Ought to be there pretty Soon, shouldn't we?
What's your hurry, Kid?
We got all night.
You've covered a lot Of these homecomings,
Haven't you mr. Williams?
This is my 25th Transport,
More than 200,000 Homecoming soldiers.
Yeah. I'll bet you've Gotten some wonderful yarns.
Oh. I'll get one Now and again.
As a rule, though, a man Who has a real story to tell
Won't tell it,
Not to a reporter Anyhow.
Well, how can you tell A man's got a story
If he won't give out With it?
Williams is psychic, Didn't you know?
Gets so you can see It in their faces.
You can always Pick out your man.
You mean the man who isn't Gonna give you a story.
Yeah. Ha ha ha!
There she is!
Ha ha ha!
Seems to me There are a lot
Of interesting faces Here.
Haven't found your man Yet, mr. Williams?
Not yet. Nope.
I'll see you Later, kid.
Light, colonel?
Thank you.
Great outfit, The 299th medical.
We've heard a lot about it back Here at home, colonel Johnson.
Yes. Great outfit.
Quite a job, fighting a war With only a hypodermic needle.
Yes.
What's your Specialty, colonel?
Specialty?
Oh. I'm a surgeon.
Had quite a practice back In '41, I expect, didn't you?
Yes, quite A practice.
That must seem like A long time a go, '41.
A lot of water's gone Under the bridge since then.
Yes.
With that background And this war,
You ought to have a whale Of a story to tell, colonel.
I'm sorry, mr. Williams. No story.
That makes it a bit rough on folks Back here at home, doesn't it?
How so?
I mean, well, they're The ones that have to live
With the men Who are coming back.
It seems only fair That they should know
What the men Have been through,
How they've changed.
Perhaps.
I'm afraid I have Nothing to say
That would be Of any help.
I don't know. I think people Can help each other a lot.
Didn't you ever run in To someone
Who gave you A new slant on things?
Yes. Yes, I did.
Maybe you have some Personal experience
You could tell, colonel.
What?
No. I've had no personal Experiences, mr. Williams.
I have nothing to say That would interest anyone.
Ok, colonel. Sorry.
Guess I'll be Getting along.
Good luck, colonel.
Thank you. Good luck to you.
Maybe you Have some personal experience
You could tell, colonel.
No story.
Had quite a practice back In '41, I expect, didn't you?
Quite a practice.
Must seem like A long time ago, '41.
Yes. 1941 was a long time ago.
How easy it all seemed At lafayette hospital, '41.
Dr. Ulysses d. Johnson.
I kind of thought of it As my hospital,
And everybody else Seemed to think that way, too,
And why not?
I'd worked hard enough To get there-
4 years harvard medical school, Internship johns hopkins,
Surgical resident At mayo clinic 5 years,
And finally chief of surgery.
Yep. Quite a guy.
Dr. Johnson's office. Dr. Johnson's secretary speaking.
Hello? Oh, yes, Mrs. Nichols.
Yes. Tomorrow is His birthday.
Yes, he does. Very young.
Smoking jacket?
I'm sure he'd appreciate it A great deal
Coming from you.
Well, his shoulders are Quite broad of course.
Height? Oh, I should say He's about 6 feet.
Perhaps a scarf Would be better.
Yes, mrs. Nichols, blue would Go beautifully with his hair.
Not at all, mrs. Nichols.
Good-bye, mrs. Nichols.
He's alone now.
Thanks.
How many more, Miss Simpson?
How many more Can you stand?
Penny. Ha ha ha!
Hello, darling.
I didn't know You were here.
I've been sitting out There getting a lesson.
You certainly turn On the charm
For your women Patients, don't you?
Jealous?
Mm. Could be.
Oh. A doctor Has to live,
Support his wife...
Keep her in new hats.
Oh. Well, that's Something.
You did notice It then?
The minute I turned around.
You like it?
I love it and you.
Uh, dr. Johnson, dr. Sunday's waiting to see you.
Says he has An appointment.
Bob. I completely Forgot about him.
Well, what does Bob want?
I ran into him The other day
And promised To talk to him
About that project Of his,
You know, the malaria In chester village.
I've been putting Him off for weeks.
Well, what does he think You can do about malaria?
You're a surgeon.
Use my influence, I suppose.
Oh, dear.
I did want us to go to curtis' Sport shop before it closes,
Pick up some clubs.
I'm taking up golf.
Won't be a minute.
You want to come and say hello to him?
Not just now.
I'll try to make It short.
Hello, Bob. Hello, Lee.
How are you? Fine, thanks.
Nice to see you.
When is that new book Of yours coming out?
March 15 if all Goes well.
Good. I'll be anxious To see it.
Very nice of you to Give me this hour, Lee.
You don't know what A help it will be.
Well, as a matter of fact, I
I got myself mixed up A little on this hour.
I - I'm terribly sorry, but you see, Something has come up,
And I'm afraid we won't be able to Have our talk this afternoon after all.
That's too bad.
Yes. I-I-I'm Terribly sorry,
But you see, Tomorrow's my birthday,
And penny just came by To take me down
And show me some golf clubs She wants to surprise me with.
I see.
Well, how about Tonight?
Well, tonight's friday.
Yes.
Well, we always Go to the club friday.
We, uh, we dance.
Oh.
Well, I know all this seems Sort of trivial to you, Bob,
But, good heavens, some people Like to dance once in a while.
Well, I haven't Said a word.
No, but, uh-
I want to help you. I- I intend to,
But, well, right now-
I happened to get You at a busy time.
Well, sort of.
Ok. I'll be Seeing you, Lee.
Sure. I hear things in Chester village are pretty bad.
5 new cases This week.
Terrible.
Yes, yes.
Well, I'll be Getting back.
Happy birthday, Lee.
I hope you find the Right clubs. Good-bye.
Bob.
Yes?
Why don't you leave Those files?
I'll go over them the First possible moment.
You won't go Over them, Lee.
No, I will. I promise I will.
All right.
I'll leave them If you like.
So long, Lee.
Good-bye, Bob.
The first minute I get.
Relax, darling.
Hmm?
You're leading me Again.
Am I?
I'm sorry, darling.
Good morning, Sol.
Good morning, Doctor.
Good morning, Sarah. Good morning, doctor.
Those were the best Popovers you ever made.
Those were for your Birthday, doctor.
Many happy returns.
Well, thank you, Sarah.
Happy birthday, Doctor.
Thank you, Sol.
Hello, Doctor Johnson.
Good morning.
Doctor? Yes?
Could I speak to you For a minute?
Sure. What's on your mind?
Well, you see, it's this way, doctor.
I've got A stiff knee.
Hurt it playing football A couple of years ago.
Now I got a chance to Join the canadian army,
But they turned me Down cold.
I thought maybe you Could fix it up.
Canadian army? What do You want to join them for?
They're in there Fighting already.
Oh. So you like To scrap, huh?
Well, no. It isn't That, doctor.
Well, that's your Own business, I suppose.
Where do you live?
29 verrick street, Chester village.
My name's monkevickz. They call me monk.
Ok. We'll have a look At it, monk.
Check with miss Simpson In my office,
And she'll make a date For you at the clinic.
Thanks, Doctor Johnson.
Good-bye, sweet.
Take care of yourself.
Don't make it a long day, will you, Lee?
No, I won't.
Penny, what's wrong?
Nothing.
Darling, don't let Those headlines bother you.
Europe's A long ways off
To be moving in on us.
Promise?
Promise.
All right then.
Bye.
Shouldn't you be In there with the guests?
I guess... I should, Shouldn't I?
I sort of wish We were alone.
I'd much rather have my Last cocktail with you.
Hello, mother. I didn't Know you'd come yet.
Just came. How are you, dear?
Fine.
How are you, Lee?
So glad you Made it, mother.
Well, doctor-
Or I guess I'd better say major now-
When are you off?
Tomorrow morning.
Dr. Johnson.
Yes, Sarah?
Dr. Sunday's In the library.
Bob sunday? Well, ask him to come in.
I told him, but he said he'd rather not.
Oh. Thanks, Sarah.
Excuse me a minute. I'll be right back.
Hello, Bob.
Hello, Lee. I just heard You were leaving tomorrow,
So I thought I'd Drop in to say good-bye
And get those files I left with you.
Oh, heavens. I completely Forgot about them.
I'll have them sent To you in the morning.
Thanks. Won't you come in
And have a cocktail? No, thanks.
I really just wanted to Wish you luck, which I do.
Well, I appreciate Your coming around, Bob,
Especially after-
Bob, I honestly always Meant to help you out
Over there In chester village,
But somehow, well, I Never got around to it.
That's all right.
No, it's not All right.
It's been On my conscience.
Well, maybe you'll feel like doing Something about it when you get back.
You think the war's Gonna make a man of me?
No. No. I think you'll take the War right in your stride, Lee.
Like I do everything Else, you mean?
I'm not trying To be nasty.
You think I'm sort of a Callous person, don't you, Bob?
No. Just busy.
Very busy with a lot Of different things.
Anyway, when you get back, chester Village will still be there.
That's one thing you can Bank on unfortunately.
What are you Going to do?
What do you mean?
Well, are you going To get into it?
No. I thought about it, But then I decided
I'd just stick around and do What I'm doing until they call me.
Well, that's Too bad.
Why?
Well, I hoped you'd Get into it somehow,
Get you out of that Rut you're in.
Rut? I don't call Chester village a rut.
I know, I know, I know.
Fine work. After all, Not much future in it.
For me, you mean?
Of course, I mean For you.
There comes a time In every man's life
When he has to look Out for himself.
I guess that is really Your philosophy, isn't it?
It's anyone's philosophy Who's really honest.
You can't solve all the Problems of the world.
Why break your neck over Something you can't help?
Anyway, you've done Your share,
And now that we're In this war
With really big Issues at stake-
Look, Lee. Don't talk To me about issues.
Your country's Been attacked.
All right. Shut up!
What?
I want to tell you Something, Lee.
I've been wanting to Tell you for a long time
Ever since college.
Go ahead.
There's an awful lot of A four-flusher about you.
You've got away With murder all your life,
And when you have the guts to say That my country has been attacked,
Implying that I'm not doing anything About it, that's pretty hard to take.
Over there In chester village,
Men have been Dying for years,
Children are dying just For lack of decent care.
Malaria, malnutrition, Hookworm.
My country attacked?
You're darn right It's been for a long time,
But did you care?
And don't kid yourself about That uniform you've got on.
I'm glad you're in it. I'm very glad.
It's the best thing You've ever done,
But don't tell me You're in it
Because of any issues At stake.
You don't even know What the issues are.
You're in it because it's The thing to do right now,
Just because everybody Else is doing it.
Get wise To yourself, Lee.
Well, I guess that Washes us up nicely.
It sure does.
Bob, I didn't know You were here.
Hello, penny. I just Dropped by for a moment.
Just going.
Well, come in And have a drink.
I can't, really. Thanks just the same.
Good-bye, Lee. Good luck.
I know you'll do A good job.
Thanks.
And if anything should Come up while he's gone,
You need anything, you Know where to find me.
Thanks, Bob.
I always had a sort of Soft spot for the johnsons.
Go back to your guests.
So long. Good luck.
Lee, did you and Bob Have a quarrel?
Well, you know Bob. Same old thing.
I was terrible, dear. We Completely forgot to invite him.
Was he hurt?
I don't know. I-
Sometimes, that guy Gets under my skin.
I'm sorry, darling. Let's go back.
Oh, uh, the carters Called to say
They were sorry they couldn't Get over this afternoon.
Oh?
Told me to wish you Good luck for them.
All right.
Penny.
Yes, dear?
Have you ever thought I was a four-flusher?
Four-flusher? What Are you talking about?
Well, this afternoon, Bob said-
Oh, Lee. I knew you and Bob had been at it again.
He's a pretty smart guy.
He seemed to think That I-
I don't know.
Lee, Bob's All right,
And I'm Very fond of him,
But he's not you.
You're one of the finest Surgeons in this country,
And if you want My opinion,
One of the finest Men, too.
Oh, darling, Stop it.
This is our Last evening.
Yes, and I'm sorry.
You remember the first Time I ever kissed you?
I remember.
You were pretty fresh In those days.
Heh. Oh, was I?
I've always Liked this room.
You're a born Homemaker, penny.
I haven't talked Much about it,
But don't think I don't Appreciate all you've given me.
Thanks, darling.
Keep everything Just the way it is
Till I come back, Won't you?
Don't have anything Changed.
Not a thing. I promise.
And, Lee, don't let Them change you either.
Oh. Not a chance.
You better turn in.
You lock up.
Yeah.
I'll help you.
Oh, Lee!
Shh.
Now, now.
I'm sorry.
How long do you think You'll be in carlisle?
Oh. About 6 weeks Just for basic training.
I hope it won't be Too hard on you.
Oh! Nonsense. After all, I'm a doctor.
It won't be anything.
No further duties Tonight.
Saturday, 1800 hours, fall In in front of the barracks
In fatigues, leggings, and full Field packs for a night's travel.
And off the record, I suggest You cancel all sunday appointments
Because we'll be out For 36 hours at least.
That's all, gentlemen.
* gone are my friends *
* from the cotton fields away *
* gone from this earth *
* to a better land I know... *
Big ocean.
Certainly is.
Quiet crossing so far.
Yes. Surprisingly so.
Wonder where we're Headed for.
Can't be africa.
Might be.
Oh. I think that show's About over, isn't it?
Montgomery's got Rommel on the run.
For the moment maybe. You never know.
No. I think the african Campaign's in the bag.
Probably won't be long before the Whole war's over now that we've come in.
Wishful thinking.
Hmm?
I say, wishful thinking.
Think so?
Know it. That's how We got here.
I wonder what My wife's doing now,
This minute.
Mine's just putting The kids to bed.
You got any kids?
No. Never felt The need for any.
You don't know What you've missed.
Really? How would You know?
I have one, a boy.
How old is he?
6.
Then why Are you here?
Because I want him To be 12.
Where's your husband?
Somewhere in china.
China?
Yes. He's buried there.
Oh. Sorry.
It was 6 years ago.
Anyway, he was fighting For what he believed in.
Fighting in china? Was he chinese?
No. He was An american pilot.
6 years ago?
Yes.
Then why-
"swanee river"
Yep.
Takes you back.
Why can't people Just stay at home
And live their own lives, Enjoy the good things,
Their work, Their home, music?
Why must they always Be chasing around,
Sticking their noses In other people's affairs.
Comfortable philosophy, Major.
Look, young lady. Would you mind terribly
If I just sit quietly And talk to my friend here?
Do I disturb you?
Frankly, yes.
That's what I mean,
Everybody sticking Their noses
Into other People's affairs,
People butting into other People's conversations,
American pilots Fighting in china.
It's all the same.
You can't understand that, Can you, major,
Why an american should Be fighting in china?
No, I can't.
A man leaves His wife and child
To go fight in a war that Wasn't any of our business?
Wasn't it?
Not 6 years ago.
My husband hated Aggression even 6 years ago.
Look, young lady. It's People like you that-
Yes? That what?
Never mind.
No. Go on.
People like me That what?
Oh, drop it. When women Talk world politics,
It makes me laugh.
Do the women Of the bombed cities
Of europe make you Laugh, major?
Now what's that got To do with it?
I'm talking about women who go around Thinking they have all the answers,
Thinking that they even know The reasons we're in this war.
I know some Of them, major.
Because people didn't care What went on over there
Until the murderers Got so far
The whole world Was in danger.
If we'd had a little simple Humanity at the very start,
All this might Have been stopped.
Oh. That means me, I suppose.
Well, you're quite a specimen, Major, as far as I can see.
Look, young lady.
I'll tell you The reason I think
People like you Are in this war.
I think They enjoy it.
It's a new sensation For them.
If I were you, I'd leave The glory to the others
And run along home and, Well, take care of my child.
My child is well Taken care of, major.
May I?
Thanks.
And thanks a lot For the lecture.
Oh, not at all. Never Too late to learn, major.
Of all the fresh-
Who is she?
Snapshot, They call her.
Her name's, um, Mccall.
Yes, that's it- Lieutenant mccall.
Whose nurse is she? Not yours, I hope.
No. She's yours.
Put that lamp over here And this one over there.
Captain, move this table this Way. Give us some more room.
Right, major.
Let's see if we have Enough plasma.
Captain gellar said His unit is short of it.
Well, this Must be it.
I ordered it Last friday. Yes.
Good.
What about Plaster of paris
And sulfanilamide? Enough?
Just brought in Two boxes of each, sir.
Lieutenant mccall said this Morning that we need a lot.
Ok.
You're a very good nurse, Lieutenant mccall.
Thank you, sir. Oh, major.
I've been wanting to Tell you for some time,
I'm sorry I spoke Out of turn
That day On the boat.
Oh, forget it. We all Get excited at times
And say things We're sorry for later.
Well, I'm not sorry About what I said.
You're not?
No. Just that I said it.
You see, I wouldn't have had I known
That you were Chief of surgery.
But you'd have thought The same, is that it?
Well, I can't help What I think.
In that case, if you'll Continue to think things
And not say them, we'll get Along together all right.
Thank you, sir.
Major Johnson.
Major Johnson!
Major Johnson.
Yes. What is it?
The colonel wants you.
Casualties coming in, sir.
All right. I'll be right there.
Everything's set, Colonel.
Good, Johnson. Ever Operate in the field before?
No, sir.
Well, good luck. Thank you.
Captain. Yes, sir?
Let's go. Send them in.
Remove the dressing.
Ready, major.
Direct transfusion.
Medicine 299. Give me The army surgeon's office.
Hello, hello? Operations officer.
Hello. This is medicine 299.
We have 380 patients And expect more in.
When can we get Ambulances to evacuate?
What?
We have 90 patients Ready for evacuation,
60 litter And 30 sitting.
Ok.
Medicine 299.
50 patients coming From your station
Will arrive in 30 minutes.
Ok.
"it was my First experience in the field, penny,
"but I'll never forget it.
"operated for 16 hours straight.
"these boys they bring in, Just kids,
"but the courage they have Makes you sort of proud somehow.
"wouldn't know what to do Without this nurse-snapshot-
"immensely efficient But difficult.
Miss you terribly, my darling."
"just heard a bird singing. Crazy, isn't it?"
Good morning, Miss mccall.
Good morning, sir.
These are The case reports
Of the patients To be evacuated.
Oh. Thank you.
This is sanchez. He's to Leave this morning, sir.
Hmm?
Kind of warm today.
Yes, sir. Would you Care to sign these two?
They're To leave tonight.
Brown. Is he all right?
Yes. Been Without temperature
For the last 3 days, sir.
Good. Anything else?
Chuck crandall's Emergency furlough papers
For your approval, Sir.
He'd like to get away a little earlier.
I can't sign this. His furlough doesn't begin
Until the day After tomorrow.
Well, that's right, sir, but if He could get away early tomorrow,
He could catch A plane to america.
If he waits, there's no Telling when he can get home.
I can't help that. After all, this is the army.
If I start making Exceptions like that,
There will be No end to it.
Yes, sir.
Anything else?
You're wanted In ward 3.
Lieutenant.
Yes, sir?
I suppose you think I'm too severe
In not granting This request.
I'm not supposed to Say what I think, sir.
All right. Say it.
If you want my opinion, Sir, I think it stinks.
Lieutenant, I'll not have Disrespect in my department.
You asked For my opinion, sir.
That was my error.
Yes, major.
Anything else?
You're still wanted In ward 3.
Major Johnson Will be right in.
Oh!
Well, you're not going To a dance, you know.
You're just going to Look over the patients.
Good morning, Miss bradford.
Hello, major.
Let's go.
2,000 c.c., 5% glucose and saline,
Sodium luminal, And musculin.
I know this man. When did I operate on him?
This morning at 2:00.
Monkevickz. Of course.
He's from My hometown.
Monk. Hello, monk.
Remember me?
Doctor Johnson. Yeah?
That's right. From back home.
Yeah. How are you, Doc?
Feeling a little cold?
Yes, sir.
Still in shock a little. Blood plasma.
We'll fix you Right up, son.
Doctor, would you Do me a favor?
Of course. What is it, monk?
Just in case anything happens to me,
Would you look up My old man?
29 verrick street, Chester village.
Nothing's going to Happen to you.
You lost a lot of blood, but We're going to fix that up.
Swell. Thanks a lot, doc.
Hello? Hello. This is medicine 299.
We have 380 patients. We expect more in.
When can we get ambulances To evacuate them?
53 new surgical cases just came in, sir.
Who's in surgery now?
Uh, dowling, Johnson, Coleman, and harvey.
Coleman and Johnson have been Operating for 16 hours straight.
Can't take much more.
Well, can't be helped.
Sign up the surgical teams 1, 2, 3, 4.
All right. Take him away.
Go home. Go to bed.
I know they got to kill the Doctors, but not the nurses.
I'll get someone else For the rest of the night.
They're coming, major.
Quite a night.
Yes, sir.
You're the most competent Nurse I've ever had
In all my experience, and I want You to know that I appreciate it.
Thank you, major.
In regards To that matter
Of crandall's Emergency furlough,
You were quite right,
And I intend to see That he gets off today.
Yes, sir.
Let's have a cup Of coffee, huh?
No, thank you.
Look, snapshot.
I'm sorry about what I said to you yesterday,
Honestly, genuinely, Sincerely sorry.
I behaved stupidly, And I'm tired.
I'm so darned tired that You've got to forgive me.
I apologize. I want to be friends.
I want to hear you say Something once in a while
Except "yes, major."
Come on, snapshot. We're both tired.
Let's forget it.
Yes, major.
Then will you have a cup Of coffee with me now?
No, thank you.
Ok. Then that's that, Lieutenant.
"awfully tired tonight, darling,
And on top of everything, This darn nurse again."
Mind if I sit down A minute?
Please do.
Thank you.
Um, I was very rude To you just now.
I'm sorry.
Well, I can't say I blame you.
I'm a very Irritating person.
So am I.
Well, if you still want to be Friends, I'd like it very much.
Snapshot, you're A funny kid.
Yeah. I know.
Of course, I want To be friends.
I've wanted to For a long time.
Well, then that's that.
Mm. Boy, Is that good.
I hope it doesn't Keep you awake.
No. I'm too tired To sleep anyway.
Well, you better try.
So have you.
Yes, major.
Look. Uh, don't you Think we could dispense
With this Major business?
Well, what should I Call you?
Anything but that.
Well, I certainly Can't call you ulysses.
No. No. I've had trouble With that all my life.
Perhaps I should call you what I've been calling you to myself,
Although-
Although after tonight, I'm Not sure that it fits you.
What's that?
Useless.
Well, it could Be worse.
Cigarette?
Yes, thank you.
Here. Oh!
That thing's always Falling apart.
Thank you. It lights, though.
Thanks.
Well, good night.
Good night.
Thanks For the coffee.
Sure. And, snapshot...
Thanks for coming.
"going to sleep now, Darling.
"all my love, Lee.
"p.s. By the way, don't Worry about snapshot.
She was just in, and Everything is all right."
Well, that's nice.
I was afraid they were Going to fight again.
Well, it's nice to know He has someone to talk to.
Yes. And it's nice Of him to give us
An hourly bulletin On her.
Now, mother, don't Be a cat.
I wonder what She looks like.
Where's that photograph He sent you last week?
Perhaps we can Pick her out.
It's here.
Oh. Let's see now.
Hmm.
This one?
Uh, I doubt it.
Well, how about This one?
Maybe. Keep on going.
This?
Oh, dear, dear, dear. This Is difficult, isn't it?
Surely not this one.
Oh, no.
Well, I guess she Isn't on it.
Um...
How about, uh, this one?
Oh. Didn't I Point to her?
She's so Unattractive.
Isn't she?
Oh, penny. Stop being a goose.
You're not really Jealous, are you?
No. Of course not.
Oh. Good.
Darling, I must go, And you must go to bed.
Thanks for A lovely dinner.
See you tomorrow.
Yes, dear.
Good night, My sweet.
Good night, mother.
Hello, darling.
Who's that?
I don't know.
Well, you could see.
Mother, please.
He kissed you!
Mother!
Ahem. I'd be curious if Someone had kissed me.
Mother, will you Please be quiet?
I didn't know you were-
Who? Good heavens. I beg your pard-
Oh. I thought it was Someone el-
Oh. I'm awfully sorry. Oh, good grief.
His name is Ulysses Johnson.
He's a little crazy.
Lee! Lee!
229th, evacuation hospital.
Lieutenant colonel Johnson speaking.
Yes, sir. It's been pretty bad.
The front's been Kind of quiet lately,
But we've been bombed Several times
During the last 3 days.
Yes, sir.
Supply ten-
Hello? Hello?
We've been cut off. Hello?
Telegram.
Oh. Good. From my wife.
I haven't heard From her-hello?
Yes, sir. We were cut off.
I was saying, the Supply tent has been hit,
And we've lost A lot of equipment.
We'll have to have Some more, sir.
Yes, sir? Oh. That's fine.
Yes. Thank you, sir.
Thank you. Good-bye.
Gee. Aren't women Something?
Why?
Imagine getting this in the Midst of all that out there.
She decided I had nothing to do in anzio
But to fall in love.
She's jealous.
And to top that, guess who She picked to be jealous of-
Snapshot. Really?
Just because I happened to mention her
In a couple Of letters.
That was a big mistake.
Yeah. I can see That now.
Snapshot's just A pal, a soldier.
A darn pretty soldier.
Yeah? I hadn't Noticed.
Whew! Well, looks like It's over for a while.
Guess we'll have A breathing spell.
I can use it.
Say, how about you two Coming out
And having a bath With me?
A bath?
Well, you could use That, too, useless,
And so could you.
Ha. I'm-I'm On duty this afternoon.
Where are you going To take a bath?
Well, some of the girls found a Roman ruin a couple of miles away.
It's the most perfect Bathtub you ever saw.
How about it?
Good. I'll be back In 30 minutes.
Crazy girl.
Crazy soldier, You mean.
Um, what, uh, is this bath like exactly?
Uh, is it enclosed?
Oh, my, no. Entirely open.
The romans were a very Civilized people, useless.
Yes. I know, But, uh-
That is to say, uh-
Open, huh?
What do you suggest?
Well, when in rome.
Look I'll take one first, And you can stand guard,
And then I can Look out for you.
Oh.
Yes. Yes.
Oh, boy. This Is going to be something.
Hey. The air's cooler Than I thought.
Is it?
Yeah.
I always had That trouble.
I'd feel I couldn't Wait to get in the water,
And then when I got My clothes off,
I'd get so cold that sometimes I wouldn't even go in.
Just lie around.
Well, don't just lie Around now, please.
Get in and get it Over with.
Somebody might come.
Well, what if they do? You're protecting me.
Now, snapshot, you stop It and get in that water.
Ha ha! Ok. Here we go!
Hey. Hear me splashing, Useless?
Yes, I do.
You know, back home, I was known
As the biggest splasher In town.
That's quite A distinction.
Yeah. I could splash Everybody else
Right out of the pool.
Can't do half As well now.
You're doing All right.
Oh. This is wondrous.
Oh, yes. This is Really wondrous.
Hey, snapshot!
What?
Are you standing guard?
Certainly. Go on. Nobody's going to see you.
I haven't had so much Fun since I was a kid
And went swimming In the creek.
You used to go swimming In a creek, useless?
Of course I did. What do you think?
With all the other Little boys?
Yes, with all The other little boys.
Why?
I don't know. I just can't picture it.
Why not?
Well, you don't Seem like-
Well, I don't know.
Am I so different from all The other men you've known?
Well, I've never been around Very successful people before.
What's she like, Useless, your wife?
Is she pretty?
Beautiful.
Well, why didn't you Ever have any children?
We had a lot Of fun together,
Didn't want to spoil It, I guess.
Whose idea was that?
Mine, I'm afraid.
Well, what did you want Out of life, useless?
I don't know. I guess More than anything,
I wanted To be successful.
And so you just Stopped living.
What?
Nothing.
Maybe I just got so in the Habit of being successful
I stopped living For a while.
What would you say to that As a diagnosis, snapshot?
Pretty good, doctor.
Hey, useless. There's A truckload of nurses
Bearing down on us.
What?
You better hurry.
I don't know how long I can fight them off.
Oh, look here! Get stalling!
Colonel Johnson. Yes?
We have a few New cases in.
Would you care to come Into receiving?
Aren't they being Taken care of?
Yes, sir. Captain gellar's in charge,
And colonel silver's With him,
But one of the men Asked for you.
He says he's A friend of yours.
Friend of mine?
Yes, sir. His name's monkevickz.
Monk?
Where is he?
Number 6.
What's wrong With him?
Ruptured spleen.
How did that happen?
Malaria.
Malaria?
Is he pretty bad?
Yes. There's nothing We can do.
Some friends to see You, sergeant.
Hello, monk.
Hello, doc. Nurse mccall.
Hello, monk.
So we've got You again, huh?
This time For keeps, doc.
You sure there's No more to be done?
Not only The acute condition.
The poor lad's full Of hookworm.
It's bled him white, Anemic,
No resistance.
Doc.
Yes, monk.
Lean over further.
I'm right here, Monk.
Remember...
Remember what You promised, doc.
Give... Give the old man A kiss for me.
I will.
29 verrick street, Chester village.
I won't forget.
Sure. Sure.
Thanks for Everything, doc.
It's all over.
Match?
Of course, that kid Should never have been
In the army In the first place.
His spleen would never Had ruptured
If he hadn't Had malaria.
He had that Before he enlisted.
It wasn't on his records. He lied about it.
Told me he'd had it For years.
Of course, if he'd had Medical attention earlier,
This probably never Would have happened.
Well...
Malaria. Huh.
Doesn't that Make you mad?
An american soldier Dies on the battlefield-
Killed, but not By the enemy.
What's the matter With us, anyway?
I always thought we were the Kindest people in the world,
And yet here we are, allowing Things like this to happen.
Oh, I know a lot's Being done at home,
But it's not enough.
It's never enough.
I can just imagine What kind of a hole
This kid had to live in Back home.
But weren't there Any doctors around
Who knew What was going on?
Why didn't they Do something about it?
Not enough of them cared, That's why.
And that's Our whole trouble.
We just don't Care enough.
You're wrong.
The town Monk lived in
Had plenty of Doctors who cared,
But I wasn't One of them.
Oh, I'd forgot.
He came From your hometown.
Colonel Johnson?
He's not here, snapshot.
Oh. Thank you.
Come in.
Um, you don't know Where he is?
No, I-I haven't Seen him for some time.
Well, it doesn't Matter. I only thought-
What?
What's wrong, snapshot?
Nothing.
It was Something I said.
I'm afraid I upset him very much.
Yes, you seem to have A... Faculty for doing that.
Why do I always Shoot off my mouth?
Will I ever learn?
He isn't-
He isn't heartless, You know.
Neither are you, Snapshot.
What?
You've got a heart, too.
Don't let it Get you into trouble.
I'm not a child, Sir.
I know you're not. That's the point.
The kind of trouble I mean,
Children don't get into.
Too late, colonel...
But thanks.
Look what I found growing In a crater-lupine.
Well, What do you know?
Back home in california,
The fields were full of Them this time of year.
Ha ha!
Say, snapshot...
Has Johnson Been in yet?
I... I haven't Seen him this morning.
I don't think we'll have To operate on this boy.
We'll send him To the base.
I didn't know You had started,
Or I would have Come straight in.
It's quite all right.
Uh, could I get you A cup of coffee?
No, thanks.
Coming pretty close.
Yes.
Take cover! Take cover!
Better get down there Until it lets up.
All right, Step on it!
Take cover! Take cover!
Sounds as if They meant business.
We may have some work On our hands.
Yes.
He used to Deliver our laundry.
He lived in a slum back Home called chester village.
I fixed his leg For him.
He was just Another case.
That's the way it's been With all my patients-
Just cases...
Not human beings.
You were right, Snapshot.
I've never cared Enough.
Oh, useless. Don't.
I'm sorry For what I-
It's not that. Don't let it worry you.
There was a man Back home who cared.
Dr. Sunday.
He knew What it was all about.
He got something.
My father had it, too, And my grandfather.
Silver's got it.
You've got it, too, Snapshot.
I'll never forget That boy
As long as I live.
You're a swell guy, Useless...
A swell guy.
I know.
I know exactly.
I'm very fond Of you, useless.
I'd like you To hold me close.
I'd like it very much.
But you belong To someone else.
And...
That hit something.
Colonel Johnson!
Colonel silver's Still in there!
Hit the dirt!
Lie still. Don't try to get up.
Bed number 3- Desmond.
He's safe.
Get me one ampule Of c.s.b.
Miller, bradford.
They're all safe.
Are you in pain?
No.
No pain at all.
Come in.
I'll be out In a moment.
Bob!
Hello, penny.
What are you Doing here?
Lee wrote me.
He wanted me to come And see mr. Monkevickz.
Oh. Well...
Just a moment.
He's very ill, Penny.
I told him You were here,
And he's Very grateful,
But I think It'll be better
If you don't See him now.
Oh, I'm sorry.
How have you been, Penny?
Fine, Bob. Thanks.
Where is Lee now?
England, for the last 3 months or so.
I'm sorry I haven't Been over to see you.
Always wanted to, but I've been very busy.
I guess everybody is These days.
Penny...
You look A little pale.
Is anything wrong?
No. I'm all right.
Why don't you come home With me for a cup of tea?
All right, Bob. I'd like to.
Fine.
You, uh, May very easily
Be exaggerating Everything, you know, penny?
No.
No, Bob, I'm losing him.
I know it.
Every day, He's getting
Further away From me.
He's changing. I can feel him changing.
Perhaps he's changing For the better.
Yes. I have no doubt,
But what difference Does that make?
I'm losing him.
He can change All he wants to,
And I'll Still love him,
But he may not Love me.
Penny - oh, I can read between the lines.
He says When he comes back
We ought to have a Different life together.
He thinks we were Smug and selfish.
Just being in love with Each other wasn't enough.
Penny.
Yes?
Who is she?
They call her "snapshot."
She's his nurse.
Is he in love With her?
Worse. He's gotten over it.
Oh, I wrote him About it,
A whole year ago.
I told him he was In love with her,
And he laughed At me.
Look, penny-
And then today, another letter comes,
A whole year later.
He... Said he'd been Thinking it over carefully.
He wanted it all clear between us.
It seems There was a time
When There was danger,
But he resisted.
It took him a whole Year to think it over,
But he resisted,
And now they're- They're just pals.
Oh, Bob, I hate pals.
At least He's honest about it.
I know he's honest.
At least He thinks so.
I know Lee so well.
He's-he's so boyish In some ways,
Always has been.
I've always known That Lee was-
Well, we both were-
Well, Never either of us
Felt a great deal About other people,
Just about Each other,
And if Lee Is becoming more-
Well, more Understanding,
Wiser, More sympathetic-
Whatever it is, I'm glad,
But if he's Going to change,
Why can't we do it Together?
I know how lonely He's been.
Lee never Made friends easily,
Never let anyone Inside much.
That's what Frightens me.
If this- This snapshot
Has really filled the Loneliness for him,
She must be something rather good.
I know she is,
Or Lee wouldn't Be interested.
It must be something Quite deep,
So deep he wouldn't even see it himself
Until it was Too late.
Oh, Bob, I'm not inhuman.
I know how much we all Need someone to lean on,
To talk to;
How much we need Warmth and-
And sympathy... And love.
Well...
Maybe the johnsons Have a problem at last,
But they'll Work it out.
I'm frightened, Bob,
So awfully, Awfully frightened.
And she calls him "useless."
Isn't that revolting?
Dr. Sunday, look.
Hello, colonel.
Afternoon, colonel.
Oh, colonel Johnson.
Yes, captain?
I was looking For you.
I wondered when you'd Like to see the new nurse.
Why, anytime.
Tomorrow will do.
I'll see her before I go on My leave. There's no hurry.
When is miss mccall Leaving?
Anytime now.
She had some reports To finish.
Rather rough Losing her.
She's been with you A long time,
Hasn't she?
Yes, she has.
We're all gonna miss her a great deal.
Yes.
Well, I'll send The new nurse
To see you In the morning then.
Good-bye, colonel.
Good-bye, captain.
Um...
Yes? What is it?
Well, I-I hear you're going On leave pretty soon, sir,
To paris.
That's right.
I suppose Quite a lot of the guys
Have asked you to Buy stuff for them.
No, not too many.
Why?
Well, I - I was sort of wondering
If you'd get my girl Something from paris.
Your girl?
Yes, sir.
Sure, mac.
I'd be glad to Get her something.
What do you want?
Oh, I guess it Really doesn't matter,
Just as long as It's from paris.
I wrote down a few things here that I-
That I thought She might like.
Ok, mac.
I'll try to get her Something nice.
Oh, thanks A million, sir.
Good-bye.
Yes?
May I come in?
Please do.
Well, this is it, Useless.
All ready to go?
Yes, but I've got A few minutes.
Still don't know where You'll be stationed,
Of course?
No. No. I'll be Reassigned
From casual nurses' pool Headquarters-
England, Back to the states,
The pacific, maybe.
Snapshot...
If after you know,
I'd appreciate it If you let me know.
I'd... Well, I'd sort Of like to think of you
In some Particular place.
There's so many places You could be sent.
I'd like to know where.
I'll let you know, Useless.
I did everything I could To keep you.
I know.
Selfish of me.
I'm sure they want you For something important.
You know I'd rather Stay with this outfit.
Well, it's- It's like home to me.
It can't be helped.
Nope. It can't be helped.
Well, I got to Catch the convoy.
Yes.
Snapshot...
I'm going to be lost Without you.
Good-bye, useless.
It's been swell.
Snapshot.
Would you like A table, sir?
No. No, thank you.
Oh, colonel?
Right.
Where's the bar, Please?
The room right Over there, monsieur.
Thank you.
Well, we made it.
Hello, useless.
I thought you were at the Other end of the world by now.
No. Right here in paris All this time.
They haven't Reassigned me yet,
So I'm on sort of a leave For a week until they do.
Why didn't you Let me know?
I would have Let you know later.
After you'd gone, You mean.
Yes, after I'd gone.
Snapshot, We've got a table
Right by The first window.
I'll be right in.
It's a farewell party.
Two of the girls are going Back to the states tomorrow.
Judith o'neill is Going to look up my son.
Where will I- When will I see you?
Where will you be?
In the bar.
Right after dinner.
I'll be waiting.
It never occurred To either of us
That we'd ever Get married.
We'd known Each other so long,
All our lives.
We were kids Together.
All through Grade school,
Then high school,
And when I studied Nursing,
He was going to college In the same town.
But... Then we did Get married.
We had a wonderful Two years.
I learned a lot Of things from him.
He was so honest And cared so much.
Ever since I can remember,
He was always Sort of...
Fighting for The right things.
He sounds ok.
He was.
They sent me his things From nanking.
This lighter Was among them.
That's why I've never Thrown it away.
It's a broken torch, But...
It still strikes fire.
It's... Well, It's like him somehow.
So there you have the Story of my life complete,
Up to a certain day About...
Well, about 21/2 years ago.
What happened 21/2 years ago?
Well, we were at sea, About 6 days out.
It was just about dusk.
It was a lovely Evening-calm and still.
A lot of soldiers and Nurses lying around the deck.
We were all Being shipped somewhere.
I was feeling Very peaceful when-
When all of a sudden,
Someone made a remark That made me furious,
And I answered,
And two minutes later,
I found myself Involved in an argument.
It lasted for...
Snapshot.
Dance with me, useless.
Yes, sir, we are Paging colonel Johnson.
Hold the line, please.
Thanks.
Yes.
Speaking.
Who?
Oh, hello, george.
When did you get here?
Because I thought You were going to-
What?
Well, I can't believe it.
Are you sure?
Good heavens.
Well, how'd you get through?
I see.
Well, yes. Yes, of course.
Thanks for calling me, george.
Good-bye.
Anything wrong?
Let's finish this First.
Here's to all the nurses Of the 299th.
And all the doctors, Too.
And all our friends, As well,
The ones we'll see again And the ones we won't.
Well, what is it? What's happened?
Germans Have broken through.
They're on the march again With all they've got.
It's their order Of the day-
Paris by christmas.
Our whole front Is collapsing.
They've surrounded Bastogne.
Bastogne?
Check, please.
Well, what are you Going to do?
Get back to the outfit If I can.
Well, let's go.
What? You're not going.
Who says I'm not?
But you're stationed-
Look. I'm on A week's leave,
And if they can Use a doctor,
They can use A nurse, too,
If only for a week,
And if you Don't take me,
I'll find some other Way to get there.
Let's go.
299th evacuation!
Saw them last About 4 miles away-
What was left of them.
What is it?
Wait a minute.
Tank.
Out! Quick!
They gone?
Yeah.
What do we do, Get started?
Suicide to be on these roads tonight.
Not even a chance to Get through to basecles.
Not a prayer.
How about getting back To cologne?
Too risky.
Better stay put right Here until daylight.
It's hours till daylight.
Yes.
Better try and get Some rest while you can.
You're Tired and cold.
I'm sorry, useless.
We don't dare Build a fire.
No, no, no. I'm all right.
Try and get A little rest.
Sure. You, too.
I'll watch A while yet.
Insane of me to Let you come along.
But you didn't let me.
I could have Stopped you.
You were Out of this mess.
You were free. You were going away.
Is my life worth any more Than any of the others?
It is to me.
You see, I love you, snapshot.
Oh, useless.
Oh, my darling.
Darling, darling.
Hello, colonel.
Taking a look At the skyline?
It's got "home" Written all over it.
Cigarette?
It certainly Looks good.
Got a match?
Oh.
It's all right. I'll get it.
Thank you.
Always does that.
Got to get it fixed.
Well...
Time to be getting Our gear together,
Eh, colonel?
Yes.
Any further delay?
It's coming in now.
There he is, Miss penny!
Oh, Lee.
It's been A long time, penny.
Well, Sol.
Welcome home, dr. Johnson.
Well, thank you. Thank you, Sol.
How have you been?
Just fine, dr. Johnson, just fine.
Good to see you. Oh. Here.
Here are the checks For my baggage.
Yes, sir.
The car's right out in front.
Well, uh, Shall we go?
Remember this house?
I ought to.
I was hoping you'd come in the daytime.
I planted geraniums All along the border.
They're so pretty.
Well, you can see them In the morning.
Clean. So clean, penny.
Hello, Lee.
Hello, mother.
Ahh.
So we've Got you again.
Ohh. This is a big moment for us, Lee.
Me, too.
You're not A wrinkle older.
Oh, yes, yes.
How do you think Penny looks?
Beautiful.
I just wanted to get A glimpse of you.
Now I'll go.
Good night, Lee.
It means everything To have you home.
Now we can all Sort of begin to...
Live again.
Good night, Penny, dear.
Good night, mother.
She's been here All afternoon.
She was afraid She might be in the way,
But I made her stay.
I'm glad you did.
She's really Missed you, Lee.
Yes.
Oh, Sol. Where's Sarah?
Oh, she's a little bashful, sir.
She must be In the kitchen.
I'll go and see her.
Good old Sarah.
Hasn't changed A bit.
No.
It's a beautiful House.
Yes, isn't it? I love it.
Are you hungry? Would you-
Would you like Something to eat?
No, thanks.
I had dinner On the plane.
How was the trip?
Very smooth.
I want to go down to the Hospital in the morning,
Look around, See what it's like.
Might be difficult at first To pick up the loose ends.
Yes.
I don't know quite What you want to do.
A lot of people Have called.
You don't want to see Anyone just yet, do you?
I guess I don't quite feel like Seeing people at the moment.
I understand, Lee.
Thanks.
You must be Awfully tired, Lee.
Yes, I am.
I guess we'd better Turn in.
You go on upstairs, And I'll lock up.
I guess I am tired.
Don't be so sure he Doesn't love you, penny.
Lee doesn't know exactly what He wants himself yet, you know.
You've seen him?
Yes.
He was here This morning.
Oh. He said he didn't Want to see anyone yet.
He wanted to apologize.
I thought at first He meant that he was sorry
For an argument We had before he left.
I said, "forget it. I have."
But that wasn't it.
He said, "no, Bob,
"I just want to apologize To you in general.
I've got to trust you To understand what I mean."
And then as he was going,
He said something that Touched me very deeply.
He looked at me And said,
"how on earth Did I miss
What you've been telling Me all these years?"
I watched him From this window.
He went across To monkevickz's house
And went in.
I don't know How long he was there.
I watched For quite a while.
You know, penny,
I've known Lee For a long time.
Lots of times, we didn't see eye to eye,
Yet I've always Loved him.
Now I sort of Know why.
He's quite a guy, Penny.
He's worth fighting for.
Face him.
Ask him about snapshot, What his plans are.
Oh, hello.
Please don't get up.
Have you Been home long?
No, Just a few minutes.
I stayed At the hospital
Longer Than I intended.
I'm sorry I'm late.
I- I went out For a while.
Did they give you A rousing welcome?
Yes.
But it seemed strange.
Yes.
You're very understanding, penny.
The garden is lovely, Isn't it?
Yes.
I've sat out here a lot Waiting for you.
Yes. I thought of you sitting out here.
Would you like A bacardi?
I don't know whether You still like them.
Well, neither do I,
But I'm sure I would.
But let's just stay Here a minute, penny.
Penny, there's something I'd like to say.
When I left, we promised each other
We wouldn't change.
Remember?
I remember.
Well, I'm afraid I didn't Stick to our bargain.
I somehow feel different about things.
I've lost some of the Assurance I used to have.
I - I'm not quite so sure of things anymore.
And yet, In another way,
I feel surer Than I...
I'm afraid I can't explain.
Lee, you don't have To explain... Anything.
Can I get something, Lee?
No. No thanks.
I just want A cigarette.
Does it- Does it bother you much?
Your-your leg?
No. It's all right.
Lee...
Lieutenant mccall-
Has she come home, Too?
Lieutenant mccall died In a hospital in belgium
Several weeks ago.
Oh.
I saw her in the hospital A few days before.
You want to tell me About it?
Yes.
Yes, I'd like to Very much, penny.
Of course.
She was wounded just Outside cologne-
Shell fragment.
I went on further Into germany.
That's Where I got this.
Then, After v.e. Day,
When I was On my way home,
I heard that She was in lier.
I got there At a bad time.
She had just had Another operation,
And the doctor was Very discouraged.
I talked to him.
He said he felt her Chances were very slight.
In fact, He was quite sure
That it was Hopeless.
I couldn't Believe it.
I'd seen A lot of people die,
But somehow Snapshot-
She was so active And alive,
You somehow felt there was Something indestructible
About her.
I was stunned.
Finally, they told me That I could see her,
But only for a few minutes.
I don't think I was ever So shocked in my life.
I'd been through Almost 3 years of war with her.
She'd stood up under everything That even men couldn't take.
Then, to see her The way she was that day...
Leaves you with something you... Can't ever forget.
Hello, useless.
This is a fine place To find you.
What's the idea?
Just getting A little rest.
So, you're going home At last, useless.
Hmm. Yep.
Good.
You will be, too, Soon.
Sure.
How are you coming, Anyway?
Mm. How can I tell?
You know you can never Believe these doctors.
Thanks for the letters, Useless.
They were swell letters.
Oh, yes.
I nearly forgot.
There on the table.
I don't... Smoke anymore.
I thought You might like it.
It's an old trick I used to pull.
They want you to go.
You're wearing The patient out.
You-you will Write me, won't you?
Lafayette hospital.
Promise me.
Maybe.
And-and when You come back...
Mm.
You know the saying In the army, useless.
When a soldier Leaves his outfit,
All debts and friendships Are canceled.
No, snapshot.
No.
Mm-hmm.
It's a good saying.
When you're home, You'll know it.
"I'm wounded, But I'm not slain."
"I'll but lie down And bleed a while"...
"and then I'll rise And fight again."
Good-bye, useless.
Don't miss your convoy.
Snapshot.
Go home, useless.
Go home.
It seemed as if
There must be something That I could do...
But there wasn't.
Everything had been done That could be.
Several days later, I phoned The hospital from cherbourg.
They told me She was dead.
I stopped to see her Little boy on the way home.
He lives with His grandparents.
Nice little boy.
Very much like her.
It might have been Easier
If I hadn't told you, And yet...
That would have been Impossible.
I couldn't think of Anything else coming home.
And then, on the boat,
I met a man, A perfect stranger
Who couldn't possibly Have known
What was in my mind,
Yet somehow, he seemed to Confirm my innermost thoughts.
He said, It's only fair
For the people Over here to know
That they've got to Live with us coming home.
He was right.
I had to tell you...
Because it isn't Just my problem;
It's our problem Together.
And I couldn't Go on living
With this Inside of me
Without your sharing it.
Penny, bear with me A while, can you?
Oh, Lee.
I'm sorry.
My heart's so full. I...
I wonder if anyone could Ever know what it means
To be the one who's- Who's left out,
The one who's spared.
In all the time I've waited for you,
When I tried to follow every Movement of yours on my map,
And read and reread Your letters,
In all These 3 long years,
The worst of it was,
I couldn't help you.
I couldn't Do anything for you.
But, Lee, the thing that gave me More courage than anything else
Was that somehow,
The hope that When you came back,
You might need me.
And now-now you do Need me, Lee.
I'm in it again.
Oh, Lee, I'm so glad You told me what you did,
Let me inside again,
Made me a part of it.
You asked me if I can Bear with you for a while.
Oh, darling...
I can bear with you for As long as our lives last.
I love you, Lee.
What, darling?
I said, "welcome home."
At long last, Welcome home.
Dinner's served, Mrs. Johnson.