That is why I am here. Too many cripples in the last war. Too many men dying young. Too...

[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