The Sins of Rachel Cade (1961) Movie Script

[ Dramatic music plays ]

[ Whistle blows ]

[ Indistinct conversations ]

You are Rachel Cade?

I'm kulu.

I will take your baggage.

This way, madami.

Man: I tried to explain to him,

but he will not listen.

If it will

make him happy,

I will gladly

give him more money.

But, colonel,

I do not want more money.

All I want

is my goat back.

[ British accent ]

You give him back his goat.

Court dismissed.

[ Crowd murmurs ]

Man: Everybody to the outside!

Everybody to the outside!

Run along, matamuna.

[ Train whistle blows ]

On time.

She'll be here.

Sure she will.

I understand she's American

and very pretty.

That's a relative quality

of missionaries.

She's a medical missionary --

a nurse.

Madame derode used to say

she had never

known a nurse who didn't.

Marie --

Marie!

Of course --

you have an annoying habit

of crediting my late wife

with any

salacious observation

you are ashamed to claim

as your own.

Oh, really, colonel.

I've heard on the highest

and most lascivious authority

in stanleyville

that miss Cade

is insatiably virtuous.

I'm sure you'll try

to take care of that.

What?

I said, "don't forget

to wear your hat."

[ Horn honks ]

Welcome to rugeri,

miss Cade.

I'm Henri derode,

the district commissioner.

Kulu, your men hungry?

No, colonel.

Hey, soldier.

I'm Dr. Musinga.

Doctor? You're

one of the boys

who wash the floors

of the hospital.

I have an order here

for 10 liters of petrol.

You'll get five.

All requisitions

have been cut in half

since the war in Europe.

You're not new to Africa,

miss Cade?

No. Just to the jungle.

Why did they

send you here?

To help Dr. Bikel

in dibela.

I've always wanted

to bring our word

to a more primitive area.

This is a reward for --

no, thank you --

a reward for being patient

at headquarters for so long.

Curious -- I'm being punished

and you're rewarded,

and we're both

in the same place.

Why punished?

Relieved of military duty --

colonel derode

is an infantry officer.

Thank you...

Thank you very much.

Oh.

And given what amounts

to a...Civilian assignment.

What's wrong

with being here?

Well, this

is a backward district.

And, uh, dibela's

a backward village

in a backward district.

Dr. Bikel's not exactly

the missionary type.

Find the climate

bad for your health,

and we'll

have you transferred.

You've just given me

two more reasons for staying.

Miss Cade, these people

are perfectly happy

with their illiteracy

and their sickness

and their...

Cruel and simple gods.

I don't think that's so.

They just don't know

any better way of living.

[ Chuckles ]

You know, I've seen you people

come and go.

I've seen you

treat the syphilis

the white man brought here

two generations ago.

I've also seen you

write home to your mission

that seven men

came to pray on Sunday,

and forgot to write

that they were back

at ritual torture on Monday.

What sect

do you belong to?

None.

What are you?

Nothing.

Nobody is nothing.

Are you an atheist?

I don't dignify the concept

by being opposed to it.

I believe that if god

wasn't mentioned to a child,

the child wouldn't

think of it by himself.

That would be

a terrible loss for the child.

Do you...

Really believe this entire world

just happened?

If it didn't,

whoever runs it is incompetent.

I...don't think there's

any humor in blasphemy.

Sorry.

I didn't mean

to offend you.

You seem to be so, uh,

so busy

with abstract theology,

and so ignorant

of the practical aspects

of our mission here.

I understand.

You've come to Africa

to fight what you call "sin"

with the words of Jesus.

And you think that's wrong?

I think it's presumptuous,

even impossible.

We've managed to push

the devil back...

Step by step

since we've been here.

Miss Cade...

Has it ever occurred to you

that you're asking

a great deal of these people?

And of yourself?

I've never...

Found it difficult.

No, because you've

pushed the devil off the road.

That's dangerous.

You might not realize

how dangerous

until you find yourself

out there with him.

You must envy my faith

a great deal

to attack it so easily.

No, I envy your innocence.

You think

you've civilized them.

I know the only reason

we're alive is because

there's an armed battalion

in stanleyville.

One simple, wooden cross

keeps US alive.

When it doesn't,

all the guns in the world

won't help.

Thank you

for your good intentions.

By your leaving,

I'd be seeming

to be lacking in them.

Then stop playing the rebel,

colonel.

It's daring at 20 --

at 40

it just looks foolish.

I'm sorry. I shouldn't

have said that.

On the contrary.

My regards to Dr. Bikel.

[ Door closes ]

[ Engine turns over ]

Please, stop here.

[ Man speaking

native language ]

Why are they walking away?

Kulu?

We come to the mission

very soon, madami.

Miss Cade?

Hello, doctor.

Did you bring

the drugs I ordered?

Yes. They're right here.

Oh. That's your hut.

Kulu will show you.

Oh...how was the trip?

The trip was pleasant.

I'll expect you for dinner

as soon as you

get yourself settled.

Hello.

What are your names?

Kosongo.

I am mzimba.

What do you do

at the mission?

I cook.

I do a little cleaning,

madami.

Thank you, kulu.

Yes, madami.

Miss Cade!

Please, I'm changing.

I can't find

the Nitroglycerin!

Well, I've brought

what they gave me.

Well, they forgot it!

I'm -- I'm sorry.

I-I didn't mean to --

where do you come from,

miss Cade?

Kansas.

I haven't done

a very good job here.

It's difficult alone.

I can help now.

I haven't done

any missionary,

or much practicing

for that matter.

We'll talk about it.

I took up

mountain climbing...

And that's

what's killed me.

I have a bad heart,

miss Cade.

You needed the nitro

for your --

well, we'll order some

right away.

I'm sure if they had known

they would have sent some.

If they had known,

they would have sent me back.

And -- and you

didn't want to go?

No.

I don't know why, but no.

What you need now

is complete rest.

You're just

going to have --

Dr. Bikel?

Kulu!

[ Shouting

in native language ]

Madami, is he dead?

Yes, kulu, he's dead.

Carry him to the hospital.

Carry him, please.

Where did the others go?

I asked a question.

They went away.

I know that.

Musinga will tell the people

at the village.

And mzimba?

He is afraid, madami.

Of death?

No, not of death.

Well, of what, then?

Where are the patients?

There are none, madami.

Have there...

Ever been any?

No, madami.

[ Drums beating in distance ]

Kulu:

Does madami read the drums?

They're telling

of Dr. Bikel's death.

They're happy about it.

Why?

I do not know.

Can you men make a coffin?

Yes, madami.

Is he to be buried here?

In the morning.

[ Drumbeat continues ]

[ Squeaking ]

[ Knock on door ]

Yes?

Madami --

yes, kulu?

We are ready, madami.

Thank you, kulu.

You may lower the coffin.

When this is finished,

drive to rugeri and give this

to colonel derode.

Lower it.

Lower the coffin.

Go now, kulu.

You! Get out of the car!

Get out!

In the name of muwango!

I serve madami.

You serve me!

[ Engine turns over ]

[ Transmission grinds ]

[ Horn honks ]

Hello.

I was just sending kulu

to tell you.

I heard it on the drums.

Musinga,

what are you doing here?

Go on. Clear out.

This isn't necessary.

You don't

turn the other cheek,

not with somebody

like him.

Muwango,

we talk later.

You'll need

a new number-one man.

Will kulu do

until you leave?

What do you mean, leave?

Well,

you can't stay here alone.

I won't be alone.

Kulu and kosongo

and mzimba will be with me.

I can order you

out of here.

I'm sure you know

how unfair that would be

to them.

Miss Cade,

you are so full of...

Good works.

I'd like to go on

with the service, now.

Please.

I see you've

been given a present.

If I were you,

I'd take it off.

Why?

This is a deliberate

provocation to these people.

I mean it to be,

and I'm moving

into Dr. Bikel's bungalow --

I wish you'd

try and understand

that to them

you're an infidel.

This warning

is a reasonably civilized way

of dealing with infidels.

Are you sure

you don't believe in this

just a little, yourself?

Perhaps.

"The lord is thy keeper.

"The lord is thy shade

upon thy right hand.

"The sun shall not smite thee

by day...

Nor the moon by night."

"The lord shall preserve thee

from all evil.

"He shall preserve thy soul.

"The lord shall preserve thy

going out and thy coming in

"from this time forth...

And even forever more."

Amen.

How did it happen?

Heart attack.

I knew he was ill,

but I had no idea.

If you'll

gather up his things,

I'll send for them

and see to the details.

All right.

Thank you, colonel.

Henri.

What are you going to do

if you get any patients?

What I've

been trained to do.

The mission won't send

another doctor.

Since the war,

there aren't any.

I know.

You don't really

believe in this?

That's how

practical magic works.

You think

it will work on me?

It works on the guilty...

And most of US are guilty.

That's what destroys US.

The death fetish

only suggests it.

Kalanumu's

an excellent psychiatrist.

Who's kalanumu?

The high priest of dibela.

I thought muwango was --

muwango is the medicine man.

He does the legwork.

The drums said Dr. Bikel died

because he was punished.

Tell me what he did.

Well, he tried

to climb the mountains,

and that's sacred ground.

So kalanumu

put a thahoo on him.

That's the biggest curse

of all.

And it seems to have worked.

Dr. Bikel

died of a heart attack

from overexertion.

It'll be stimulating

having you around here,

but don't you think

you ought to reconsider?

No.

Aren't you being

a little compulsive?

I'm sure I am.

That's how

god's work gets done.

I prefer a more comfortable

relationship with god.

Being a protestant

missionary nurse

precludes

that kind of comfort.

You know...

You're an extraordinarily

beautiful woman.

I think that's something

you don't like to face.

[ Engine turns over ]

Thank you again.

Pleasure.

Madami!

The mountain, madami!

Look!

This is a rare thing

to happen, madami.

Does your god

live up there?

Yes.

It is done, madami.

Thank you, kosongo.

That's fine.

You've all worked very hard.

There's just

one thing missing --

the patients.

I know, madami.

Don't they look better,

madami?

Much better.

Shall I paint another one?

No, not now.

Don't bother.

Would you

like to hear stories

like those told in

the palaver houses?

I would, madami.

Then I'll read to you

from the book

in which I believe.

My book

is called the Bible,

and in it

are many stories of god.

At this --

Is something wrong?

We do not tell stories

of our god, madami.

Our god lives in the ice caves

of the mountain.

He sends sickness and hunger

when we have angered him,

so we don't bring ourselves

to his attention.

Your god...

You have a picture of him?

Well...god is not a man.

Is god a woman, then?

No, h-he is --

well, god has no form.

Your god

must look like something.

Uh, here.

I-I do have a picture.

The way a man

named Michelangelo saw him

many seasons ago.

Mzimba: God is white?

Uh, well...

Black?

People see god as they wish.

H-He is neither

white nor black.

God is spirit.

Go on, madami.

Well, I'll tell you

the most important story

of all.

One day, many seasons ago,

god became very discouraged

with the way people

had forgotten him.

He was

displeased with the men

that were stealing

and killing and...

Lying with the wives

of other men.

God is against lying

with the wives of other men?

Other than the lying

of a circumcisioned brother

with a wife?

I'm not...

Sure I understand.

It's the duty

of a man's brother,

he who is circumcised at the

same time at the same ceremony,

to lie with the brother's wife

when the brother's away.

But that's wrong, kosongo.

Terribly wrong.

[ Airplanes overhead ]

All white people

have this god?

Many of them.

But not the enemy

in the great war to the north,

against whom

the airplanes fly.

The enemy, too.

I do not understand.

What is it

you don't understand?

The people of dibela

could not make war

against the people of rugeri,

because we have

the same god.

How can your people

make war on people

who have the same god?

They do, kulu.

And that's one of the reasons

god said to himself,

"I shall send a son to them,

in visible form,

to teach them

that it is wrong."

So god's son

was born on earth,

and his name

was Jesus the Christ.

And he taught

the word of his father

across the land.

Then you come here with this

spirit of Jesus the Christ?

I do.

Is this spirit stronger

than the god of the mountain?

I believe

that there is no god

but god the father, kulu.

That is only as you think,

madami.

The people of dibela believe

in the god of the mountain,

even though

he is a bad god.

Do, um...

Do many of the people

believe that he is a bad god?

Most of US.

The young ones.

That is why I ask

if god the father is stronger.

He is much stronger.

He will protect you

and all who worship him,

because he is

the good father of US all.

Is your god strong enough

to cure the son of wanga?

Cade: What's wrong

with the son of wanga?

The god of the mountain

is killing him.

Wanga went with Dr. Bikel

when he tried

to climb the mountain.

When kalanumu

put upon Dr. Bikel the thahoo,

he also put it upon wanga.

The cold breath of god

froze the life from wanga

and now the thahoo is in

the belly of wanga's son.

He, too, dies of it.

Where is this boy?

In the village.

Take me to him, kulu.

[ Dogs barking ]

[ Child crying ]

Madami...

If you must do this,

do not try it

without seeking the permission

of chief buderga.

Chief buderga?

I am Rachel Cade.

Sit down, please,

Rachel Cade.

Gwinda.

These are my wives.

What is it you wish,

Rachel Cade?

I wish to see

the son of wanga.

For what purpose?

He is ill,

and I may be able

to help him.

No one can help him.

I'd like to try.

It is forbidden.

Do you forbid it?

It is not given to me

to forbid or otherwise.

I rule and judge,

but only muwango

rules of medicine.

Do you want the boy to die?

I pray

that kalanumu's thahoo

kills him quickly

and mercifully,

as it did

Dr. Bikel and wanga.

I don't think you believe that

any more than I do.

Thank you for your visit.

Rachel Cade...

Mia, my wife number three

and the wife of my heart,

has never been with child.

Can your medicine

bring a child to her?

I see...

It depends

on who the patient is.

No. If that can be done,

a doctor would

have to treat your, uh...

Wife.

She is my wife.

Kalanumu performed the ceremony

in this very shamba.

I don't doubt it.

I hear in your voice

that something is wrong.

It isn't right to have

more than one wife.

My father and

my father's father were taught

that a rich man

must have many wives.

Our father --

the father of all of US --

teaches that it's wrong!

Then it is

a matter of opinion.

I do not wish

to change your opinion.

I had no luck, kulu.

I could hear, madami.

The chief

is not a bad man.

Buderga is what we call

in my country a politician.

He's a good man,

so long as it's not too risky

to be a good man.

So that the chief

could make his wife of child,

could Dr. Bikel

have used his medicine?

Perhaps.

I wish

a new doctor would come.

That's not possible.

[ Child crying ]

There's nothing you can do.

Don't be afraid.

Uhh.

There's a part

inside your son's body

that must be cut out.

It's called the appendix.

I've helped many times

when doctors have done this,

but I have never done

the operation myself.

If I do this,

your son may die,

but if I don't,

he will surely die.

Madami, you cannot!

I must.

If you do nothing

and the boy dies,

the young people

of the village

will know you tried to fight

kalanumu and failed.

But if you cut into the boy

and he dies,

they will blame you

and be against you forever.

I'll have to

take that chance.

Do you trust me

to do this cutting?

Yes.

Do it, madami.

If the thahoo

can be cut out, do it!

Madami --

it's best that I do it,

kulu.

[ Shouting

in native language ]

[ Shouting

in native language ]

No, kulu! No!

Muwango, you will not

kill this child.

Let US alone.

Man: Muwango!

Rachel Cade, I am kalanumu,

priest of dibela.

I ask you this --

will you break our law

and defy our god?

If your law kills children,

yes.

Religion must have

order and law, Rachel Cade.

Where there is disorder

and challenge to the law,

it perishes!

I ask you for the last time

to think on it again.

Your religion must change

for the better

as the world changes

for the better.

Those who practice my religion

have many faults,

but the murder of children

for the glory of god

is not among them.

You will not stop?

No.

Then, Rachel Cade,

I pronounce upon you

this thahoo --

the god of the mountains

shall shake your faith

in your own god!

You will violate his laws,

and for this

you will be tormented

all the days of your life!

You, kulu, you are a poor,

bewitched fool.

But for the sake

of your ancestors,

who lie buried

in our village,

I will pray for you.

He found a hen, colonel,

one I had marked!

He's a man who thinks

he owns everything!

Thank you.

Court dismissed.

Philippe, I'll hear this

in the morning.

Where's my coat?

In the dining room.

What is it?

What's the matter?

Rachel Cade's doing surgery

on a boy in dibela.

The political repercussions

of this might be unpleasant.

Guta?

Guta: Yes, sir.

Find the sergeant. Tell him

I want a truck and two men.

If anything happens

to that boy...

Colonel...

I know I'm too old

to be rescued from anything,

but would you mind telling me

when you'll be back?

When she's safe.

[ Wind howls ]

Raise his feet, kulu.

[ Bed squeaks ]

Put that up there.

Madami.

We must wait.

All we can do now is pray.

[ Howling continues ]

Thirsty...

I'm thirsty.

Kulu,

he's going to be all right.

Kulu...

Kulu, he's going to live.

I know, madami.

I saw them,

and they told me.

I talked to god the father

and Jesus the Christ.

I did, madami.

They were sitting

under a limba tree

and I said to them,

"please help madami

to save wanga's son

"because her spirit

is great and tender...

And she will be

crushed like grass if he dies."

Jesus the Christ

turned to me and smiled...

And I knew

it would be all right.

Please, madami.

Is he dead?

He's going to live.

Have you any idea what forces

you've been playing with?

I think so...

But it doesn't make

any difference now.

It does to me. I happen to be

the administrator here.

You can go out there

and tell cadu

she's going to have

her son back.

[ Crowd murmurs ]

Cadu?

Where's cadu?

Kosongo: Here, colonel.

Cadu...

Rachel Cade has cut

the thahoo from your son.

He's going to be well

and healthy again.

[ Crowd murmurs ]

You can take her in.

Muwango...

From now on, you

and these elderly gentlemen

will be very small

and very quiet.

Hmm?

Colonel...

This is a great victory

for Rachel Cade

and her invisible god.

Chief, don't hurt yourself

by climbing on the bandwagon.

Hmm?

Nothing.

I heard you out there.

Do you have to support

their superstitions?

Couldn't you just tell them

I cut out his appendix?

You'd better get ready

for the party.

What party?

This is a big moment

for the young,

left-wing element of dibela.

Isn't that right, kulu?

There will be

a big party, madami.

[ Upbeat African music plays ]

[ Laughter in distance ]

[ Speaking

native language ]

[ Speaking

native language ]

[ Chuckles ]

This is giza

who has cooked for US.

Hello, giza.

Kulu...

Try to think of it

as a duty.

Go on.

[ Chuckles ]

I am Mia,

third wife

of chief buderga.

The chief wishes to know

if you will eat from

his personal cooking pot.

It is a great honor.

Tell the chief,

"yes, thank you."

The people would like

to do honor to you.

They have

prepared a dance.

[ Music stops ]

[ Speaking

native language ]

[ Cheers ]

[ Slow African music plays ]

This is the dance of the love

of a man for a woman.

I can see that.

[ Tempo increases ]

Come.

I was hoping

you would come.

Why?

We talk well, you and I,

in spite of our differences.

Our differences

seem to be getting worse.

Mmm.

Good?

Good.

Better than tobacco?

Much better.

One sees things so plainly.

Will you remove the thahoo

you've put on Rachel Cade?

Does she suffer?

She begins to.

I cannot.

You laid it on.

The god of the mountain

laid it on, through me.

You don't believe that.

Why not? That is what

you believe in your world.

I don't believe in anything.

You believe in thahoo.

It is because you have

no faith of your own

that you believe in thahoo.

Well, don't lecture me.

Why are you so concerned

with Rachel Cade?

Because she's a good woman.

Do you want to sleep

with her

and fear

that she will not let you?

No.

[ Exhales ]

Yes.

Of course.

Once when I was young,

I forced an unwilling

young girl --

next you'll be asking me

to eat a dead chief.

Just because you got me

smoking this damn pipe,

I'm not all heathen yet.

I said nothing.

You and I are good friends.

We understand things

that men of all colors

don't like to recognize.

Don't fight me in this.

I will do what I must do.

I will go back there now

to play the part

of the high priest,

and you the part

of the bwana administrator.

And there's no reasoning

between US?

Only in the shamba.

Thank you.

[ Indistinct conversations ]

[ Silence ]

Kalanumu:

Hear me, people of dibela.

Tonight, many of you

have strayed from your god.

You have made him angry,

and he will not forget.

He will search you out

and punish you

unless you bow before him.

To save yourselves,

you must leave here now,

and go back to --

you make bad medicine,

yet you threaten

with the anger of the god

of the mountain

all those who dare

not to oppose

the good medicine of madami.

Wanga and Dr. Bikel challenged

the god of the mountain.

Tell the people

where they are now.

Wanga and Dr. Bikel

are dead.

They are dead because

their time had come to die.

I will waste no more words.

Muwango, by my sign,

heals the sick in dibela!

All those who take part

in the white madami's medicine

will share her thahoo!

Muwango, why do you

always carry your tunic

over your right arm?

It is as I wear it.

You can't let US see

what's underneath?

It is forbidden to interfere

in these matters.

It says so in your law.

Muwango wears it so

because underneath

he hides a deep ulcer.

If muwango's medicine

is so strong,

why can't he cure

his own ulcer?

[ Crowd murmurs ]

This is not honorable.

I warned you.

It will not get you

Rachel Cade.

But it will get her patients

for her hospital.

The son of wanga

was plucked from the dead

by madami's medicine.

Tonight he sleeps

the peaceful sleep of a child.

You've heard the colonel.

You've heard the madami,

and you heard me.

Who will be the first to dare

to bring his sickness

to our hospital?

Can madami waken my son from

the sleep that never ends?

She will try.

Can madami cure the fever

that goes and returns again?

She can.

[ Man speaking

native language ]

Muwango, decree the punishment

for those people.

These people

have done nothing wrong.

You have no right --

hear me!

If any harm

comes to the people

who seek

the madami's medicine,

the soldiers

will spill the blood

of those who have done it.

This gathering's at an end.

[ Murmuring ]

I thought you were asleep.

Thank you.

I was just playing

in local politics.

Yeah, I know.

Good night.

Rachel...

What do you want?

I do not feel well.

There's nothing wrong

with him.

He's here for bad reasons,

to watch thahoo.

I know why he's here.

Let him stay.

Yes, madami.

Mzimba,

next patient, please.

Just go over here

and sit on the table.

[ Man grunts ]

Can you

cut the bad part out?

No, I cannot.

I can only give you

something for the pain.

You cut the bad part out

from the boy.

That's different.

This is in the bone,

and my medicine

is not great enough

for cutting into the bone.

[ Door closes ]

Does the book tell how

to cure the boy that sleeps?

I'm not sure what's

wrong with him, kulu.

It takes a doctor

to find out.

God the father

will send US a doctor.

I'd like to talk to you

about something.

Yes, madami.

Have you known giza long?

Oh, very long.

She would make you

a good wife.

Have I done something wrong?

Kulu, the Bible forbids

a man to be with a woman

outside the marriage vows.

To do otherwise is a very

great sin against god --

the sin of adultery.

But I have not taken

the marriage vows.

What you have done

is still sin --

the sin of lust.

This is only natural.

To beasts...

Not to man.

To be without this sin,

this may be possible

for a white, madami,

but it is not a rule

for all.

It's our mission here

to make it the rule for all.

Good night, madami.

[ Door opens, closes ]

But, madami,

I do not understand.

Mia, not being able to have

children is something --

there's just nothing

I can do.

Mia...

Do not be sad, madami.

The doctor who's to come

will do great medicine.

There are no doctors

to send here.

I've talked to god --

I don't want to hear!

I'm sorry.

I know, madami.

I know.

To keep it

from getting any worse,

I'll just give you

these pills.

Madami!

Madami.

He's dead.

[ Airplane engine roaring ]

[ Sputtering ]

Kulu, get my case!

See if there are any others.

Don't bother.

They didn't stand a chance.

They were all in the cockpit

when it blew.

It's broken.

Go get some thick branches

to make a splint.

Don't tell me they

give those first-aid courses

in the jungle.

I'm a nurse.

Here?

I'm a missionary

to these people.

What's your name?

Rachel Cade.

American?

Yes.

So am I -- Paul wilton.

What's that for?

I'm not going into shock.

How do you know?

I'm a doctor.

Hello, madami.

Hello.

Hello, madami.

How was lunch?

You know hospital food --

snake meat.

I thought

you would join me.

How do you feel?

Grateful.

You've got a few râles.

I listened to your chest

while you were asleep.

A rib, maybe?

I don't know, let's see.

Divorced?

Widowed?

I've never been married.

It's nothing.

Maybe a little, low-grade

infection in the pleura.

Probably.

If I were you, I'd prescribe

a little internal alcohol,

if you have any around.

Yes, we have some.

Good.

You know, you run

a good show here, doctor,

but are the local residents

Christian scientists?

Oh, I mean,

not many patients.

All we need is a doctor,

doctor.

Thanks.

Well, how about yourself?

No.

Oh, I never touch

the stuff, either --

except in

extraordinary times.

And these are

extraordinary times.

Sorry.

Sit down and tell me --

what are you doing

in darkest Africa?

What are you doing

in medicine?

That's easy.

There's money in it.

In the r.A.F.?

Good training.

It'll pay off later.

Don't get your back up.

Sit down and be pleasant.

I have, uh, work to do.

Oh, come on, come on,

sit down.

I do think it's wonderful

of you to have volunteered.

Before the war

comes to Boston?

Is that where

you're from, Boston?

In Boston we say

[Boston accent] "Boston."

Okay -- "Boston."

This could make me

one of the top orthopedic

surgeons in the states,

and that's why I volunteered.

I'm sure your motives

are better than that.

I'm probably

basically what you are.

And what's that?

Oh, nothing bad --

an adventurer.

What's the matter?

I'm here to save these people

from disease and sin,

and no other reason.

That's what missionaries do,

but it can't be that grim.

It isn't.

Don't be so hard on yourself.

[ Door opens ]

Excuse me.

Come back.

Madami, it is to your wish

that we marry?

Yes, kulu.

Then we wish to.

I'm glad.

My congratulations

to both of you.

Will you want the ceremony

in the village?

We wish to marry

as you marry, madami.

I wish there were

a minister here

to marry you in the church,

but we'll get

colonel derode to do it.

Thank you, madami.

[ Door closes ]

You might not be doing well

in the disease department,

but you sure got sin

on the run.

Now, how about that drink?

No.

We're friends, aren't we?

Yes.

Then I'll have one for you.

"...to bear with each other's

infirmities and weaknesses,

"to pray for each other

"in the things

which pertain to god,

and to live together

as the heirs of grace of life."

Kulu, "will you have

this woman to be your wife

"in all love and honor,

to live with and Cherish

"according to

the ordinances of god

in the holy bond

of marriage?"

Now you say, "I will."

I will.

Giza, "will you have this man

to be your husband,

"to live with him

and Cherish him

"according to

the ordinances of god

in the holy bond

of marriage?"

Now you say, "I will."

I will.

"Then by the authority

vested in me,

"I declare kulu and giza

are now husband and wife.

"According to the law

of the district of dibela,

"whom therefore god

hath joined together,

let no man put asunder."

That's all!

[ Laughter ]

Congratulations.

Be happy.

Thank you for reading

the service.

I'd like to see

your patient.

Kulu, congratulations.

[ Replies

in native language ]

Have you been well?

All right...

Except for the fact of

Germany overrunning Belgium.

I know what

it must mean to you.

Well, at least the British

will hold the Congo for US.

This is Henri derode.

Paul wilton.

How do you do?

Sit down.

I won't be long.

I've had a wire of inquiry

from your headquarters

asking how long

you'll be recovering.

I don't know.

I hope you laid it on thick

in your first wire --

"knocked out of the sky

in darkest Africa,

crawled for days

in tiger-infested jungle."

I said

you'd broken your leg,

and there are

no tigers here.

No tigers, huh?

Just beautiful,

white madamis.

He has to tell them

something, Paul.

He already has.

All right, tell them

six weeks, maybe more.

There are some operations

badly needed here.

When Paul's well enough,

he's going to do them for US.

Splendid.

Rachel, doctor.

Colonel...

Why don't you say

what's on your mind?

Why?

Because looking it

is just as bad.

There's no need --

I think there is.

I think there's some operations

needed in your outfit.

Probably, I've been doing

them for more than a year,

and my outfit's

still the going business.

And mine's been conquered.

You brought it up.

I know you're sensitive

about the surrender, Henri --

I don't like hearing it

from Americans.

Henri,

he's with the British.

He's a volunteer.

He's in love with you.

Henri...

You're being childish,

both of you.

Why not?

You don't approve of me

behaving like an adult.

You have no right

to do this.

No?

I started a fire

and Dr. Wilton's going to

warm his backside with it.

How long

have you had this?

She doesn't know.

To some of them, time

isn't like it is with US.

All right, have her

come back in a week.

Here.

Throw one away each sunrise.

When they're all gone,

you come back.

[ Kulu mutters ]

[ Door closes ]

What's wrong?

These people

let each other die,

and time is meaningless

to them.

Some of them

can't even count.

Then why bother with them,

is that it?

Well?

These people

are human beings.

If her life is a burden,

her child's can be better.

But why do you have to

make it better for them

out here

in the middle of nowhere?

Why do I?

You don't have to.

Uh-huh,

so I flunk the test.

I don't know what you mean.

[ Chuckles ] You've been

watching my reactions

to see if you

approve of me --

if I'm Christian enough

for you, right?

That's ridiculous.

I'm just thankful

you're a doctor

and that you're here.

I wish to see the doctor.

Now what?

Chief buderga.

Dr. Wilton,

this is chief buderga

and his third wife, Mia.

What can I do

for you?

I wish you

to use your medicine

so that this wife

can have my son.

The madami said a doctor

would be able to do so.

Do you have other children?

11.

Well, that lets you

off the hook.

Please, sit down.

Don't be frightened, Mia.

Would you mind waiting in

one of those chairs, please?

[ Woman speaking

native language ]

Drada has no more

of the fever pills.

Is it quinine?

Quinine is correct.

How do you feel, drada?

A little better.

Good.

Give her the same amount.

And don't forget to add it

on her record, kosongo.

Yes, madami.

Paul: That's all.

You can step down now.

Mia...

It's only minor.

It can be taken care of.

Give her the pills.

I'll let you know when

the doctor will be ready.

Thank you.

I don't get it.

Now what's the matter?

She was surgically mutilated.

The medicine men do that

when they're young.

That isn't what stops Mia

from having children.

The women can't enjoy

married life very much.

I suppose not.

You suppose not?

I suppose not.

The men feel it makes

the women seek contentment

in the deeper satisfactions

of marriage --

in bearing children

and working

and maintaining

a stable family.

Where or when did you

first feel these pains, madam?

Please sit down.

Don't be nervous.

What's Swahili for

"say 'ahh'"?

Paul: Sponge.

Clamp.

Cold?

No.

What's the matter, then?

I don't know.

All is well with the world.

The surgery

has been successful.

Kita's walking again.

Mia's pregnant.

Maybe it's because

you're leaving soon.

It's going to be

an awful letdown when you go.

For them or for you?

For all of US.

You're still

having the shakes.

Better?

Mm-hmm.

Paul?

Mm-hmm?

What do you want

to make of your life?

Oh, what every man wants --

skill in his work,

public approval, money.

I want to do

just two operations a day

on wealthy patients.

And the poor ones?

It's so easy

to get a rise out of you.

No, I'll do my day a week

at the clinic,

but then I want to drive

home in a large car,

and have a large Martini.

And that's

all you want, hmm?

Rachel, very few people

have to hand out pills

and save souls to feel right

inside themselves.

Isn't that hitting

below the belt?

But it's true.

Did you hear what I said?

Yes, I heard you.

I don't think you did.

I said, "I love you."

Rachel...

Please --

shut up.

No.

I love you.

Can't you understand?

No!

Boy...

You are something.

Look, Rachel, I'm sorry.

I know things

aren't easy for you.

Please, let's forget it.

That's the trouble.

I can't forget it.

So I think it better

if I leave here now.

Don't worry.

I'll do the operations

we have scheduled.

But then it's finished.

All right.

Good night.

[ Door closes ]

Okay, is that my last?

Yes, sir.

Good.

That's it, then.

Shew!

Well, that's better.

What's the matter?

Nothing.

Oh, come on, now.

You don't really believe

you're in a state of sin,

do you?

I believe in the Bible.

Well, so do I, but...

This is 1940.

There's no date

on morality.

We're not exactly

in a state of grace.

Why not?

Don't be so contemptuous

of it, Rachel.

It keeps the race going.

Are we

keeping the race going?

Well, I hope not.

Rachel,

I didn't mean to --

I wish you could leave

with me when I go.

I can't leave

all these people.

There are people

in London, too --

wounded people

who need nurses.

They're not going to let me

stay here forever.

It's just no good.

I can't leave here,

not now.

Don't you see --

for love, for what I want --

how wrong it would be?

I'm so tired of what's right

and what's wrong.

These things

take care of themselves.

Not for me, they don't.

Oh, yes, they will.

They will.

[ Sighs ]

It was the woman who ruined

paradise, wasn't it?

This just came on the wire,

colonel.

Thank you.

I'll, uh, drop you a line

from stanleyville.

I'll write as soon as you

let me know where.

Write to the address

I gave you in London.

I'll let you know when

I'm someplace permanent.

Well...

[ Murmuring ]

This shield is for the doctor

to bear always on his arm,

to protect his heart

when he faces

the northern enemies.

Chief.

This was the spear

of my grandfather.

With it he destroyed

many enemies.

With it the doctor will see

victory and return to US.

Thank you, kulu.

Well, I'm very grateful

to all of you.

I'll miss you...

And take care of madami.

Another cup of coffee?

No. No, thank you.

I'm sure the colonel

will be here any minute.

Oh, I forgot --

the mail for the mission.

And there's another card

from the doctor.

Excuse me.

Paul: Dear Rachel,

moved out of the last base

I wrote you about,

but still in england.

Same g.P.O.

Hope all goes well.

Love, Paul.

Hello.

Hello, Henri.

How have you been?

I'd like to talk to you.

All right.

What is it?

I am resigning.

I'd -- I'd like you

to telegraph this

to mission headquarters

in stanleyville, please.

Would you mind telling me

why you're doing this?

I'm pregnant.

That dirty --

it takes two to be dirty

in this connection, Henri.

Did you know before he left?

No.

Did you write him?

No.

Why not?!

I can't.

You're a damn fool.

If he thought now

was the time to marry,

we would have right here.

Oh, now is the time,

all right.

And do you love him?

Well, of course,

I love him.

How else do you think --

[ mutters ] All right.

Perhaps your sin

isn't so great.

Maybe you stayed with him

to keep him here.

To help the sick people

of dibela?

Something like that.

No.

It was because I loved him,

nothing else.

Are you sure he loves you?

Yes, I'm sure.

Even though he didn't

ask you to marry him?

He was going back

to the war.

I never understood

that point of view --

"I can't marry you

because I might be killed."

I can't see the difference

between being a widow

and just being left.

At least a widow

gets a pension.

Please send the wire.

When will you tell him?

When he comes back.

Rachel, this is nonsense.

You don't have to do this

at all.

You apply

for a leave of absence.

I know of an order of sisters,

they understand these things,

you can have your child there,

and they'll bring it up.

You're not serious.

I'll keep this baby

with me always.

What did you think?

I think you could deliver it

yourself.

Well, thank you...

If that's a compliment.

It's a compliment.

Um...

I'll let you know

where I want to go.

You mean

where you want to run to.

You don't seem

to understand.

I can't face these people.

They'll forgive you.

But I can't forgive myself.

I've betrayed

every missionary

who's ever suffered

and died in Africa.

I've dishonored my church

just as surely

as you'd dishonor the army

if you ran from the enemy.

In your own words,

god judges and forgives,

not the sinner.

That's not enough for me.

I want --

you want to be punished,

I know.

I found out something

about you, Rachel.

You didn't conquer kalanumu's

vengeful god of the mountain.

You couldn't --

he was inside you.

He still is.

Here...

Somewhere in Matthew.

Jesus said unto the priests,

"verily I say unto you

"that the publicans

and the harlots

"go into the kingdom of god

before you.

"For John the baptist

came unto you

"in the way of righteousness,

and you believed him not,

but the publicans

and harlots believed him."

Primarily it's a matter

of love and faith --

not whether

you're a sinner.

Sin can sometimes

corrupt love and faith.

Henri, a missionary just

can't have an illegitimate child

and go on as though

nothing had happened.

Mary magdalene

was a common streetwalker

and she went on

to become a Saint.

You listen to me, Rachel.

If you leave here, there's

no one to take your place.

There are patients

in that hospital now

that'll be dead

within a week without you.

What about kulu

and kosongo and mzimba?

How do long do you think

their faith will last?

Look what

you've accomplished.

You have no right to leave.

No matter how much guilt

you feel

or how much you suffer,

you have to stay.

You have to.

[ Sobbing ] I don't want

to leave here, Henri.

I don't want to go.

Come on.

[ Engine turns over ]

[ Vehicle departs ]

What are you reading it for?

You were listening.

It's a good thing

I make it my business

to hear what goes on

in this office.

What are you

going to do now?

Have a drink.

What are you going to do

about her?

Nothing.

Do you really believe that

the news of a white baby

crawling about dibela

isn't going to get back

to stanleyville?

Of course it will.

If you still love her,

and you want her

to stay here --

well, you do, don't you?

Yes.

Then you'd better

do something about it.

Mail, madami.

Thank you.

You can open

the door now, kulu.

Yes, madami.

Paul: Dear Rachel,

great news -- I am being

medically discharged.

The leg didn't heal

the way it should've,

through no fault of yours,

of course.

Nothing to worry about,

however.

I have a very good offer

for a practice in Boston.

With luck and the right timing

out of here,

I can bring it off.

Meanwhile, let me know

what you're doing in dibela.

Love, Paul.

It's a letter

from the doctor, madami?

Yes.

Does he say

when he will return?

He doesn't say.

[ Clatter ]

[ Murmuring ]

[ Kosongo speaking

native language ]

Madami...

I'll be all right

in a few minutes.

I'm going to send

the out patients home.

No, have them wait.

I do not wish

to disobey you,

but I am going to tell them

to come back tomorrow.

What do the people

really think of me now?

They are sad for you.

They don't feel contempt

for me because I've sinned

as I said they must not sin?

They are sad

because you are sad.

They do not judge your sin.

And you?

I do not judge

because you have taught

that Jesus the Christ said

that we must not judge.

The madami carries her baby

heavily today.

Please come back tomorrow.

What did you say?

Nothing.

He said madami

will not arise tomorrow

to give US her medicine.

You have sudden courage

this morning, musinga.

From where does it come?

What is it you know?

Nothing.

Speak of what you know

while you can.

Kalanumu is sick.

The days of his life

are fewer.

He makes the thahoo

move faster.

Watch the madami.

Give her the medicine

as she needs it.

[ Muttering ]

My son...

Yes.

Here is last

great secret for you.

Tell it.

I die...

But your madami's thahoo

does not die with me.

You lie.

Not in death.

I speak quickly now.

Kulu, there is no thahoo

other than the one we make

to punish ourselves,

and that

is the strongest of all.

I do not torment your madami.

She torments herself

because she has violated

her own laws,

and only she

can bring peace to herself.

[ Gasping ]

If she learns this,

she can be well.

Why do you tell me this?

I have seen...

The healing she has done.

I-I die now...

Somewhere

between my god...And hers.

[ Murmuring ]

[ Baby crying ]

A son has been born

to madami.

[ Crowd murmurs ]

Guta...

Yes, sir?

Tell stanleyville their convoy

is passing through on time.

Yes, sir.

Aren't you going to finish

your dinner, colonel?

[ Grunts ]

[ Telegraph clicking ]

Lots of excitement.

Yes.

Sorry I haven't been over

to dibela more often.

You can see why.

Have some dinner with me.

No, no, thank you.

You go ahead and finish.

I hear you're drafting

single men.

Yes, if the Italians are

to be stopped in the north,

it has to be

with African troops.

What did you name the baby?

Paul Jr.

"Paulie," we call him.

I've come for the mail.

Yes, I've got some for you.

I didn't have anybody

to send, so --

here you are.

There's nothing from him.

I guess I'd better be --

Rachel,

you haven't heard from him

since before

the baby was born.

You keep count

as closely as I do.

I have as much interest.

I want you to see things

the way they are.

I don't want to listen.

If he loves you, he'd

have written or been here.

There's his practice,

money, his own future.

If they come before his love,

you don't want him.

He knows you can't keep love

without those things.

You're the one who doesn't

see things the way they are.

I don't believe

he'll come back.

He loves me and I love him.

Can't you see that?

Can't you see

that it's not necessary

for a man to love a woman

to go to bed with her?

That's you --

no, that's not me.

I happen to be the damn fool

that loves you --

without it.

Rachel, listen.

I love you, and I'm here.

I think in a little while,

you'll learn to love me.

You have a child

that needs a father.

You need a husband.

I thought I'd been in love

many times before,

but never like this.

Marry me...

Because I love you.

I love you.

[ Door closes ]

Guta?

I want to send a cable.

All right?

Yes, sir.

To captain Paul wilton --

get his g.P.O.

And squadron number

from r.A.F. Headquarters,

stanleyville.

Yes, sir.

Paul wilton Jr.,

born to Rachel,

5th of march, 1941.

Signed, derode.

I want to send another one.

To general commanding army

headquarters, stanleyville,

from Henri derode, colonel,

royal infantry.

Subject -- active duty.

Respectfully request immediate

transfer with African troops,

Ethiopian-Kenya front.

Sign it

and get it off urgent.

All right, sergeant,

load them up.

Yes, sir.

[ Shouting

in native language ]

[ Shouting continues ]

Ready, sir.

Follow out!

Drive.

[ Bell ringing ]

Hello.

Hello, yourself.

Uh, I've never seen you

as a civilian before.

[ Chuckling ]

Well, it's me.

Oh, the car's over here.

Welcome, doctor.

Kulu.

Your bag, please.

I have someone

who wants to see you.

A surprise?

Well, a surprise is

sort of an understatement.

Hello, sweetheart.

[ Train whistle blows ]

Hello, Paulie.

You knew about him?

Yes.

Take him back

to the car.

Yes, madami.

Why did I have to hear

about him from derode?

Did you hear me?

Yes, I heard you.

Henri told you.

Why?

Why not from you?

I wanted you to come back

because you want to,

not because you have to.

I wanted to.

Not because Henri

brought you back?

Of course not.

Are you sure, Paul?

Are you sure?

I'm sure.

By the way,

where is the good colonel?

Active duty, fighting.

Well, then I won't

have to cope with him, too.

Now, wait just a minute.

Henri derode is a fine --

I know, I know.

I'm sorry.

Now let US stop

all this arguing.

I'm here, and we're

going to be married.

All right.

And live in Boston.

I know.

Oh, I've told everyone

I'm marrying a widow

with a child.

Why?

How else do we explain

the sudden appearance

of Paulie out of the jungle?

Do we have to start out

like this, with a lie?

Yes, we do.

To begin with, I've never

told anyone about you.

Isn't that odd, not

to have told your best --

I don't think so.

Look, is this another test

I have to pass?

No.

No, i-I'm sorry.

This is no way

for US to begin.

Come on.

Madami.

Cannot the doctor

stay and work here?

No.

Even for your sake?

You have asked him?

This is not his world,

kulu.

I remember when you

first brought this to dibela.

[ Voice breaking ]

Don't, kulu, don't.

Let me.

Would you like

some coffee?

No, thanks.

Paul, I know you're anxious

to get back

as soon as you can.

That's right.

Can't we stay

just a little while,

until they get someone

to replace me?

You knew I was coming.

Why haven't you arranged it?

It's so difficult to get

people with the war on.

The war is going to last

for years, but I'm not,

nor are you.

It'll be just as hard

to leave two weeks from now

as it will be tomorrow.

But they're not prepared

to run the hospital yet.

Rachel, you are going to

make a clean break.

You can't love me.

You can pull out

all the stops,

the answer is still no.

You came to marry me because

of Paulie, didn't you?

Only Paulie.

I can take the truth.

All right,

you think that's wrong?

You hold it against me?

Look, no matter how much

I loved you,

I'd still go back

to practice my profession

and bring up my child

in my own world -- and his.

Then you don't know love.

And you do, huh?

Yes.

Do you think we have the right

to marry without love?

Right?

You're the last person

in the world

I ever expected

to hear that from.

I'm sorry things turned out

the way they did,

but we both have a duty

to Paulie.

I've come

thousands of miles

to give him a name

and a father.

You don't have the right

to keep him illegitimate,

not according to your code.

Now, tomorrow's Sunday.

There's a train

out of rugeri at noon.

You and I and Paulie are

going to be on that train.

[ Door closes ]

You'll read the service,

kulu?

Goodbye, Rachel Cade.

Kulu.

Forgive me...

I can't.

[ Murmuring ]

"The lord

is in his holy temple.

"Let all the earth

wait before him.

"May the words of our mouths

"and the meditations

of our hearts

"always be acceptable...

"In thy sight.

"We are his people,

and the sheep in his pasture.

Seek the lord

while he may be found."

[ Voice breaking ] Kulu.

I read from the psalms

of David the king.

"Have mercy upon me, o god.

"Blot out my transgressions.

"Wash me thoroughly

from my iniquity,

"and forgive my sin.

"For I acknowledge

my transgressions,

"and my sin is ever before me.

"Then will I teach

transgressors thy ways,

"and sinners

shall be converted unto thee.

"O lord, open thou my lips,

and my mouth

shall shew forth thy praise."

God bless the fighting men

of dibela.

God bless colonel Henri derode,

and bring him safely home.

Amen.

-- Captions by vitac --

Burbank, Pittsburgh, tampa,

and Washington, D.C.

Captions paid for by

Warner Bros. Inc.

The Sins of Rachel Cade (1961) - full transcript