Semmelweis

1847 VIENNA

- Gotcha! - No! No!

Stop! Stop!

Get in!

No!

Stop it!

No! Please, no!

I won't set a foot inside that death factory!

It will be fine.

No! Let me go!

Stop!

No!

Let me go!

- Keep quiet or I'll have to punish you! - You're breaking my wrist, brute!

What is all this damned noise?

This scamp was going into labor on the street.

- What should we do with her? - Let her go!

- But she'll run away. - Then let her.

Didn't you hear him, you swine?

Sorry, but she can't give birth on the street.

The regulations forbid it.

I don't care about the regulations.

Either you let her go or you handle the birth yourselves.

You silly little bitch!

Leave her alone.

- Would you let me to examine you? - Are you trying to keep me here, too?

Not in the least. I've seen how you can kick.

I'll just feel your stomach. After that, you can go where you like.

How old are you?

Twenty-three.

So you could still have children.

It's a pity you won't live to see that.

- What do you mean? - The baby is in the breech position.

It can't be born without help.

If it was born,

you'd both freeze to death on the street within a couple of days.

I don't believe you.

That's your business.

Gentlemen, please show the lady out.

I have patients waiting for me.

No! Let me go!

Let me go already!

God bless you, Doctor!

- That's not necessary. - Thank you.

Wait!

Please wait!

Where have you worked before?

In Saint Rokus Hospital.

Me for five years and my sister for two.

Mainly in the maternity ward, but we assisted in operating theaters too.

Hungarians.

Yes, but we speak German well.

And where did you come from?

From the Midwife College.

I worked there for three years.

Where is your reference letter?

I didn't get one, sir.

But while I was there, my work was valued.

She was sacked.

I decided to leave.

This woman is Dr. Berger's lover.

Does no one want to work here other than fallen women and Hungarians?

You two may go.

Miss Hoffmann can stay.

On a probationary period for now.

However, I should warn you that

I will not stand romantic affairs in my hospital.

Yes, Professor.

I don't care if she's a servant!

Do you want her to give birth in the corridor?

Her excellency can wait.

What are you staring at? Do your jo--

Then I think we're finished.

Is there anything else?

Yes. I have a sister.

She's 13 years old and works as a servant.

I would like to bring her with me if I may.

We're not a hotel of ill repute.

You'll be working with Teaching Assistant Semmelweis.

Go and report to him.

How will I recognize him?

From his voice.

Thank you.

Doctor, may I ask, how many have got a fever today?

- What's it to do with you? - Well, those with a fever today

tend to be my clients the next day.

It's good to know how many loads I can expect.

Don't you go calculating.

Good thing you don't order the coffins in advance.

To be honest, I was thinking about that.

- Clear out of here! - What would you do without me?

- The corridor would be full of corpses. - The people here are alive, Meyer.

They're alive.

Who permitted you to come to the ward?

Professor Klein.

I don't care what Klein says.

Don't let me see you here until I send for you.

Dr. Semmelweis?

What do you want?

Professor Klein assigned me to you.

Doctor, the young street girl has begun giving birth.

Dr. Kollár has taken over.

What are you waiting for? Fetch a basin and follow me.

Push!

More!

Harder!

Call the doctor who admitted me!

Do you think you can choose, like in a sweet shop?

Just be happy you aren't giving birth on the canal bank.

- Forceps! - Don't touch me!

You didn't protest when you got knocked up.

Strap her down! Strap her down!

What are you doing with the forceps, Kollár?

I could save at least one of their lives.

Stand aside.

You know what?

You can have this slut if you want her so badly.

I can hardly feel her pulse.

Listen to me.

When the pain comes, I am going to press on your stomach.

Don't worry, it'll be fine.

When I tell you, push with all your might, all right?

Look at me. Look at me.

Look at me.

You can do it.

- What will the child be called? - I don't know.

You better think quick. Looks like you have about two minutes.

Come and stand here.

Tell me how many centimeters it's dilating.

Once its leg is out, gently begin to pull it.

But not too hard.

This isn't my first birth.

It is your first with me.

Now.

Now. Push.

Push.

Push.

Now! More!

So? Have you decided on a name for him?

Little star.

Nice name.

Not very manly, though.

Are you waiting for the christening as well?

Hurry up.

Get a move on and wash the baby, help the mother into bed and come.

The day isn't over yet.

Go on. I'll do it.

Have you been at an autopsy?

- No, sir. - Here's your chance.

But I was signed on as a midwife.

I don't deal with dead people.

Pity. Then I'll find someone less choosy.

You mean in my place?

Wait, you can't just throw me out like that.

I'm qualified, hardworking and I'll learn anything.

Good. I'll see you Wednesday in the dissecting room.

Doctor!

Mrs. Haller's fever has leapt up again.

You'll sleep here.

You may have to share with someone else.

- Nice. - If you say so.

But at least there are no rats.

The bathroom is at the end of the corridor.

There's no heating.

So hurry when washing.

We don't want you taking up a patient's bed.

The wake-up call is at 6:00 a.m. I will knock on your door.

You must be in the clinic by 7:00 a.m.

You're not allowed visitors.

We close the gate at 9:00 p.m.

If you come after that, you can sleep on the street.

Thank you.

Who are you looking for, miss?

- Sabina Hoffmann. - The blind one?

She's upstairs.

Ouch! This hurts!

Ouch! No!

- Did you get the job? - Yes.

- Will you get me out? - Not yet.

But I will soon save enough money to rent a little flat somewhere,

all right?

Where are your glasses?

They broke.

Sabina, they cost a fortune. Can't you look after them better?

One of the girls stepped on them. I couldn't see well with them anyway.

All right, don't make a sad face.

- Look at what I've got in my pocket. - Sweets?

These three are honey, this--

- What is this? - Nothing.

Have they hurt you again?

I accidentally knocked down the butter dish

and Frau Gruber got very angry.

I'll take you away from here as soon as I can,

all right?

I can't wait.

Are you coming like that?

The Hungarian company in the Prater. We have to be there by 8:00 p.m.

I can't go.

Two more have got a fever.

- Kollár's on duty, isn't he? - Yes.