America.
1:27:44 > 1:27:46That's what I'm afraid of.
1:27:46 > 1:27:51The commission's left things just where they were ten years ago,
1:27:51 > 1:27:59even though all the younger orthopaedic men are already using the Kenny treatment.
1:27:59 > 1:28:01Royal commission -
1:28:01 > 1:28:09she does great work in Europe, she slaves through an epidemic here and they throw that in her face.
1:28:09 > 1:28:13Well, I'd hate to be the one to tell her.
1:28:13 > 1:28:18Mr Tutor, I have Dr McDonnell on the telephone, on the private line.
1:28:18 > 1:28:21Hello, Dr McDonnell.
1:28:21 > 1:28:24Hello, Tutor?
1:28:24 > 1:28:28Oh, so they finally got it down on paper, did they?
1:28:28 > 1:28:30Mm.
1:28:36 > 1:28:39Yes, I'm still here.
1:28:39 > 1:28:43Oh, of course it can't stop the work, but...
1:28:43 > 1:28:47she's not getting any younger.
1:28:47 > 1:28:51The plain fact is she's got to take it easy.
1:28:52 > 1:28:56Of course it's serious - at her age it always is.
1:28:57 > 1:29:00Yes, I'll tell her.
1:29:28 > 1:29:32Oh, you can take these now, Alan.
1:29:32 > 1:29:34Yes, Sister.
1:29:41 > 1:29:44- Hello, Dr McDonnell.- Alan.
1:29:47 > 1:29:50- Well, doctor.- Hello, Elizabeth.
1:29:50 > 1:29:56- I didn't hear your car. - Rationing means I'm back to being a horse and buggy doctor.
1:29:56 > 1:30:00- How did you get here so early? - I left yesterday.
1:30:00 > 1:30:05- Sit down. Would you like a cup of tea?- No, thank you.
1:30:05 > 1:30:08I'll be ready in just a moment.
1:30:08 > 1:30:13- Anything here you want?- They're probably books I gave you myself.
1:30:13 > 1:30:16Something wrong?
1:30:16 > 1:30:20You're really closing the place up, aren't you?
1:30:20 > 1:30:25I don't know how long I'll be in America.
1:30:26 > 1:30:29I had a call from Tutor.
1:30:29 > 1:30:31Oh?
1:30:31 > 1:30:38The royal commission report is 130 pages of undiluted condemnation of your work and ideas.
1:30:40 > 1:30:46They say that on no account should you attend a case of infantile paralysis,
1:30:46 > 1:30:50either recent or of long standing.
1:30:50 > 1:30:55They condemn the government for spending money on the Kenny clinics
1:30:55 > 1:30:59instead of giving support to the orthodox method.
1:31:01 > 1:31:06They recommend that the Kenny clinics be closed.
1:31:08 > 1:31:12Well, that really stops me.
1:31:12 > 1:31:15The people won't stand for it.
1:31:15 > 1:31:19What can the people do against organised authority?
1:31:19 > 1:31:23Well, they got you the clinics in the first place.
1:31:23 > 1:31:28Of course, this report won't do you any good in America.
1:31:28 > 1:31:31Maybe you should reconsider.
1:31:31 > 1:31:35Do you think you really have to go?
1:31:35 > 1:31:39I don't think it, I know it.
1:31:48 > 1:31:51Come along, doctor.
1:32:07 > 1:32:12"Sister Kenny - unscientific". Rubbish! They haven't read my book.
1:32:12 > 1:32:19I've read those reviews. Besides, you shouldn't be bothered by petty minds.
1:32:19 > 1:32:26"Sister Kenny's book has new parts, but the new is not always good." Sir Charles Brack.
1:32:26 > 1:32:29Would you put those reviews away!
1:32:33 > 1:32:35Listen to this.
1:32:35 > 1:32:42"The abandonment of immobilisation and splinting is a complete denial of long-established principles."
1:32:42 > 1:32:45The British Medical Journal.
1:32:45 > 1:32:49- You haven't much time before your train leaves.- Sorry.
1:32:50 > 1:32:53It took me six years to write that book.
1:32:53 > 1:32:5830 years' work to prepare to write it and they dismiss it in 36 words.
1:32:58 > 1:33:03- Do you want me to listen to your heart?- Oh, go ahead, go ahead.
1:33:07 > 1:33:10Put the plugs in your ears!
1:33:10 > 1:33:14Well, you confused me - talk, talk, talk.
1:33:14 > 1:33:17- You doctors...!- Sssh!
1:33:17 > 1:33:19- There's nothing...- Quiet!
1:33:26 > 1:33:30Don't pull that face. It's no worse than for the last ten years.
1:33:30 > 1:33:33Listen to it yourself.
1:33:33 > 1:33:38You see what I tell you? Whistle-bang, whistle-bang...
1:33:38 > 1:33:40Quiet!
1:33:46 > 1:33:48Well?
1:34:00 > 1:34:02It's not very good, is it?
1:34:02 > 1:34:06It'll last till I do what I've got to do.
1:34:06 > 1:34:12- Not if you don't take it easy. - You take it easy!- I do.- Liar. - You're a cantankerous woman.
1:34:12 > 1:34:17You've always been a trial to me. I like things easy.
1:34:17 > 1:34:21- How many beds have you got in this hospital?- 200.
1:34:21 > 1:34:24I remember when you only had 20.
1:34:24 > 1:34:27Your father gave us two.
1:34:27 > 1:34:32Mother managed that. What about the others?
1:34:32 > 1:34:37Oh, Nellie was good at persuading. Kevin Connors gave us ten.
1:34:39 > 1:34:43You didn't know that, did you?
1:34:46 > 1:34:53I saw Dorrie McIntyre the other day. Do you remember her? She was your first case.
1:34:53 > 1:34:59Her eldest daughter's training here as a nurse. Her name's Elizabeth.
1:34:59 > 1:35:02She's a fine girl.
1:35:11 > 1:35:14You're a famous woman, Elizabeth.
1:35:14 > 1:35:20I imagine I'm the only one left who knows what it's cost you.
1:35:20 > 1:35:24And I'd like to take this opportunity to say quite formally,
1:35:24 > 1:35:28it's a privilege to have known you.
1:35:29 > 1:35:31Thank you.
1:35:32 > 1:35:36Whatever you do, whatever happens,
1:35:36 > 1:35:41remember that the people are more important than the system.
1:35:41 > 1:35:46That's true in government - they're fighting a war to prove it.
1:35:46 > 1:35:50And it's true in medicine.
1:35:50 > 1:35:54You've got that fight left, Elizabeth.
1:35:54 > 1:35:57It's a big fight. It won't be easy.
1:35:57 > 1:36:01I wish I could help you.
1:36:01 > 1:36:04But you'll be a long way off, and...
1:36:07 > 1:36:10..I'm getting old.
1:36:12 > 1:36:15Well, I'm no chicken.
1:36:15 > 1:36:22Do you know what time it is? They're waiting for you on ward seven. Don't forget your glasses.
1:36:22 > 1:36:27Don't tell me what I need. Go on! I'll need a new head, nurse.
1:36:27 > 1:36:34It would have been nice to have a long talk about all the people we used to know.
1:36:34 > 1:36:40Oh well, there'll be time for that when you get back from America.
1:36:49 > 1:36:54Sister Kenny! This way, please. Hold it, please.
1:36:54 > 1:36:57This way, Kenny.
1:36:57 > 1:37:00Thanks, honey.
1:37:00 > 1:37:04- One more, please.- Is this your first visit to America?- Yes.
1:37:04 > 1:37:08- What do you think of San Franciso? - It's too big for its bridges.
1:37:08 > 1:37:13- Sister, are you a nun?- Oh, no. - So how come they call you Sister?
1:37:13 > 1:37:17That's what they call an army nurse in Australia.
1:37:17 > 1:37:22- Did the commission report hurt?- Not as much as it hurt the children.
1:37:22 > 1:37:27- Give us the lowdown on doctors. - They say you've been rough on them.
1:37:27 > 1:37:31- Are you here to show up the doctors?- I'm here for the children.
1:37:31 > 1:37:36- We know what you think of doctors. - Give us your honest opinion.
1:37:36 > 1:37:40Very well, it's easier to criticise a doctor than to be one.
1:37:40 > 1:37:43Go along, boys.
1:37:45 > 1:37:49Yes, it's the same old story.
1:37:49 > 1:37:54From San Francisco to New York, I've been given "the runaround".
1:37:54 > 1:37:59Oh, I hadn't heard that one - "the brush off".
1:37:59 > 1:38:04The Dr Bracks seem as strong here as they are in Australia.
1:38:05 > 1:38:12I had high hopes when I came here, but since Pearl Harbour I realise I've been wasting my time.
1:38:12 > 1:38:14When do I sail?
1:38:14 > 1:38:17Tell the consul I'm very grateful.
1:38:17 > 1:38:22- Yes, I'll talk to him. Put him on. - KNOCK AT THE DOOR - Come in.
1:38:25 > 1:38:30- Sister Kenny?- Yes.- I'm from the New York Globe.- Sit down.
1:38:30 > 1:38:33Not on my luggage!
1:38:33 > 1:38:37I have nothing to say except that I'm going back to Australia.
1:38:37 > 1:38:41- Well, that's news, but... - I've waited two years... Yes.
1:38:41 > 1:38:46How do you do. No, I'm afraid I can't reconsider.
1:38:46 > 1:38:50The only place to show interest is the University of Minnesota.
1:38:50 > 1:38:54Stop poking me! No, I didn't mean you.
1:38:54 > 1:38:59I can't wait any longer for their report. I'm afraid it'll drag on.
1:38:59 > 1:39:03And frankly, I haven't any money left.
1:39:03 > 1:39:05Thank you.
1:39:05 > 1:39:09- Sister...- You heard what I said. I'm going back to Australia.
1:39:09 > 1:39:14- Bet you don't.- Why are you here? - I thought you'd like to read this.
1:39:14 > 1:39:19- Who's calling me a quack this time? - Read it.- No.- I'll read it, then.
1:39:19 > 1:39:27Quote. "We have no hesitation in saying the Kenny method will form the basis for all future treatment."
1:39:27 > 1:39:32Quote. "Absolutely no deformities have materialised.
1:39:32 > 1:39:36"55% recoveries were registered in 32 days." End quote.
1:39:36 > 1:39:41- They're talking about acute cases. - It's from Minnesota University.
1:39:41 > 1:39:47Minneapolis has been hit by a bad epidemic of infantile paralysis.
1:39:47 > 1:39:51The people want you to go over there and set up a clinic.
1:39:51 > 1:39:56The board of public welfare and the mayor want you. So are you going?
1:39:56 > 1:40:01- Young man, have you ever been kissed by a woman my age?- Huh?
1:40:01 > 1:40:04Never mind. Pick up those bags.
1:40:04 > 1:40:08Sister, where's your manners?
1:40:09 > 1:40:11Please.
1:40:18 > 1:40:23Come on, Sister, you've seen doctors before.
1:40:25 > 1:40:30- Not to hear me speak. Where were we? - You haven't dictated a word yet.
1:40:30 > 1:40:34- "Dear Dr McDonnell..." - Do you think you'll have time?
1:40:34 > 1:40:38Yes, they're going through the wards first. Where was I?
1:40:38 > 1:40:43- "Dear Dr McDonnell..." - "At the end of this letter,
1:40:43 > 1:40:47"I hope to add the greatest piece of news I've heard in 35 years.
1:40:47 > 1:40:54"The report of the national committee investigating my work for 16 months in the United States.
1:40:54 > 1:40:59"That committee is composed of outstanding orthopaedic men.
1:40:59 > 1:41:03"Yes, the walls of Jericho are really tumbling down.
1:41:04 > 1:41:11"I have every reason to believe that it will not be another fiasco like the royal commission.
1:41:11 > 1:41:15"If it is unfavourable, I shall have a spasm." Spasm.
1:41:15 > 1:41:22"But more of this later. Today is the climax of my three years' work in Minneapolis.
1:41:22 > 1:41:26"You won't believe a word of this, but it's true.
1:41:26 > 1:41:32"This morning I am lecturing to orthopaedic surgeons. Cross my heart.
1:41:32 > 1:41:38"My first lecture. The first course of study at the new institute.
1:41:38 > 1:41:45"Also, it is my birthday. And don't go round telling people how old I am. I don't like it.
1:41:45 > 1:41:51"Oh. Another thing. The new book is just out. Even Brack will have to read..."
1:41:51 > 1:41:53- Brack?- B-R-A-C-K, Brack.
1:41:53 > 1:41:57"..it was written in collaboration with an orthopaedic man,
1:41:57 > 1:42:01"the medical director of the Kenny Institute."
1:42:01 > 1:42:04"I am sending you a copy with this letter."
1:42:04 > 1:42:06- Yes.- A cablegram, Sister.- Thank you.
1:42:06 > 1:42:13"I long to see Australia. But since I cannot get away, you will have to come to America next year,
1:42:13 > 1:42:18"and see a hep cat bush nurse. You won't know what that means.
1:42:18 > 1:42:21"It's an honorary degree.
1:42:21 > 1:42:25"Incidentally, I have three real honorary degrees.
1:42:25 > 1:42:30"I don't know why I am writing in such a familiar way to a mere MD."
1:42:35 > 1:42:38Is that all?
1:42:40 > 1:42:42Is that the end, Sister?
1:42:45 > 1:42:47Yes.
1:42:47 > 1:42:52But, you were going to add something about the report, when it comes out.
1:42:59 > 1:43:01Shall I type up what I have?
1:43:03 > 1:43:06No. Never mind.
1:43:12 > 1:43:17- The doctors are waiting for you, Sister.- Thank you.
1:43:31 > 1:43:34LOUD APPLAUSE
1:43:44 > 1:43:47Thank you, doctors.
1:43:47 > 1:43:49Thank you very much.
1:43:49 > 1:43:54I am not in the habit of being greeted so warmly by doctors.
1:43:54 > 1:43:56LAUGHTER
1:43:56 > 1:44:01Your laughter reminds me of an occasion many years ago
1:44:01 > 1:44:04when I was greeted by laughter of another sort.
1:44:04 > 1:44:10It was because I used four words you are going to hear often in this course.
1:44:10 > 1:44:15Spasm, alienation, incoordination and re-education.
1:44:15 > 1:44:21Before demonstrating their application, the medical director has asked to speak.
1:44:23 > 1:44:28I have Sister Kenny's permission to speak, but not to say this.
1:44:28 > 1:44:31When she lays me out afterwards...
1:44:31 > 1:44:36LAUGHTER ..I'm going to tell her she opened the door by mentioning re-education.
1:44:36 > 1:44:40Gentlemen, that's what you're here for - re-education.
1:44:40 > 1:44:44Like myself, you went to medical school, worked hard,
1:44:44 > 1:44:49again, like myself, you went into a difficult branch and more study.
1:44:49 > 1:44:53You piled up experience and today you feel fully qualified.
1:44:53 > 1:44:58Hard as it is to learn, it is even more difficult to unlearn.
1:44:58 > 1:45:01As an American humourist said many years ago,
1:45:01 > 1:45:08"It ain't the things we don't know that causes the trouble, it's the things we do know that ain't so."
1:45:08 > 1:45:12I'm aware that not all of you are convinced,
1:45:12 > 1:45:17but the fact you are here from all over shows you are open-minded.
1:45:17 > 1:45:24In my opinion, had Miss Kenny been a doctor, this controversy would not have gone on for 35 years.
1:45:24 > 1:45:28I'm equally sure - and I say this at some risk...
1:45:28 > 1:45:30LAUGHTER
1:45:30 > 1:45:37..that if Sister Kenny had used more sugar and less vinegar, the salad would have gone down better.
1:45:37 > 1:45:41But you can't fight 35 years without the use of vinegar.
1:45:41 > 1:45:44But these petty things should be swept aside.
1:45:44 > 1:45:49We are concerned about the lives of children, not our feelings.
1:45:49 > 1:45:53As physicians, we want to find the best treatment for this disease
1:45:53 > 1:45:57that afflicted 19,000 children last year in the USA alone.
1:45:57 > 1:46:00APPLAUSE
1:46:04 > 1:46:06Thank you, doctor.
1:46:06 > 1:46:08Now, Tommy.
1:46:08 > 1:46:12You see here a typical case in the convalescent stage.
1:46:12 > 1:46:17The acute stage has passed, pain has gone, but difficulties begin.
1:46:17 > 1:46:23We have apparent or functional paralysis, what I call alienation.
1:46:23 > 1:46:25INAUDIBLE
1:46:27 > 1:46:35I have been told that the report of the national committee is on the radio. They're putting it on.
1:46:35 > 1:46:41RADIO: And in conclusion, the five specialists who compose the committee report that
1:46:41 > 1:46:48they find no evidence that the Kenny treatment prevents or decreases the amount of paralysis.
1:46:48 > 1:46:55I quote: "We criticise the statements of Miss Kenny, that patients who have come to her,
1:46:55 > 1:47:01"that had this case come to her early, the disability would have been prevented.
1:47:01 > 1:47:03"This is not founded on fact."
1:47:03 > 1:47:10The entire report of the committee is a severe criticism of Sister Kenny and her supporters.
1:47:10 > 1:47:14With respect to her claims for recoveries, she is accused of:
1:47:14 > 1:47:19"deliberate misrepresentation of the facts of treatment by other methods".
1:47:19 > 1:47:22MURMURING
1:47:24 > 1:47:30I don't know what evidence the committee considered, but we who are using the treatment
1:47:30 > 1:47:38know enough to know that crooked limbs and twisted bodies are not a necessary consequence of the disease.
1:47:38 > 1:47:42These tragedies do not occur in cases treated here.
1:47:42 > 1:47:49As medical director of the Kenny Institute, I have no hesitation in saying it is time to abolish methods
1:47:49 > 1:47:52which allow suffer children to suffer deformities.
1:47:52 > 1:47:54APPLAUSE
1:47:58 > 1:48:02That's a very fine speech, but I'm tired of being polite.
1:48:02 > 1:48:08Children are more important than medical etiquette. Committees investigate Sister Kenny's ideas,
1:48:08 > 1:48:13- but who investigated the brains of the committees?- I did.
1:48:13 > 1:48:17I've survived worse blows than this when I had fewer friends.
1:48:17 > 1:48:20This is a problem of man's own mind.
1:48:20 > 1:48:27When we speak with the voice of authority, we come to believe we are authority and not its voice.
1:48:27 > 1:48:29This report will do damage.
1:48:29 > 1:48:34Not to me but to thousands of children denied proper treatment.
1:48:34 > 1:48:38I think the personal attack is unworthy of these gentlemen.
1:48:38 > 1:48:44I never misrepresent facts. I don't have to. I owe too much to doctors to be embittered.
1:48:44 > 1:48:48And don't think this work has gone unnoticed elsewhere.
1:48:48 > 1:48:56Infantile paralysis knows nothing about borders, races, creeds, colours - nor does medicine.
1:48:56 > 1:49:03I've fought doctors in the bush, in the city, and I haven't pulled any punches. Neither have they.
1:49:03 > 1:49:08They are stubborn, headstrong, cantankerous and they're wonderful.
1:49:08 > 1:49:13Fighting so bitterly for what they believe has made me respect them.
1:49:13 > 1:49:18If any men give a better account when they meet their maker...
1:49:18 > 1:49:27Forgive me, gentlemen. I am thinking of a doctor very close to me in this work, a very good man.
1:49:31 > 1:49:37And now, to return to the subject of teaching these muscles to walk again.
1:49:40 > 1:49:42You haven't touched your tea, Sister.
1:49:42 > 1:49:45Oh, I was thinking.
1:49:53 > 1:49:56CHILDREN CHATTER OUTSIDE
1:49:56 > 1:49:59- What's that?- I don't know.
1:50:10 > 1:50:14CHILDREN'S VOICES GROW LOUDER
1:50:17 > 1:50:21CHILDREN SING: # Happy birthday to you
1:50:21 > 1:50:25# Happy birthday to you
1:50:25 > 1:50:30# Happy birthday dear Sister
1:50:30 > 1:50:34# Happy birthday to you
1:50:34 > 1:50:39# Happy birthday to you
1:50:39 > 1:50:43# Happy birthday to you
1:50:43 > 1:50:48# Happy birthday dear Sister
1:50:48 > 1:50:52# Happy birthday to you. #
1:51:02 > 1:51:06Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd