The Best of Men (2012 TV Movie)
Nicholas Jones: General Blake
Photos
Quotes
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[Dr Guttmann and Dr Cowan are arguing over whether a spinal patient should have an operation that could damage his spine]
Dr. Cowan : What brings you to my department?
Dr. Ludwig Guttmann : This young man, William Heath, he is my patient.
Dr. Cowan : I operate tomorrow. Unstable fracture of the ninth vertibrae.
Dr. Ludwig Guttmann : [looking at X-rays] No! I think not. Ah, my apologies. Yes, he *does* have a fracture, you are right. And yes, for all anyone knows, it *may* be unstable. But, no, you are not going to operate on him. We don't know yet how much movement may be restored.
Dr. Cowan : None.
Dr. Ludwig Guttmann : And with the operation, you are *guaranteeing* this.
[they continue the discussion in General Blake's office]
Dr. Cowan : The Army consultant sent Heath here expressly for this operation.
Dr. Ludwig Guttmann : He sent him to my ward.
Dr. Cowan : Actually he sent him to *me*.
Dr. Ludwig Guttmann : But now I'm here so I can take over. From today, all spinal patients are my responsibility.
Dr. Cowan : I gather that you haven't touched a patient for years.
Dr. Ludwig Guttmann : I haven't been *allowed* to.
General Blake : Dr Guttmann has specialised in spinal patients all his life.
Dr. Cowan : Yes, in Germany.
Dr. Ludwig Guttmann : The spinal cord is the same for Wilhelm or William, Henry or Heinrich. There are pioneering treatments.
Dr. Cowan : Experimental.
Dr. Ludwig Guttmann : No, new but already proven. Munro is doing great work in Boston.
Dr. Cowan : America? Say no more. I am doing what I consider to be the best for this mortally wounded young man.
Dr. Cowan : He has *not* been mortally wounded.
Dr. Cowan : His life expectancy is what? Six months?
Dr. Ludwig Guttmann : That is why I am here. Too many cripples in the last war. Too many men dying young. Too many wounded men made helpless by medical neglect. Too many widows. That is why I am here.
