An Enemy of the People (1978) Movie Script
1
Father. How long
have you been here?
Long enough.
Why don't you stay for dinner?
And eat properly.
Eating don't get you anywhere, girl.
I'm going home, directly,
I've got business to tend to.
You're only going to sit
alone in your room.
And you know it.
We've got friends coming
over, good company.
'Stay.'
Can't, got all kinds of business.
The only reason I'd come
is the butcher told me
'you bought a roast today.'
At least, wait for the boys.
Tom is getting them from school.
I saw him yesterday.
You really should move in with us.
I often wonder if you're eating.
I'm eating well.
Suppose, you wouldn't mind,
if I filled my pipe?
Help yourself.
Randine, see who that is.
'Yes, ma'am.'
- Take some apples with you.
- No, no.
You should always have some fruit...
- No. I wouldn't think of it.
- Go ahead.
Here.
Ma'am, His Honor, Mayor Stockmann.
'May I take your coat,
Your Honor?'
'Thank you very much.'
'My brother at home?'
- Peter.
- Good evening, Catherine.
- How do feel?
- Good.
How are you tonight, Mr. Kiil?
Your Honor.
You mustn't mind him, Peter.
He's getting terribly old.
- You'll join us for dinner?
- No, no, thanks.
Can't take heavy food in the evening.
I stick with my tea and toast.
It's much healthier.
And more economical.
You sound as though, Tom and I
throw money out the window.
Not you, Catherine.
My brother wouldn't be home, would he?
It's my regular appointment, you know?
I know. He won't be long.
- Who are your guests?
- Mr. Hovstad, Mr. Billing.
- Here on business, no doubt?
- Partly.
Tom, has written an article
about Kirsten Springs
for their paper.
Here they are.
'Alright.'
- No, Daddy..
- Please, Daddy. Upstairs.
No. You're as heavy as
elephants, you'll kill me.
Captain Forster, nice to see you.
- We've one more for dinner.
- I think you...
He's saying, no, but he means, yes.
Do you know Tom's brother, the Mayor?
- Your Honor.
- Captain.
I'll be with you in a minute, Peter.
Say, hello, to your uncle, boys.
- Hello, Uncle Peter.
- Hello, Sir.
Doing well at school, I hope?
Go and wash before dinner.
Hands and ears. You hear me?
Come on, Jonathan.
Peter, you staying for dinner?
- 'No, I can't spare the time.'
- At least, have a hot toddy.
- To keep the cold out.
- I'd rather not.
I haven't got all evening.
Alright, Peter.
I'll take a look at you.
Catherine, are you sure
there wasn't any mail?
- No, for the third time.
- Alright.
'Would you like
something to drink?'
'Yes, please.'
- How do you feel?
- Little upset stomach.
Stay and have dinner with us.
It'll be good for you.
I don't enjoy large parties.
It's not a party.
Just friends and dinner.
Extraordinary, how you can
swallow all that food
and drink at this late hour.
Nothing better than watching
young people eat.
Gives them the strength
to stir up the future.
Is that so?
What's there to stir up?
They'll let us know,
when it's time for us..
Old idiots to move over.
Never been called that before.
You oughta work up North
for five years, like I did.
Cut yourself off, see nobody
and come back here.
You'll feel like you're
brought back to life.
- Here?
- I know, it's a small town.
It's the whole world to me.
Something to work for,
something to fight for.
Something to improve.
Stomach.
How are your lung?
Any congestion?
You're not living like a prince now.
Buy things, make a home.
Something, you'll learn to value
after a starvation diet.
When did you ever starve?
There were times in the North,
when we didn't enough to eat.
Tonight, we're having roast.
Yes, Catherine showed me the
table, it looked very nice.
She says, I'm earning almost
as much as we're spending.
- But you are improving.
- Hold still.
Why shouldn't I give myself
the pleasure of surrounding
myself with bright young people
like Hovstad and Billing?
I here, they're printing
another of your articles.
- About the Springs.
- Maybe.
The more people who know
about the Springs, the better.
Under normal conditions,
I'd agree with you.
That sounds mysterious.
Anything wrong?
Something you're keeping from me?
I wish, a.
I wish, once in a while
you remember, I'm chairman of..
I'm chairman of the board of
the Springs, as well as Mayor.
Everything concerning Kirsten Springs
is gotta be treated in
a businesslike manner
and dealt with through the proper channels.
I can't allow anything done behind my back
in a roundabout way.
As medical officer of the
Springs, you should know that.
You have an ingrained tendency
to go your own way, Thomas.
And that simply cannot go on
in a well organized society.
The individual really must
subordinate himself
to the overall.
Or more accurately
with the authorities who are in
charge of the general welfare.
Now, that I've said it.
How am I?
Take one of these pills,
every time you have a cramp.
I..
I thought, my visits were
in the family, so to speak.
They are, Peter.
Nobody knows about them.
'Come, dear.'
I think, you know everybody.
Hovstad. Billing.
- Billing. Hovstad.
- Hovstad.
I understand, my brother's
become a prolific contributor
to your, what do you call it?
"People's Daily Liberator."
People's Daily Messenger, Sir.
The doctor honors us from time to time
when he wants to get
something off his chest.
Sit down, Peter.
This is..
New article about the Springs?
'He wrote it during the winter.'
We thought it'd be help
to you, if we printed it now.
Just before the season starts.
Good thinking, Mr. Hovstad.
'Thank you.'
Mark my words.
Kirsten Springs will put us on
the map. No question about it.
- That's what the doctor says.
- 'Everything's shooting ahead.'
Property increasing in value,
money changing hands every hour
business humming.
- 'No more unemployment.'
- Right.
Give us a good summer
and for once, the well-to-do
won't be the only ones
paying taxes in this town.
The Springs will turn us
into a new Karl's Bath.
A health resort to match
the finest in Europe.
Reservations are already coming in.
'Everyday.'
Tom is always, so full
of ideas about the Springs.
He oughta be. He gets a salary
from the Springs, my dear.
I think it's more than that.
Dr. Stockmann created
Kirsten Springs.
I've been hearing that lately.
But I did think,
I had a certain modest part.
Yes. Tom always says that.
I only meant the original idea...
My good brother has never
had a loss for ideas.
All sorts of ideas.
But when it comes to
putting them into action
'you need another kind of man.'
I did think the people in this
house would understand that.
- Peter, we didn't mean to...
- No matter.
Gentlemen, excuse me.
I have work to do.
Goodnight.
Why is it that people without
background can never learn tact?
Don't upset yourself, Peter.
Why can't you and Tom share the honor?
Because certain men are never
satisfied to share, Catherine.
Nonsense.
You and Tom always get along beautifully.
Marrying you was the smartest
thing he's ever done.
- Goodnight.
- 'It reminds me of..'
What did you do to him now?
I didn't do anything to him.
But I'm not going to report
every move I make.
Why would he want you to do that?
Are you sure there was no mail?
Do you think I'm hiding it?
Go and call the boys.
Ejlif, Morten, dinner.
- Billing.
- Doctor.
The captain has a story for you.
- 'I'll wait till after dinner.'
- No. Hovstad, nice to see you.
- It's okay for the ladies too.
- I see.
Mayor, didn't seem very happy tonight.
It's his stomach.
He has chronic dyspepsia.
Indigestion, to you.
Think, having Billing and me
here for dinner didn't help.
No, no.
Peter is..
Well, Peter is a lonely man.
All he knows is his duties
and his official business.
Eats too much and claims he doesn't.
- I hope you're all hungry.
- Starving.
I've been fasting all day.
'You must serve the meat.'
This used to be such an ugly house.
- Suddenly, it's beautiful.
- He's a great man, the doctor.
'Mr. Billing?'
You'd be here.
- This is great, Mrs. Stockmann.
- Thank you.
- I hope Petra's joining us.
- She's going to try.
- 'Well, I'm hungry.'
- 'Me too.'
- When are you sailing, Captain?
- Next week.
- Thank you.
- To America again.
As usual.
Then you won't be home for the election.
- There's another election?
- Don't you know?
'No, I don't get mixed
up in those things.'
'But you're interested
in public affairs, aren't you?'
'Frankly, I don't understand
a thing about them.'
Neither do I, Captain.
Maybe, that's why,
I'm always glad to see you.
Just the same, you ought to vote.
Even though I know, nothing of the issues?
Society, Captain, is like a ship.
'Every man should do something
to help navigate the ship.'
That might be alright on the shore.
At sea, it doesn't work too well.
Good evening, everybody.
- Hello, Petra.
- I'm glad you could..
What? Captain.
It's a pleasure to see you again.
'My evening is complete.'
Stuffing yourselves while I'm
out slaving. It's not fair.
I've just slaved across the Atlantic.
I've been slaving all day at my desk.
Morten, you've been slaving too.
- We're all slaves.
- I'm convinced.
It's really good,
Mrs. Stockmann.
Thank you.
Father, I forgot.
I've a letter for you.
Got it from the mailman on my
way to school this morning.
Why don't you let the mailman do his job?
Well, I really didn't
have time to come back.
Catherine, I've been waiting
all day for this letter.
Excuse me.
- What's so important?
- 'I don't know.'
Last couple of days, letters
are all he's been asking about.
Probably, some out of town patient.
- It is delicious.
- Thank you.
What happened to that novel
you're gonna translate for us?
I started it, but I got so busy.
I'm teaching evenings now too, you know?
'She never stops going.'
Maybe that's why I always think
of you as being so breathless.
Well, breathless.
'You must be a wicked
woman, Petra.'
- 'Wicked?'
- 'You work so much.'
'My teacher says, work is a
punishment for our sins.'
'And you believe that?'
'I love to work.'
It's so wonderfully tired.
- Don't you like work, Morten?
- Work? No.
'What are you ever gonna
amount to in this world?'
Me? I'm gonna be a Viking.-...
- You'll have to be a heathen.
- Then, I'll be a heathen.
- It's getting late, boys.
- I agree with you, Morten.
You certainly don't,
Mr. Billing.
By God, I do. I'm a real
heathen and I'm proud of it.
You'll see, pretty soon,
we're all gonna be heathens.
- 'We can do anything we want.'
- 'Right.'
'Don't you have any
homework for tomorrow?'
'Better go up and do it.'
- Can't we stay?
- No.
- Please, Mother.
- See you later.
Boys, do what your mother says.
- Goodnight, everybody.
- 'Goodnight, Ejlif.'
Goodnight, Petra.
Goodnight, Father.
Goodnight, everybody.
But I don't have any homework.
You don't really think it hurts
them to hear that kind of talk?
I don't know, but I don't like it.
You're being silly, Mother.
There's so much hypocrisy, nowadays.
Home, we've to keep quiet.
School, we've to tell lies to the children.
Yeah, yeah.
What's so special about that letter?
- Important news.
- What kind of news, Tom?
What's happened, Doctor?
Now, come on, Doctor.
Don't spoil our dinner, tell us.
General opinion, is it?
Our town is a sound
and healthy spot. Right?
- 'Absolutely.'
- Whose the letter from, Tom?
The Springs are a very healthy spot.
For sick people and those
who wanna stay well.
- We all know that, Doctor.
- I recommended them myself.
Billing and Hovstad here
have been kind enough
'to print my opinion.'
Yes, yes, yes, the Springs
are your monument.
What are you trying to say?
A miraculous Springs, that cost
such a fortune to build
is a cesspool.
'A disease ridden supply
of bacterial filth.'
- Father.
- But that's unbelievable.
- 'Springs?'
- But how?
Well, that lake up at Windmill
Valley, you know, where
the tannery dumps it's waste
and has a terrible stink.
The water comes from the
tannery down to the Springs.
'And we're supposed
to cure people with it.'
That means the beaches
are contaminated, too.
Beaches, the baths, it's all polluted.
Or soon will be.
'At first, I thought the
visitors brought it with them.'
'Then, I started
investigating the water.'
I sent to the university for
an exact chemical analysis.
'And?'
Infectious organic matter
in every sample I sent.
Well.
- What do you intend to do now?
- Put it right.
'Can that be done?'
The water system's gotta be changed.
- And how?
- 'The whole water system?'
The old pipes have to be ripped out.
New ones laid in.
And then, catch the water
before it reaches the tannery.
It proves they should've listened to you.
Yes. They should
have listened to me.
Petra... get me an envelope.
That's right, you did warn them.
Yes. I told them
not to build it there.
- Is this big enough?
- Yes, it's fine.
Catherine, the maid.
What's her name?
Randine, dear. Randine.
Would you be kind enough
to have her take this
over to Peter's house?
- What's the matter?
- I don't know.
What's Uncle Peter going to say to this?
What can he say?
'You ought to be damn glad.'
Doctor, I'd like to do a piece
on this in The Messenger.
'The people have
a right to know.'
- Do you think he should?
- By God, yes.
'You'll be the leading man
in this town, Doctor.'
'Hovstad, don't you think
the whole town ought to pay'
'Doctor Stockmann some tribute?'
Yes. Yes, a public subscription.
The Messenger should sponsor it.
Even if the board of directors
wanted to give me a raise
I just wouldn't take it.
I wouldn't take it, Catherine.
- That's right, Tom.
- Skol, Father!
- Skol, Doctor.
- Skol, Doctor.
- Skol.
- Skol.
His Honor apologizes
for the late hour, Doctor
but he wanted you to have this.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
- Goodnight.
- Goodnight, Doctor.
- What is it?
- It's from Peter.
What does it say? Let me see.
It says, "I am returning here
with, the report you submitted."
He's coming here tomorrow afternoon.
I wish you'd go out of your way
to share the honors with him.
Couldn't you say that he put
you on the right track?
- Is it really true?
- Father, come in.
- Have some breakfast.
- Good morning, Morten.
- Better be true or I'm going.
- What is better be true?
This crazy story about the water system.
- Of course, it's true.
- Where'd you hear about that?
Petra came by on her way
to school this morning.
Thought she's trying
to make a fool out of me.
- Now, why would she do that?
- Now, let me get this straight.
There's a, there's some kind
of worms in the water pipes?
No, not worms.
Some kind of little animal is it?
- 'Bacteria, Father.'
- Right.
And there's a whole mess of them?
Millions and millions.
And nobody can see 'em, but you?
- Is that it?
- That's right.
No. No, you need a microscope.
What are you laughing at?
You don't understand, Father.
Nobody can see bacteria.
That doesn't mean, they're not there.
Good girl, you stick with him.
I never thought you had it in you
to pull your brother's leg this way.
Tell me, do you think,
he's actually gonna believe it?
Why shouldn't he?
You really think he's that stupid?
The whole town better believe it.
They probably will.
Serves them right, too.
They think they're so much
smarter than us old timers.
'Your brother ordered them
to kick me out off the council.'
'You mad a jackasses
outta all of them, Doctor.'
You're not making any sense, Morten.
If you can make our Mayor and
his fancy friends swallow this
I'll give 200 crowns to charity.
Right now, on the spot. I will.
That's very generous, Father.
I-I don't have that much
money to throw around but
play this trick on your brother,
I'll give 50 crowns to charity.
Next Christmas.
I have to make my
house call. Bye.
- Don't forget this afternoon.
- I'll be here. Goodbye, Morten.
Tastes good, daughter.
Hello.
- You, you got a minute?
- Of course.
- Do you want some coffee?
- No, thank you.
- Beer?
- Yes.
- Good afternoon, Dr. Stockmann.
- A beer.
How do you do?
You, talked to the Mayor?
I'll meet him at my house in half an hour.
Really?
Listen..
I've been doing a lot of
thinking since last night.
I know, for you as
a medical man, a scientist
this is really a rare opportunity.
But, I'm wondering if you realize that
it ties in a lot of other things.
- Dr. Stockmann.
- Thank you.
How do you mean?
You said, last night,
that this polluted water
comes from impurities in the ground.
No, no, no. It comes from
the swamp, up in the valley.
I think, it comes from a different swamp.
Same one that's been poisoning, polluting
our whole social structure.
Everything that matters in this town
has fallen into the hands
of a few bureaucrats.
Now, they haven't done that better job.
No? Who built the water system,
where it is?
I know, they did.
But they'll put it right.
You really think, it's gonna be that easy?
It's got to be done.
No, Doctor.
I've made up my mind.
I'm gonna give this whole
scandal very special treatment.
What scandal?
When I took over the Messenger,
I swore I'd blow that smug bunch
of stubborn self-satisfied
old gentlemen to bits.
Well, this is just the
story that can do it.
This is for the third page.
'I don't have to tell you,
I come from a poor family.'
I know, in my bones what it
takes to overcome that handicap.
You have to give people a say
in governing the society.
That's what brings out
ability, intelligence
self-respect in people.
I think, a newspaperman,
who turns down any opportunity
to give the under privileged to live
'by taking on a
responsibility..'
I have my own conscience.
- You looking for me?
- 'No, no, no.'
Is it true, Doctor?
What I hear from Mr. Billing?
That you intend to campaign
for a better water system.
It's-it's for the Springs.
But it's not a campaign.
I just wanted to let you to know
that we're behind you one hundred percent.
- Thank you very much.
- And we can be important.
When a little businessman wants
to push something through
he becomes the majority, you know?
It's always good to have
the majority on your side.
Well, that's true. But...
No, of course, we intend
to behave with moderation.
Can I get you something?
I always try to be a moderate
and a careful man.
No. No, no. Thank you.
In my capacity
as chairman of the
Property Owners' Association.
And as a representative
of the Temperance Society
you probably know, Doctor,
that I'm active prohibition.
But I come into contact
with all kinds of people.
And I do have a certain
amount of influence.
You know, you might even
call it a little power.
That's why it would be
practically nothing for me
to arrange a demonstration.
Demonstration? For what?
The citizens of the town, complimenting you
for bringing this important
matter to everybody's attention.
And obviously, it has to be done
with the utmost moderations
so as not to embarrass the authorities.
That'd be a real poke
in the eye to some people.
And I don't want any
wild-eyed radicalism
on this thing, Hovstad.
I've had enough of that in my time.
And no good ever comes of it.
But for a solid citizen
to express his calm, frank, free opinion.
That's something, nobody can deny.
Well, good day.
Remember, a little man
is behind you, like a wall.
You have the solid majority on your side.
That's very nice to hear.
Don't be too long.
We've a newspaper to print.
Five minutes.
Good day, Doctor. You bear
in mind what I said?
Isn't it time we pumped
some guts into these
well-meaning, little men?
Through all their liberal talk,
they still idolize authority.
Let me print your report.
After I talk to my brother.
Well..
I'll write an editorial, anyway.
And if your brother won't
go along with us..
Why shouldn't he?
Believe me, Doctor.
It's entirely possible he won't do a thing.
After I talk to him
you can print my report, every word of it.
You mean that?
Here.
No harm for you to read it.
But don't lose it.
No, I won't.
And you let me know,
what the mayor has to say.
Hovstad, you'll see it'll be
a lot simpler than you think.
I hope so, doctor.
Sincerely hope so.
You're early.
I wanted to be here when Uncle Peter comes.
Be careful.
I will.
'Catherine.'
'In here.'
Petra.
You're home early from school.
I thought I'd work at home today.
I just left Hovstad.
My discovery has more
implications than I thought.
And I'm not alone.
Who's with you apart from the Messenger?
Solid majority.
- Is that good?
- It's wonderful, mother.
Catherine, you can't imagine the feeling...
- I was sitting with Hovstad...
- Peter.
You should go.
Come in, Peter.
- Good afternoon, Thomas.
- Nice to see you.
Hello, Peter.
How do you feel?
Well, so, so.
I received your thesis.
About the condition
of the springs last night.
And I got your note.
- Did you read it?
- I read it.
What did you think?
Petra..
Come in, Peter.
Thomas.
Was it really necessary to go
into this investigation
behind my back?
Until I was convinced, yes.
You're convinced now?
Yes.
You intend to present your
report to the board of directors
officially as the medical
officer of the springs?
Peter, it's got to be
put right and quickly.
You always use such strong expressions.
Among other things in your report
you say we guarantee our visitors
a permanent case of poisoning.
And we do.
I took a little walk over to
the city engineer this morning
and sort of jokingly mentioned
these changes as something
we might consider for the future.
He smiled at my extravagance.
And gave me a few facts.
Now, I don't suppose you've
taken the trouble to consider
what your proposed changes would cost.
No. Of course not.
Now, your little project
would come to at least
300,000 crowns.
That much?
Don't look so upset, it's only money.
The worst thing is that it would
take some two years.
'Water system's got
to be changed.'
What do you propose we do about
the springs in the meantime?
'Shut them down?
We'd have to, you know?'
Once the rumor gets around
that the water's dangerous
we won't have a visitor left.
That's the picture, Thomas.
You have it in your power
to ruin your town.
I don't wanna ruin anything.
What do you think we should do?
Your report hasn't convinced
me that the conditions
are as dangerous as you try to make them.
Summer's coming.
It could be an epidemic.
The existing water supplies
are a fact, Thomas
and they've gotta be treated as a fact.
Now, look.
If you're reasonable and
act with discretion.
The directors of the institute
will be inclined to take
under consideration, any means
to reasonably and without
financial sacrifices,
make possible improvements.
- You want me to keep quiet.
- That's not what I said.
You don't want me to say
anything to the public.
We may be talking about typhoid.
I said before that I'm not
convinced there's any danger.
My report is based on fact.
You and the administration
insisted on building
that water supply where
it is to save money.
You made a mistake.
Now you're afraid to admit it.
Let us suppose that is true.
'I do care a little about my reputation'
'but it's also for
the good of the town.'
Without moral authority,
there can be no government.
That is why, Thomas, it is my duty
to prevent your report
from reaching the board.
Sometime later, I'll bring it up
as a matter of discussion.
In the meantime, not a single
word is to reach the public.
- How can you stop it?
- It will be prevented.
- Too many people know about it.
- Who?
Not Hovstad and Billing.
Yes, among others.
You are an unbelievably
irresponsible man, Thomas.
Can't you imagine
what consequences this
is gonna have for you?
- For me?
- Yes. For you and your family.
I believe I have the right
to think of myself
as a helpful brother, Thomas.
You have been.
And I thank you for it.
I have thought that by getting you this job
by improving your finances
I could keep your from running
completely hog-wild.
What do you imagine people
think of an official
'whose closest relative
gets himself into trouble'
'time and time again?'
Whenever an idea breaks into your head
no matter how idiotic it might be
you get up like a sleep-walker
and start writing a pamphlet.
- New ideas are important.
- The public doesn't need them.
It's much better off with the old ones.
Now, look.
I'm gonna lay this out once and for all.
You're always barking about authority.
If a man gives you an order,
he's persecuting you.
Nothing is important enough
to respect once you decide
to revolt against your superiors.
I give up. I'm not gonna try
to change you anymore.
You know what's at stake.
So I'm gonna give you an order.
And I warn you, you better obey
it if you value your career.
What kind of an order?
'Deny these rumors officially.'
'Simply say that further
examination of the water'
'showed you had
over-estimated the danger.'
And that you have complete
confidence, that whatever
improvements are needed
the management will certainly
take care of them.
My convictions will change,
when the water changes.
And for no other reason.
What are you talking about convictions?
As an employee of the institute,
you've no right to express
any convictions
or personal opinions about
anything connected with policy.
I've the right to say
what I want when I want.
Not about the institute.
That I forbid, as you superior.
And when I give orders, you obey.
- Father, don't stand for that.
- 'Petra.'
You've been eavesdropping, have you?
- Yes, eavesdropping.
- You were talking so loud.
If he wants to make war on Kirsten Springs
he has no right to be
on the board of directors.
Catherine, dear.
You're probably the only sane
person in this house.
Talk some sense into his head.
Make him realize what he's
driving his family into.
My family concern is nobody but myself.
- His family and his own town.
- I love this town.
Even when you propose to cut off
our most important industry?
The water is poisoned, Peter.
We're getting fat,
peddling filth and corruption
to innocent people.
A man who can make that kind of insinuation
is nothing but a traitor.
Yes.
A traitor! To me
and to the whole town.
How dare you speak to him like that.
- 'You've been warned.'
- Tom.
Consider what you owe yourself.
And your family.
Tom, listen to me.
You mustn't fight this out
in public with your brother.
You mustn't.
- It won't do any earthly good.
- Hello, Uncle Peter.
'He's got all the power.'
All you'll do is lose your job.
And what about us? Your family.
The people you're supposed to provide for.
Don't always think about us first, Father.
Well, you can talk.
If worst comes to worst,
you can manage for yourself.
What about the boys, Tom.
You and me.
If you go on like this.
God help us, we'll have no money again.
Have you forgotten what it was like to live
like we did up north?
Haven't we had enough of that
for one lifetime.
- You cheated.
- I did not.
- 'What will happen to them?'
- Stop it, Catherine.
Come here, boys.
Catherine, fix them something to eat.
Petra, help your mother.
Father.
- I...
- Help your mother.
Alright.
I never realized how incompetent
those fat-heads were before.
- What do you think?
- It's devastating.
The doctor's brilliant.
This is just the gunpowder we need.
- Aslaksen is in there.
- That coward?
You're going to print this, aren't you?
I'm just waiting for the doctor
to give me the word.
If the mayor is against it,
it's gonna get pretty rough.
Just let him try and stop it.
The whole town will be
screaming for his head.
Aslaksen will see to that.
We're really on the edge of something big.
This is a revolution.
Doctor.
- What'd the mayor have to say?
- 'The doctor is here.'
He said I didn't have the right
to speak with that information.
'He said that?'
Hovstad.
What do you think of my report?
- It's a masterpiece.
- It's tremendous.
The language that everyone
can understand and approve of.
May we print it then?
Yes. Print it. Print it.
I'll have it ready for tomorrow's edition.
Mr. Aslaksen.
Do me a favor, will you?
I'd hate to see the weather
report in the middle
of my article like last time.
Don't worry. I'll supervise
the printing personally.
- There won't be a mistake.
- This is only the beginning.
We'll go onto other subjects.
We'll expose every lie we live by.
Just remember, moderation in all things.
Moderation.
I don't see what's so funny about that?
Doctor Stockmann.
I feel as though I was standing
in some historic painting.
Someday this scene will be in a museum.
Entitled, "The day the truth was born".
I
I left a patient half bandaged on the road.
Excuse me.
He's gonna be very useful to us.
I don't like that business
about, "Every lie we live by."
Let him stick to the springs.
I better re-read this report.
What are you so frightened of all the time?
'Well, I have to live here.'
It would be different if he were
attacking the national leaders.
Everybody does that.
But if he thinks I'm going after
the local administration...
What's the difference?
Bad's bad.
Y-yes, but there
is a difference.
You attack the national
government, what happens?
Nothing.
They go right on.
But near our home..
Now that's a different matter.
Why a town council can be
tossed out just like that.
You can end up with something
else. Much worse.
I've learned the hard way,
Mr. Billing.
As you will.
It's always the same.
A man gets a little property
and the truth can go to hell.
Now, now, gentlemen.
I'm older than either of you.
I have seen fire-eaters
come and go.
Do you remember who had your job?
Councilman Stensford.
Councilman.
Best sellout.
You won't find us switching sides.
You both want to be in politics.
A politician never knows
where he's gonna end up.
Mr. Billing.
'Didn't you apply for the job
as secretary to the magistrate?'
So what if I did?
If I get it I'll have a chance
to put across some good things.
Alright. I'm just saying
people change.
You just remember,
when you call me a coward.
I may not have made the hot speeches
but I never went back on my beliefs either
like some of the big radicals around here.
Of course, I'm a more moderate man.
I don't see what's so funny about that.
I'm sorry.
Hovstad.
Hovstad!
I wish we could get rid of him.
He's not so bad.
Besides, he pays our salaries.
How about asking the doctor to back us?
Then we could really put out our paper.
What will he do for money?
His Father-in-law.
Kiil?
Since I've known him, he's worn
the same suit the same overcoat.
And the same ring on his right hand.
Did you ever get a look at that?
No, never did.
All year he wears the diamond inside.
On new year's eve, he turns it around.
I tell you there's money
in the old badger's family.
Land too.
And he's been keeping it all to himself.
Tell Carl... to hold
the front page of mine.
'Surprise.'
Come in, come in.
- Thanks.
- Sit down.
Look, I can only stay a minute.
- What do you think?
- Well.
You have time to translate it for us.
I don't understand.
What?
This book.
It's absolutely against
everything that people believe.
No.
No, it isn't that bad, is it?
It says that if you're good,
there's a supernatural force
that will make sure you end up happy.
And if you're bad, you'll be punished.
Now, since when does
the world work that way?
- Hey, sit down.
- Thank you.
Look, this is a newspaper, Petra.
People like to read this kind of thing.
They buy the newspaper for this and we..
Slip in the political stuff.
The newspaper can't afford
to ignore the public.
So, I see.
Hey, wait, wait,
wait a minute, wait a minute.
Now, don't go feeling like that.
Look, I want you to understand something.
I never even read that book.
It was Billing's idea.
I thought he was a radical.
Well, he is, but he is also..
What? A newspaper man?
Well, that too.
What I was going to was it..
He's also applied, the job
as secretary to the magistrate.
But the magistrate has been
fighting everything progressive
in this town for 30 years.
Let's not argue about that now.
I just didn't want
you to go out of here
with a wrong idea about me.
You know, I..
Well, I happen to admire a women like you.
I never had chance to tell
you that before but..
I wanted you to know.
Do you mind?
No, I don't mind.
Just reading that book upset me.
- I really don't understand.
- What?
Will you tell me, why you're
supporting my father?
Yes, it's a matter of principle.
Paper that will print
that book has no principle.
Why do you do such extremes,
you're just like you fa..
- Like my father, you mean?
- No.
You really have no use for him, do you?
No, no, I didn't mean that.
I didn't, I..
Look, I..
I happen to agree with your father.
And that's why I'm printing his findings.
- Excuse me.
- Pet..
The mayor's here.
- What the hell does he want?
- To talk to you.
Came in the back way,
because he wanted to see you.
- Call out for Mr. Billing.
- Your honor.
Thank you.
It's clean.
I always imagined this place
would look dirty.
But it's clean.
Very nice, Mr. Aslaksen.
Not at all, your honor.
I mean to say I always tried...
'Well, what can we do
for you, your honor?'
I had a very annoying thing
happen today... Mr. Hovstad.
'Is that so?'
As you see, my brother's written
some sort of memorandum.
'About the springs.'
Really?
He mentioned it to you.
Yes.
Yes, I think he did say
something about that.
That's it, isn't it?
This? I don't know.
I haven't had a chance to look
at the printer just handed it...
Isn't that the story that needs
it's spelling checked?
That's it, it's just a question of spell.
I'm very good at spelling.
Maybe I can help you.
No, no, your honor.
There's Latin in it.
You wouldn't know Latin, would you?
Yes, I would.
I used to help my brother
with his Latin all the time.
Let me have it.
You're going to print this?
We can't afford to refuse a signed article
from a well known man.
Mr. Aslaksen.
You're going to allow this?
I'm the publisher,
not the editor, your honor.
My policy is freedom for the editor.
'You have a point,
I can see that.'
- So, if you don't mind.
- Not at all.
Tell me.
You know our town very well, I think.
What it feels, thinks?
Amongst the small people, yes.
You might even say,
I represent their interest
'being one of them
in a manner of speaking.'
And the small tax payers
are the majority here
as everywhere else.
Naturally.
I, like you... admire
the spirit of sacrifice.
'What sacrifice, your honor?'
The cost of rebuilding the
springs is estimated to be some
three hundred thousand Crowns.
Well, I realize, it means
a tremendous outlay
for your stockholders.
Don't upset
yourself, Mr. Aslaksen.
So long as I'm mayor,
any changes in the springs
are going to be paid for
by a municipal loan.
Municipal..
You mean you're going to
tax the people for this?
'Exactly.'
But the springs are a private corporation.
A private money built them,
if the people want them changed
then people naturally must pay the bill.
Corporation simply can't afford to do it.
That's impossible, people will
have a stand for another tax.
- Is this a fact?
- Or is it your opinion?
Facts, gentlemen. Fact.
As you should know that this
place will have to be closed
for two years while necessary
repairs are being made.
Two years.
Not because of some imagined infection.
How will we survive?
A small businessman expects
his income from the visitors.
- How can you imagine...
- This is a different matter...
I saw the university analysis.
The sample supplied by the man
who wanted to be proved right.
You mean... the doctor invented
this whole business?
Out of vindictiveness
from his hatred to authority
and nothing else.
After all, who should know better than I.
This has nothing to do
with reform or health.
A pure and simple destruction.
And I intend to see that the
people understand it as such.
Frankly, I never thought of
it quite like that anyway.
I don't know what to say, your honor.
I'd hate to hurt the town in anyway.
I never realized we'd
have to have a new tax.
But you should have.
You wanted to support something
as irresponsible as this.
I happen to have a brief review
of the actual facts.
Which proves that with a little care
nobody need be harmed at all.
In time we'll have to make a few
minor structural changes.
And we'll pay for those.
I want you to study it,
Mr. Hovstad.
It's the doctor.
I'd rather not see him here.
- He's going to the back door.
- Can I get out this way?
No, he'll see you.
- The office room.
- Quickly.
Close the door.
Billing.
- Dr. Stockmann.
- Your front door is locked.
Yes, we had to close early, we had work.
The proof's ready or is it too soon.
Well, we can't expect them for some time.
Now, the doctor's here.
- Mind if I wait?
- No, no.
Doctor... it's-it's gonna
take quite a while.
Bear with me, Hovstad. I can
hardly wait to see it in print.
Doctor... we're very busy
right now.
I mean if this could wait till the morning.
Sorry, I don't want to hold anything up.
Just two words.
I was walking along
the streets just a moment ago
looking at people, driving
wagons in stores.
And I was suddenly touched
by their innocence.
You see, when this breaks..
You're liable to make a hero
out of me or something
and you got to promise me you
won't have any dinners for me.
Doctor, there's no use concealing.
I know it. Now, look.
I will not attend any dinners in my honor.
Doctor, I think..
I want you to come home.
- You have to talk to Petra.
- Why?
Something wrong, Mrs. Stockmann?
Dr. Stockmann is the father
of three children, Mr. Hovstad.
- Everybody knows that.
- Nobody would believe it.
The way you're dragging us
into this disaster.
What are you up to?
He treats you like a son.
You want to make a fool of him.
- Catherine.
- I know.
I know you are the cleverest man in town.
You're also the easiest to fool.
I want you to come home.
This man is not your friend.
'Any man who shares
my risk is my friend.'
- Where is he?
- Alright, doctor, just be calm.
He do try to talk you out of it?
Where you hiding, Peter?
Come out!
Come out, where ever you are.
My stick, please.
I want you to realize something, Peter.
In a democracy, this hat
doesn't belong to you.
It belongs to the people.
And it's passed from hand to hand.
You can't give any orders.
Not until the people have spoken.
And I have the people.
Because I have the truth.
Doctor, we're not scientists.
We can't judge whether
your article is really true.
You're printing it under my name.
Let me defend it.
'I'm not printing it.'
I'm not gonna sacrifice this newspaper.
The whole story gets out
the people are not gonna stand
for any changes in springs.
'His honor just
told us, doctor.'
There'll have to be a new tax.
Print it as a pamphlet.
I'll pay for it.
You won't get it printed in this town.
Give me back my report, if you don't mind.
Call a town meeting.
Tell anyone who wants to listen
that the water is poisoned.
Out door Thomas.
It's poison, Peter.
Mrs. Stockmann, I'm not going
to ruin this paper or this town
not for the stake of your family.
You can leave our family
out of this Mr. Aslaksen.
God help me. I think
you people are horrible.
'It's a ridiculous
place to have a meeting.'
'He wasn't even allowed
to use the church.'
- Captain Forster.
- Yeah.
Billing from A Messenger.
We met at the doctor's house.
Remember?
Yes, of course.
I didn't recognize you.
Why don't those people come inside?
I think they're waiting for the Mayor.
Can you tell me why you're
using your house for this?
You've never been involved
in anything political.
You know I travel most of the year.
Did you ever travel?
Not abroad, no.
I've been in a lot of places
where people aren't allowed
to say unpopular things, did you know that?
I've read about it.
Well, I don't like it.
Doesn't like it.
Come in, come in, come in.
It's warmer in here.
I don't have enough chairs,
you'll just have to stand.
- Now, this won't take long.
- I got better things to do.
The Mayor says..
"When the springs are safe
it's good enough for me."
We ought to know.
Once the doctor makes his case,
there'll be no argument.
'Hope not.'
Have a place you can sit by the stove.
'Are all these people
on my uncle's side?'
No, no. This is the first
time we've held a meeting here.
Excuse me.
Good evening, ladies.
I want to say, this is not going
to be any place for ladies.
I don't remember asking
your advice, Mr. Billing.
I'm not as bad
as you think, Mrs. Stockmann.
Then why did you print the Mayor's thing?
'And not a word about
my husband's report.'
If we printed your husband's report
it only would've hurt him.
Mr. Billing, I've never said
this to anyone in my life.
But I think you're a liar.
You try that once more,
I'm gonna throw you out of here.
Can't you take a joke.
Your honor, it's good you could come.
'Mr. Mayor, so glad
you could come.'
- How are you..
- Fine.
- Emily, well?
- Fine, waiting at home.
Gunnar, pleased you could come.
Any matter of public interest, here I am.
How are you?
Catherine.
- Petra.
- 'Good evening.'
Why wasn't there a statement
from the doctor?
First to make it here.
Well, I'll be looking forward
to a full report.
By the way, Petra..
Did you paint that poster
that's stuck on the town hall?
I did and I put it up too.
You know I could arrest you.
It's against the law
to deface the town hall.
Well, here I am.
- Thomas.
- Good to see everyone's here.
- Good luck, Tom.
- Thank you, Paul.
- Stick to your guns, Thomas.
- Thank you.
Come, boy.
- Good evening, doctor.
- Good evening.
I will listen with great interest, doctor.
That's all I ask.
I'm glad you're here, Peter.
I wouldn't miss it for the world.
Alright, boys sit down.
- How you feeling, Cathy?
- Don't loose your temper.
No, no, no, no.
He's married and that's
his family with him.
'Quiet, quiet, give the doctor
a chance to speak.'
'Quiet, quiet!'
Thank you for being here.
Well, the issue is very simple.
Doctor, we haven't... elected
a chairman.
This isn't a meeting.
I haven't time for a election.
I came to a meeting.
Let's have some control here.
Control for what?
Your honor, why don't
you take charge of this?
Yes.
Take charge of what?
Somebody's gotta take charge.
There's a difference of opinion.
- Don't know what I'm gonna say.
- I've got a pretty good idea.
And I don't wanna hear it.
We don't like trouble-makers.
My friend, you don't
know anything about me.
We know plenty about you, Stockmann.
What you read in the papers..
How do you know how I feel about this town?
'Just a minute.'
I think the democratic thing
to do is to elect a chairman.
I nominate the Mayor.
Everyone is a neutral person.
I suggest..
Mr. Aslaksen.
I came to a lecture,
I didn't come to a meeting.
What's the matter?
Are you afraid of a fair fight?
Second, Mr. Aslaksen.
'You're elected, Mr. Chairman.'
Gentlemen, gentlemen, I..
Ladies and gentlemen.
Gentlemen, one word before we start.
'Now, I'm a quiet,
peace loving man.'
Man in favor of discreet
moderation and moderate..
Discretion.
Now, now, now, I expect
that from all concerned.
Now, if anyone..
Wish to speak.
Mr. Chairman...
His honor, the mayor will
address the meeting.
'Bravo.'
Thank you.
Gentlemen..
This shouldn't take long
to settle so we can all go home.
'Here's the issue.'
Dr. Stockmann..
My brother.
And believe me, it's not easy to say this.
Has decided to destroy Kirsten
Springs our health institute.
He has a long and very involved
way of going about it
but that's the brunt of it, believe me.
Well then, what are we wasting time for?
- Let's throw him out of town.
- Yes.
Now, wait!
I want no violence here.
'I want you to understand
his motives.'
He's always been a man who is
never happy unless he is..
Badgering authority.
Ridiculing authority.
'Destroying authority.'
He wants to attack the springs..
So he can prove that the
administration blundered
in the construction.
There are a number of people
here who seem to feel that
the doctor has the right..
To say anything he pleases.
After all, we are a democratic country.
Now, God knows in ordinary times..
I'd agree totally with anybody's right..
To say anything.
'But these are not
ordinary times.'
Nations have crisis.
And so do towns.
There are ruins of nations
and there are ruins of towns
all over the world.
And they will erect by people
who in the guise of reform and..
Pleading for justice and so forth.
Broke down all authority and
left nothing but revolution
and chaos.
Peter.
Peter!
No, no, the-the Mayor's
not finished.
Thank you.
He has the press and every hall
in town to attack me.
And I have nothing but
this place here, now.
- 'You deserve a cell.'
- Shut up before..
My father has as much right as any of you.
'Be quiet young lady..'
Let your brother finish.
Doctor, I don't think you're
making a very good impression.
Please continue, your honor.
'We all know what this town was
without our institute.'
We could barely afford to keep
our streets in condition.
It was dead!
A third rate village.
I predict..
That within five years,
the income of every man here
will be greater than ever.
'I predict our schools
will be bigger and better.'
And in time our streets will be
crowded with fine carriages.
Great homes will be built here.
First class stores will open
all along our main streets.
I predict..
'...that if we're not defamed
and maliciously attacked.'
We will one day be one of the richest
and most beautiful
resort towns in the world.
Now, all we've got to do is ask ourselves..
One simple question.
Has anyone of us the right..
The democratic right,
as they like to call it..
To pick up minor flaws in the springs.
To exaggerate the most easily
repairable faults.
And attempt to have
this defamations published
for the whole world to see.
I believe there must be a line drawn.
And if a man decides to cross that line
we the people must finally
take him by the collar
and declare,
"you cannot say that."
'There's truth in what he says.'
It's all well and good for now.
'I think we all
understand each other.'
'I move Dr. Stockmann
be prohibited from reading
his report at this meeting.'
Quiet, quiet, please. Quiet.
'Now, I think I can proceed
to the vote.'
Are you gonna let me speak at all?
Well, doctor, we're just about
to vote on that question.
'Now, does everyone know
what they're voting for?'
- What?
- Point of order.
'Dr. Stockmann will read his
report at this meeting... '
Point of order!
Yes, doctor?
You want to discuss the motion.
Yes, dammit! I want
to discuss the motion.
'Alright, go ahead.'
Well, he talks and he talks.
But nothing about the fact.
You're just trying to ruin..
'Now, please,
now, please, quiet!'
We can't have this.
I think, doctor, that the
majority wants to take the vote
before you start to speak.
'Now, majority rules,
you won't deny that.'
They don't have to vote.
I won't read my report.
Now, may I have a few minute...
Mr. Chairman, he can't talk
about the institute.
What I've discovered here is a
thousand times more important..
Than all the institutes in the world.
'May I speak now?'
I want to congratulate all the liberals.
And the radicals on their
self control, tonight.
Especially, Mr. Hovstad.
What do you mean?
What do you mean radical?
Where's your evidence to call me a radical?
You're right.
There isn't any evidence.
- There never really was.
- But I believe in democracy.
When my readers are
overwhelmingly against something
I don't impose my will on the majority.
Exactly what I'm gonna talk
about, Mr. Hovstad.
I spent a good many years in the north.
The rulers there are
the birds and the animals.
Man lives on ice.
Huddle together and... little
piles of stone.
And his whole life consists
of grubbing for food.
Nothing more.
And it occurred to me one day,
how... useless I was there.
You see, they hadn't reached the point yet
where they needed a doctor.
A veterinarian would be more in order.
Is that the way you refer
to decent hardworking people?
Don't throw that magic word
at me, "the people."
Not anymore.
Just because there's a massive
shapes in human form.
That doesn't automatically
make them people.
'That honor has to be earned.'
When I came to my conclusions
about the spring...
You have no right to
talk about the springs.
When I made my decision about the water..
That's when I decided to fight.
Because I thought I had
the majority on my side.
And it felt good.
As good as coming back to a town
that I loved.
'That's why I thought
to establish the spring.'
Not for what my brother wanted.
Big stores and fine carriages.
But to cure the sick so
that the whole world
would come to our little town,
so it would grow
become more civilized.
More like a people.
You don't like anything about
this town, do you?
Admit it, you're
a revolutionist, aren't you?
Admit it!
No, I don't admit it.
I'm proud of it!
I'm against the age old lie that
the majority is always right.
Listen to me, the majority is always wrong.
Have you lost your mind?
Was the majority right when they stood by
while they crucified Jesus?
Was the majority right
when they refused to believe
that the earth revolved around the sun?
And allowed Galileo
to be driven to his knees?
Listen to me!
It takes 50 years
for the majority to be right.
And then the majority is never right..
Until it does right.
I've been this man's friend.
I've eaten at his table many times.
And I now cut myself off
from him absolutely.
Let me prove it to you.
The water is poisoned!
It's poisoned!
- Now, stop it!
- That's enough. Now, stop it.
Quiet, quiet!
There's not gonna be any violence here.
Let's talk to them.
We won't be responsible for what happens.
You shut me up here
and I'll take this
to out-of-town newspapers
until the whole country knows about it.
We'll see how far you'll get.
You wanna ruin this town, that's all.
You want to destroy it.
If the only way that this town can prosper
is through the murder of truth and freedom
then I say with all my heart,
let it be destroyed.
Order! Order!
I submit the following resolution.
The people here assembled,
decent, patriotic citizens
declare Dr. Stockmann,
medical officer of the spring
to be an enemy of the people
and of his community.
- That's not true!
- He's your friend.
He loves this town.
Is there anyone opposed to the motion?
'Any one against?'
I am.
There's one! Anyone else?
Anyone else?
All in favor?
Yeah!
It's carried.
This assembly formally declares
Dr. Thomas Stockmann
to be the people's enemy.
'In the future all dealings
with him by decent'
'patriotic citizens
will be on that basis.'
'This meeting is adjourned!'
Do you have room to take us
to America on your ship?
I'll make.
- Let's go through the house.
- No, Cathy.
Boys.
- What is it?
- They're throwing rocks.
Petra.
Petra.
Catherine.
Now, what's your name? There's
still some rocks to pick up.
She hasn't finished sweeping up the glass.
I want the boys to keep
these always as reminders.
Why hasn't she got the man over
here to fix the windows yet?
- She's getting him.
- For two hours?
We'll freeze to death in here.
Maybe he won't come.
He's got neighbors, I suppose.
He can't afford to lose their business.
We shouldn't have let the boys
go to school today.
- We've been evicted.
- 'No.'
He hates to do it but public
opinion being what it is..
The landlord is such a nice man.
We're gonna go to America, Catherine
the whole thing will be like a bad dream.
I don't want to go to America.
Sit down.
- When did this get torn?
- Must have happened last night.
Your best pair.
This shows you, if you go out
and fight for the truth
never wear your best pants.
How do you know, it'll be
any different in America?
I don't.
Just seems to me, big country like that..
Spiritually bigger.
Still, I suppose, they've got
the solid majority too.
At least, there's no room to hide there.
I'd hate to go half around the world
to find out we're in the same place.
'Petra?'
Why aren't you in school?
I've been dismissed.
They wouldn't.
As of two weeks from now.
But I couldn't bear to stay there.
Mrs. Bust told me herself.
I really can't blame her, father.
She showed me three letters, she got today.
From whom?
'They weren't signed.'
'What did they say?'
Well, one... was from somebody.
Who said that he'd heard
from somebody who visits this house.
That I had radical opinions
about certain things.
Perfect, somebody heard that
somebody heard that somebody..
Catherine, pack as soon as you
can. We're getting out of here.
Maybe, that's the window man.
And he's gonna get a big tip if it is.
If you're busy..
Keep your hat on, if you want.
It's a little chilly in here, today.
Thanks.
I believe, I will.
I caught cold last night.
That shed was freezing.
What do you want, Peter?
- May I sit down?
- Yeah, not there.
Piece of the solid majority
is liable to crack your skull.
Am I resigning or just being kicked out?
You're being relieved.
The board met this morning,
there was nothing else to do
considering the state of public opinion.
You look frightened, Peter.
I haven't completely forgotten
that you're my brother.
I doubt that.
'You have no practice left
in this town, Thomas.'
'A petition is going
from house to house.'
Everybody is signing it.
A pledge not to call you anymore.
I don't think a single family
will dare refuse to sign it.
- Did you start it?
- 'No.'
I never wanted to see your ruin,
Thomas. This will ruin you.
'Now, for once in your life will
you act like a responsible man?'
'Let me have a signed statement'
'saying that, in your
zeal to help the town'
you went overboard and exaggerated.
Put it anyway you like
so you calm anybody who might
feel nervous about the water.
If you have the good of the town at heart
you can accomplish everything
without damaging anybody
including yourself.
Now, if you give me
that... you've got your job.
You've got my word... that
you can gradually
make all the improvements
you feel are necessary.
That gives you what you want.
- You're nervous, Peter.
- I am not nervous.
In time, you can make your changes.
When? Five years? Ten years?
You know, there're
some people... you can't buy.
I'm quite capable of understanding that.
But you don't happen to be one of them.
And neither is
your father-in-law.
Morten Kiil's been
running around all morning
buying up stock in Kirsten Springs.
Every share he can lay his hands on.
I don't know what you're talking about.
Come on, now. Come on, come on.
A man wages a relentless campaign
to destroy confidence in a corporation.
Even go so far as to hold
a mass meeting against it.
'Next morning, when people
are still in a state of shock'
'his father-in-law
picks up all the shares'
'he can at half the value.'
And you have the nerve to speak
to me about principles.
- Do you really believe that?
- I believe what I see.
All I see is a man doing a dirty
filthy job for Morten Kiil.
Let me tell you, by tonight,
every man in this town
will see the same thing.
Go to your desk and write me a statement
denying everything you've been saying.
Get out of my home, Peter.
Alright.
And you better get this straight.
If you start another attack
on the Springs from out of town
the morning it's published,
I'll begin a prosecution
for conspiracy, is that clear?
I've been trying to make him
respectable all my life.
Now, if you wanna go ahead with this..
There'll be nobody to hold your back.
- 'Let's see, how you were.'
- 'How are you?'
'Fine.'
'We hated leaving you
alone with that mob.'
- 'Don't worry about that.'
- Hello, Captain.
You know, in a storm there's
just one thing to remember
'it'll pass.'
'Unless it kills you.'
You mustn't let yourselves get bitter.
- 'Would you like some coffee?'
- 'Please.'
When does your ship sail?
'Did father decide
if we were gonna leave?'
'That's what I came
to talk about.'
'Something happened
to the ship?'
- 'We can't go?'
- 'No, the ship will sail.'
'None of us will be aboard.
I was dismissed this morning.'
'You shouldn't have helped us.'
'I'll get another ship.'
'It's just that the owner is associated'
'with the Mayor
and the Springs.'
'I suppose he had no choice.
He's a very decent man.'
'They're all decent men.'
What have you done, Morten?
Kirsten Springs shares.
Very easy to get this morning.
Don't play with me, Morten.
What are you so nervous about?
Can't a man buy some stock?
Thomas, they hated you last night.
'But they also believed you.'
'They love to murder you,
but they believe you.'
Did you tell them that the pollution
is coming down the river
from Windmill Valley
where my tannery is?
I've never made any secret to you
that the pollution was tannery waste.
I don't blame you.
It's my fault.
I didn't take you seriously.
It's very serious now, Thomas.
I got that tannery from my father.
'His father got it
from my great-grandfather.'
I do not intend to allow my family's name
to stand for three generations
of murdering angels
who poisoned this town.
I don't see how you can stop it.
No, but you can.
These are bought with your money.
You probably suspected that I might leave
a little something
to Catherine and the boys.
'Well, I decided this morning...
to invest that money, Thomas.'
You bought this stock
with Catherine's money?
'Yeah.'
People call me a badger.
That's an animal that roots out things.
But it's also some kind
of pig, I understand.
Now, I've lived a clean man
and I'm gonna die clean.
You're gonna clean my name for me.
Why didn't you talk to me
before you bought these?
I thought you might understand
it better if I told you after.
Dammit, I think you do
understand it now, don't you?
Millions of tons
of water come down that river.
How'd you know
the one day you made your test
there wasn't something
unusual about the water?
I made too many tests.
The people got sick. They
could've brought the diseases.
They come here to get cured.
Maybe the food was bad.
- Did you think about the food?
- No, I didn't look into that.
Then what the hell makes you
so sure it's the water?
Thomas.
I have never liked your brother
and you have a perfect right to hate him.
I didn't do it because of my brother.
You went after him as if the
only way to cure this thing
was to destroy the whole institute.
There's hatred in that, boy,
don't you forget it.
This can all belong to you now.
So, be sure.
Be sure.
Tear the hatred out of your heart.
Stand naked in front of yourself.
Are you sure?
I have to talk to Catherine.
Do things right...
and she gets it all.
Be stupid... and she
loses everything.
Doctor, could we see you
for just five minutes, please?
I have nothing to say to you.
We don't expect you to forgive
us for what happened last night.
Should've let us know,
what was in the back of it all.
Could've had the Messenger
behind you all the while.
'Why didn't you tell us, we..'
- Aslaksen, do you-do you want..
- No, you..
Okay, in the beginning we supported you..
We couldn't go on supporting you
because, well, in simple language
'we didn't have the money to withstand'
'the loss in circulation
if we stuck with you.'
'You can say that.'
Look, I'm pretty tired.
The People's Messenger can
put on such a campaign now.
In two months... you'll be hailed
as a hero in this town.
Are you ready to go?
'We'll prove to the public that
you had to buy up the stock'
because the management
wouldn't make the changes
that you as resident doctor
demanded for the public health.
In other words, you did it for absolutely
scientific, public spirited reasons.
All we'd expect in return
is that you or, Mr. Kiil..
Would make up
our losses during the campaign.
Now, that's... open above board
and I don't see anything
wrong with it, do you?
No.
See, doctor, with you back
in charge of the Springs
I've absolutely no fear
that anything can go wrong.
Let me get this straight.
You'll clean up my name..
So that I can be in charge
of the corruption.
We-we have faith that
you won't let anybody get sick.
There's one point I keep repeating..
The water is poisoned.
Of course, if you refuse to cooperate..
- If that's your attitude...
- What will you do?
I wanna know what you'll do to the man
you were gonna make into a hero?
The Mayor will prosecute you for conspiracy
to destroy a corporation.
You'll end up in prison.
- We've got our newspaper...
- 'Tom.'
- 'Papa, papa, come quickly.'
- 'Come here.'
Hurry!
Tom, look at him.
I'm alright, it's nothin'.
- What happened now?
- Nothin', papa, I swear.
- Ejlif, what happened?
- The boys hit him.
They started calling you names.
So Morten began to fight.
All of a sudden
the whole bunch jumped on him...
Do you see what you're doin'?
- You stay out of this.
- 'What did they say?'
They called him a traitor.
My father is no traitor.
Man who drags his family through
a lifetime of disgrace is mad.
- They could have killed you.
- I don't care, I'll kill them.
I'll take a rock and the next
time I see them, I'll kill 'em.
Now, Morten. Morten come here.
- 'Doctor, any reasonable man... '
- Let me go.
Let me go.
They called you an enemy.
- Will you listen to us now?
- No, I won't listen.
Doctor, you can have everything you want.
Everything but the truth.
Everything but that.
'But you'll be in charge.'
The water is poisoned.
The people are poisoned.
The children are poisoned.
The water is poisoned.
And that's the end of it.
Now, get out of here.
Get out!
- 'You're insane with egotism.'
- 'You'll find you'll need us.'
Don't try to excuse humanitarian..
- Get out of here!
- Watch, what you're doing.
Get out. Get out.
The Captain can't take us.
But we'll get another ship.
No ships.
- No running away.
- What?
- We belong here.
- We're staying?
Yes, we're staying, but
we gotta be careful.
- We got to live through this.
- Good.
Petra, get a hammer, some nails.
Boys, we've got work to do.
Go get rugs.
- Get some blankets.
- But, Tom..
Better cover these windows.
We don't wanna freeze in here.
After all that's happened,
with everybody against us.
When you're right... don't
run away, Catherine, come on.
Boys.
- Just pick it up.
- Yes, hold on.
Nails.
Father. How long
have you been here?
Long enough.
Why don't you stay for dinner?
And eat properly.
Eating don't get you anywhere, girl.
I'm going home, directly,
I've got business to tend to.
You're only going to sit
alone in your room.
And you know it.
We've got friends coming
over, good company.
'Stay.'
Can't, got all kinds of business.
The only reason I'd come
is the butcher told me
'you bought a roast today.'
At least, wait for the boys.
Tom is getting them from school.
I saw him yesterday.
You really should move in with us.
I often wonder if you're eating.
I'm eating well.
Suppose, you wouldn't mind,
if I filled my pipe?
Help yourself.
Randine, see who that is.
'Yes, ma'am.'
- Take some apples with you.
- No, no.
You should always have some fruit...
- No. I wouldn't think of it.
- Go ahead.
Here.
Ma'am, His Honor, Mayor Stockmann.
'May I take your coat,
Your Honor?'
'Thank you very much.'
'My brother at home?'
- Peter.
- Good evening, Catherine.
- How do feel?
- Good.
How are you tonight, Mr. Kiil?
Your Honor.
You mustn't mind him, Peter.
He's getting terribly old.
- You'll join us for dinner?
- No, no, thanks.
Can't take heavy food in the evening.
I stick with my tea and toast.
It's much healthier.
And more economical.
You sound as though, Tom and I
throw money out the window.
Not you, Catherine.
My brother wouldn't be home, would he?
It's my regular appointment, you know?
I know. He won't be long.
- Who are your guests?
- Mr. Hovstad, Mr. Billing.
- Here on business, no doubt?
- Partly.
Tom, has written an article
about Kirsten Springs
for their paper.
Here they are.
'Alright.'
- No, Daddy..
- Please, Daddy. Upstairs.
No. You're as heavy as
elephants, you'll kill me.
Captain Forster, nice to see you.
- We've one more for dinner.
- I think you...
He's saying, no, but he means, yes.
Do you know Tom's brother, the Mayor?
- Your Honor.
- Captain.
I'll be with you in a minute, Peter.
Say, hello, to your uncle, boys.
- Hello, Uncle Peter.
- Hello, Sir.
Doing well at school, I hope?
Go and wash before dinner.
Hands and ears. You hear me?
Come on, Jonathan.
Peter, you staying for dinner?
- 'No, I can't spare the time.'
- At least, have a hot toddy.
- To keep the cold out.
- I'd rather not.
I haven't got all evening.
Alright, Peter.
I'll take a look at you.
Catherine, are you sure
there wasn't any mail?
- No, for the third time.
- Alright.
'Would you like
something to drink?'
'Yes, please.'
- How do you feel?
- Little upset stomach.
Stay and have dinner with us.
It'll be good for you.
I don't enjoy large parties.
It's not a party.
Just friends and dinner.
Extraordinary, how you can
swallow all that food
and drink at this late hour.
Nothing better than watching
young people eat.
Gives them the strength
to stir up the future.
Is that so?
What's there to stir up?
They'll let us know,
when it's time for us..
Old idiots to move over.
Never been called that before.
You oughta work up North
for five years, like I did.
Cut yourself off, see nobody
and come back here.
You'll feel like you're
brought back to life.
- Here?
- I know, it's a small town.
It's the whole world to me.
Something to work for,
something to fight for.
Something to improve.
Stomach.
How are your lung?
Any congestion?
You're not living like a prince now.
Buy things, make a home.
Something, you'll learn to value
after a starvation diet.
When did you ever starve?
There were times in the North,
when we didn't enough to eat.
Tonight, we're having roast.
Yes, Catherine showed me the
table, it looked very nice.
She says, I'm earning almost
as much as we're spending.
- But you are improving.
- Hold still.
Why shouldn't I give myself
the pleasure of surrounding
myself with bright young people
like Hovstad and Billing?
I here, they're printing
another of your articles.
- About the Springs.
- Maybe.
The more people who know
about the Springs, the better.
Under normal conditions,
I'd agree with you.
That sounds mysterious.
Anything wrong?
Something you're keeping from me?
I wish, a.
I wish, once in a while
you remember, I'm chairman of..
I'm chairman of the board of
the Springs, as well as Mayor.
Everything concerning Kirsten Springs
is gotta be treated in
a businesslike manner
and dealt with through the proper channels.
I can't allow anything done behind my back
in a roundabout way.
As medical officer of the
Springs, you should know that.
You have an ingrained tendency
to go your own way, Thomas.
And that simply cannot go on
in a well organized society.
The individual really must
subordinate himself
to the overall.
Or more accurately
with the authorities who are in
charge of the general welfare.
Now, that I've said it.
How am I?
Take one of these pills,
every time you have a cramp.
I..
I thought, my visits were
in the family, so to speak.
They are, Peter.
Nobody knows about them.
'Come, dear.'
I think, you know everybody.
Hovstad. Billing.
- Billing. Hovstad.
- Hovstad.
I understand, my brother's
become a prolific contributor
to your, what do you call it?
"People's Daily Liberator."
People's Daily Messenger, Sir.
The doctor honors us from time to time
when he wants to get
something off his chest.
Sit down, Peter.
This is..
New article about the Springs?
'He wrote it during the winter.'
We thought it'd be help
to you, if we printed it now.
Just before the season starts.
Good thinking, Mr. Hovstad.
'Thank you.'
Mark my words.
Kirsten Springs will put us on
the map. No question about it.
- That's what the doctor says.
- 'Everything's shooting ahead.'
Property increasing in value,
money changing hands every hour
business humming.
- 'No more unemployment.'
- Right.
Give us a good summer
and for once, the well-to-do
won't be the only ones
paying taxes in this town.
The Springs will turn us
into a new Karl's Bath.
A health resort to match
the finest in Europe.
Reservations are already coming in.
'Everyday.'
Tom is always, so full
of ideas about the Springs.
He oughta be. He gets a salary
from the Springs, my dear.
I think it's more than that.
Dr. Stockmann created
Kirsten Springs.
I've been hearing that lately.
But I did think,
I had a certain modest part.
Yes. Tom always says that.
I only meant the original idea...
My good brother has never
had a loss for ideas.
All sorts of ideas.
But when it comes to
putting them into action
'you need another kind of man.'
I did think the people in this
house would understand that.
- Peter, we didn't mean to...
- No matter.
Gentlemen, excuse me.
I have work to do.
Goodnight.
Why is it that people without
background can never learn tact?
Don't upset yourself, Peter.
Why can't you and Tom share the honor?
Because certain men are never
satisfied to share, Catherine.
Nonsense.
You and Tom always get along beautifully.
Marrying you was the smartest
thing he's ever done.
- Goodnight.
- 'It reminds me of..'
What did you do to him now?
I didn't do anything to him.
But I'm not going to report
every move I make.
Why would he want you to do that?
Are you sure there was no mail?
Do you think I'm hiding it?
Go and call the boys.
Ejlif, Morten, dinner.
- Billing.
- Doctor.
The captain has a story for you.
- 'I'll wait till after dinner.'
- No. Hovstad, nice to see you.
- It's okay for the ladies too.
- I see.
Mayor, didn't seem very happy tonight.
It's his stomach.
He has chronic dyspepsia.
Indigestion, to you.
Think, having Billing and me
here for dinner didn't help.
No, no.
Peter is..
Well, Peter is a lonely man.
All he knows is his duties
and his official business.
Eats too much and claims he doesn't.
- I hope you're all hungry.
- Starving.
I've been fasting all day.
'You must serve the meat.'
This used to be such an ugly house.
- Suddenly, it's beautiful.
- He's a great man, the doctor.
'Mr. Billing?'
You'd be here.
- This is great, Mrs. Stockmann.
- Thank you.
- I hope Petra's joining us.
- She's going to try.
- 'Well, I'm hungry.'
- 'Me too.'
- When are you sailing, Captain?
- Next week.
- Thank you.
- To America again.
As usual.
Then you won't be home for the election.
- There's another election?
- Don't you know?
'No, I don't get mixed
up in those things.'
'But you're interested
in public affairs, aren't you?'
'Frankly, I don't understand
a thing about them.'
Neither do I, Captain.
Maybe, that's why,
I'm always glad to see you.
Just the same, you ought to vote.
Even though I know, nothing of the issues?
Society, Captain, is like a ship.
'Every man should do something
to help navigate the ship.'
That might be alright on the shore.
At sea, it doesn't work too well.
Good evening, everybody.
- Hello, Petra.
- I'm glad you could..
What? Captain.
It's a pleasure to see you again.
'My evening is complete.'
Stuffing yourselves while I'm
out slaving. It's not fair.
I've just slaved across the Atlantic.
I've been slaving all day at my desk.
Morten, you've been slaving too.
- We're all slaves.
- I'm convinced.
It's really good,
Mrs. Stockmann.
Thank you.
Father, I forgot.
I've a letter for you.
Got it from the mailman on my
way to school this morning.
Why don't you let the mailman do his job?
Well, I really didn't
have time to come back.
Catherine, I've been waiting
all day for this letter.
Excuse me.
- What's so important?
- 'I don't know.'
Last couple of days, letters
are all he's been asking about.
Probably, some out of town patient.
- It is delicious.
- Thank you.
What happened to that novel
you're gonna translate for us?
I started it, but I got so busy.
I'm teaching evenings now too, you know?
'She never stops going.'
Maybe that's why I always think
of you as being so breathless.
Well, breathless.
'You must be a wicked
woman, Petra.'
- 'Wicked?'
- 'You work so much.'
'My teacher says, work is a
punishment for our sins.'
'And you believe that?'
'I love to work.'
It's so wonderfully tired.
- Don't you like work, Morten?
- Work? No.
'What are you ever gonna
amount to in this world?'
Me? I'm gonna be a Viking.-...
- You'll have to be a heathen.
- Then, I'll be a heathen.
- It's getting late, boys.
- I agree with you, Morten.
You certainly don't,
Mr. Billing.
By God, I do. I'm a real
heathen and I'm proud of it.
You'll see, pretty soon,
we're all gonna be heathens.
- 'We can do anything we want.'
- 'Right.'
'Don't you have any
homework for tomorrow?'
'Better go up and do it.'
- Can't we stay?
- No.
- Please, Mother.
- See you later.
Boys, do what your mother says.
- Goodnight, everybody.
- 'Goodnight, Ejlif.'
Goodnight, Petra.
Goodnight, Father.
Goodnight, everybody.
But I don't have any homework.
You don't really think it hurts
them to hear that kind of talk?
I don't know, but I don't like it.
You're being silly, Mother.
There's so much hypocrisy, nowadays.
Home, we've to keep quiet.
School, we've to tell lies to the children.
Yeah, yeah.
What's so special about that letter?
- Important news.
- What kind of news, Tom?
What's happened, Doctor?
Now, come on, Doctor.
Don't spoil our dinner, tell us.
General opinion, is it?
Our town is a sound
and healthy spot. Right?
- 'Absolutely.'
- Whose the letter from, Tom?
The Springs are a very healthy spot.
For sick people and those
who wanna stay well.
- We all know that, Doctor.
- I recommended them myself.
Billing and Hovstad here
have been kind enough
'to print my opinion.'
Yes, yes, yes, the Springs
are your monument.
What are you trying to say?
A miraculous Springs, that cost
such a fortune to build
is a cesspool.
'A disease ridden supply
of bacterial filth.'
- Father.
- But that's unbelievable.
- 'Springs?'
- But how?
Well, that lake up at Windmill
Valley, you know, where
the tannery dumps it's waste
and has a terrible stink.
The water comes from the
tannery down to the Springs.
'And we're supposed
to cure people with it.'
That means the beaches
are contaminated, too.
Beaches, the baths, it's all polluted.
Or soon will be.
'At first, I thought the
visitors brought it with them.'
'Then, I started
investigating the water.'
I sent to the university for
an exact chemical analysis.
'And?'
Infectious organic matter
in every sample I sent.
Well.
- What do you intend to do now?
- Put it right.
'Can that be done?'
The water system's gotta be changed.
- And how?
- 'The whole water system?'
The old pipes have to be ripped out.
New ones laid in.
And then, catch the water
before it reaches the tannery.
It proves they should've listened to you.
Yes. They should
have listened to me.
Petra... get me an envelope.
That's right, you did warn them.
Yes. I told them
not to build it there.
- Is this big enough?
- Yes, it's fine.
Catherine, the maid.
What's her name?
Randine, dear. Randine.
Would you be kind enough
to have her take this
over to Peter's house?
- What's the matter?
- I don't know.
What's Uncle Peter going to say to this?
What can he say?
'You ought to be damn glad.'
Doctor, I'd like to do a piece
on this in The Messenger.
'The people have
a right to know.'
- Do you think he should?
- By God, yes.
'You'll be the leading man
in this town, Doctor.'
'Hovstad, don't you think
the whole town ought to pay'
'Doctor Stockmann some tribute?'
Yes. Yes, a public subscription.
The Messenger should sponsor it.
Even if the board of directors
wanted to give me a raise
I just wouldn't take it.
I wouldn't take it, Catherine.
- That's right, Tom.
- Skol, Father!
- Skol, Doctor.
- Skol, Doctor.
- Skol.
- Skol.
His Honor apologizes
for the late hour, Doctor
but he wanted you to have this.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
- Goodnight.
- Goodnight, Doctor.
- What is it?
- It's from Peter.
What does it say? Let me see.
It says, "I am returning here
with, the report you submitted."
He's coming here tomorrow afternoon.
I wish you'd go out of your way
to share the honors with him.
Couldn't you say that he put
you on the right track?
- Is it really true?
- Father, come in.
- Have some breakfast.
- Good morning, Morten.
- Better be true or I'm going.
- What is better be true?
This crazy story about the water system.
- Of course, it's true.
- Where'd you hear about that?
Petra came by on her way
to school this morning.
Thought she's trying
to make a fool out of me.
- Now, why would she do that?
- Now, let me get this straight.
There's a, there's some kind
of worms in the water pipes?
No, not worms.
Some kind of little animal is it?
- 'Bacteria, Father.'
- Right.
And there's a whole mess of them?
Millions and millions.
And nobody can see 'em, but you?
- Is that it?
- That's right.
No. No, you need a microscope.
What are you laughing at?
You don't understand, Father.
Nobody can see bacteria.
That doesn't mean, they're not there.
Good girl, you stick with him.
I never thought you had it in you
to pull your brother's leg this way.
Tell me, do you think,
he's actually gonna believe it?
Why shouldn't he?
You really think he's that stupid?
The whole town better believe it.
They probably will.
Serves them right, too.
They think they're so much
smarter than us old timers.
'Your brother ordered them
to kick me out off the council.'
'You mad a jackasses
outta all of them, Doctor.'
You're not making any sense, Morten.
If you can make our Mayor and
his fancy friends swallow this
I'll give 200 crowns to charity.
Right now, on the spot. I will.
That's very generous, Father.
I-I don't have that much
money to throw around but
play this trick on your brother,
I'll give 50 crowns to charity.
Next Christmas.
I have to make my
house call. Bye.
- Don't forget this afternoon.
- I'll be here. Goodbye, Morten.
Tastes good, daughter.
Hello.
- You, you got a minute?
- Of course.
- Do you want some coffee?
- No, thank you.
- Beer?
- Yes.
- Good afternoon, Dr. Stockmann.
- A beer.
How do you do?
You, talked to the Mayor?
I'll meet him at my house in half an hour.
Really?
Listen..
I've been doing a lot of
thinking since last night.
I know, for you as
a medical man, a scientist
this is really a rare opportunity.
But, I'm wondering if you realize that
it ties in a lot of other things.
- Dr. Stockmann.
- Thank you.
How do you mean?
You said, last night,
that this polluted water
comes from impurities in the ground.
No, no, no. It comes from
the swamp, up in the valley.
I think, it comes from a different swamp.
Same one that's been poisoning, polluting
our whole social structure.
Everything that matters in this town
has fallen into the hands
of a few bureaucrats.
Now, they haven't done that better job.
No? Who built the water system,
where it is?
I know, they did.
But they'll put it right.
You really think, it's gonna be that easy?
It's got to be done.
No, Doctor.
I've made up my mind.
I'm gonna give this whole
scandal very special treatment.
What scandal?
When I took over the Messenger,
I swore I'd blow that smug bunch
of stubborn self-satisfied
old gentlemen to bits.
Well, this is just the
story that can do it.
This is for the third page.
'I don't have to tell you,
I come from a poor family.'
I know, in my bones what it
takes to overcome that handicap.
You have to give people a say
in governing the society.
That's what brings out
ability, intelligence
self-respect in people.
I think, a newspaperman,
who turns down any opportunity
to give the under privileged to live
'by taking on a
responsibility..'
I have my own conscience.
- You looking for me?
- 'No, no, no.'
Is it true, Doctor?
What I hear from Mr. Billing?
That you intend to campaign
for a better water system.
It's-it's for the Springs.
But it's not a campaign.
I just wanted to let you to know
that we're behind you one hundred percent.
- Thank you very much.
- And we can be important.
When a little businessman wants
to push something through
he becomes the majority, you know?
It's always good to have
the majority on your side.
Well, that's true. But...
No, of course, we intend
to behave with moderation.
Can I get you something?
I always try to be a moderate
and a careful man.
No. No, no. Thank you.
In my capacity
as chairman of the
Property Owners' Association.
And as a representative
of the Temperance Society
you probably know, Doctor,
that I'm active prohibition.
But I come into contact
with all kinds of people.
And I do have a certain
amount of influence.
You know, you might even
call it a little power.
That's why it would be
practically nothing for me
to arrange a demonstration.
Demonstration? For what?
The citizens of the town, complimenting you
for bringing this important
matter to everybody's attention.
And obviously, it has to be done
with the utmost moderations
so as not to embarrass the authorities.
That'd be a real poke
in the eye to some people.
And I don't want any
wild-eyed radicalism
on this thing, Hovstad.
I've had enough of that in my time.
And no good ever comes of it.
But for a solid citizen
to express his calm, frank, free opinion.
That's something, nobody can deny.
Well, good day.
Remember, a little man
is behind you, like a wall.
You have the solid majority on your side.
That's very nice to hear.
Don't be too long.
We've a newspaper to print.
Five minutes.
Good day, Doctor. You bear
in mind what I said?
Isn't it time we pumped
some guts into these
well-meaning, little men?
Through all their liberal talk,
they still idolize authority.
Let me print your report.
After I talk to my brother.
Well..
I'll write an editorial, anyway.
And if your brother won't
go along with us..
Why shouldn't he?
Believe me, Doctor.
It's entirely possible he won't do a thing.
After I talk to him
you can print my report, every word of it.
You mean that?
Here.
No harm for you to read it.
But don't lose it.
No, I won't.
And you let me know,
what the mayor has to say.
Hovstad, you'll see it'll be
a lot simpler than you think.
I hope so, doctor.
Sincerely hope so.
You're early.
I wanted to be here when Uncle Peter comes.
Be careful.
I will.
'Catherine.'
'In here.'
Petra.
You're home early from school.
I thought I'd work at home today.
I just left Hovstad.
My discovery has more
implications than I thought.
And I'm not alone.
Who's with you apart from the Messenger?
Solid majority.
- Is that good?
- It's wonderful, mother.
Catherine, you can't imagine the feeling...
- I was sitting with Hovstad...
- Peter.
You should go.
Come in, Peter.
- Good afternoon, Thomas.
- Nice to see you.
Hello, Peter.
How do you feel?
Well, so, so.
I received your thesis.
About the condition
of the springs last night.
And I got your note.
- Did you read it?
- I read it.
What did you think?
Petra..
Come in, Peter.
Thomas.
Was it really necessary to go
into this investigation
behind my back?
Until I was convinced, yes.
You're convinced now?
Yes.
You intend to present your
report to the board of directors
officially as the medical
officer of the springs?
Peter, it's got to be
put right and quickly.
You always use such strong expressions.
Among other things in your report
you say we guarantee our visitors
a permanent case of poisoning.
And we do.
I took a little walk over to
the city engineer this morning
and sort of jokingly mentioned
these changes as something
we might consider for the future.
He smiled at my extravagance.
And gave me a few facts.
Now, I don't suppose you've
taken the trouble to consider
what your proposed changes would cost.
No. Of course not.
Now, your little project
would come to at least
300,000 crowns.
That much?
Don't look so upset, it's only money.
The worst thing is that it would
take some two years.
'Water system's got
to be changed.'
What do you propose we do about
the springs in the meantime?
'Shut them down?
We'd have to, you know?'
Once the rumor gets around
that the water's dangerous
we won't have a visitor left.
That's the picture, Thomas.
You have it in your power
to ruin your town.
I don't wanna ruin anything.
What do you think we should do?
Your report hasn't convinced
me that the conditions
are as dangerous as you try to make them.
Summer's coming.
It could be an epidemic.
The existing water supplies
are a fact, Thomas
and they've gotta be treated as a fact.
Now, look.
If you're reasonable and
act with discretion.
The directors of the institute
will be inclined to take
under consideration, any means
to reasonably and without
financial sacrifices,
make possible improvements.
- You want me to keep quiet.
- That's not what I said.
You don't want me to say
anything to the public.
We may be talking about typhoid.
I said before that I'm not
convinced there's any danger.
My report is based on fact.
You and the administration
insisted on building
that water supply where
it is to save money.
You made a mistake.
Now you're afraid to admit it.
Let us suppose that is true.
'I do care a little about my reputation'
'but it's also for
the good of the town.'
Without moral authority,
there can be no government.
That is why, Thomas, it is my duty
to prevent your report
from reaching the board.
Sometime later, I'll bring it up
as a matter of discussion.
In the meantime, not a single
word is to reach the public.
- How can you stop it?
- It will be prevented.
- Too many people know about it.
- Who?
Not Hovstad and Billing.
Yes, among others.
You are an unbelievably
irresponsible man, Thomas.
Can't you imagine
what consequences this
is gonna have for you?
- For me?
- Yes. For you and your family.
I believe I have the right
to think of myself
as a helpful brother, Thomas.
You have been.
And I thank you for it.
I have thought that by getting you this job
by improving your finances
I could keep your from running
completely hog-wild.
What do you imagine people
think of an official
'whose closest relative
gets himself into trouble'
'time and time again?'
Whenever an idea breaks into your head
no matter how idiotic it might be
you get up like a sleep-walker
and start writing a pamphlet.
- New ideas are important.
- The public doesn't need them.
It's much better off with the old ones.
Now, look.
I'm gonna lay this out once and for all.
You're always barking about authority.
If a man gives you an order,
he's persecuting you.
Nothing is important enough
to respect once you decide
to revolt against your superiors.
I give up. I'm not gonna try
to change you anymore.
You know what's at stake.
So I'm gonna give you an order.
And I warn you, you better obey
it if you value your career.
What kind of an order?
'Deny these rumors officially.'
'Simply say that further
examination of the water'
'showed you had
over-estimated the danger.'
And that you have complete
confidence, that whatever
improvements are needed
the management will certainly
take care of them.
My convictions will change,
when the water changes.
And for no other reason.
What are you talking about convictions?
As an employee of the institute,
you've no right to express
any convictions
or personal opinions about
anything connected with policy.
I've the right to say
what I want when I want.
Not about the institute.
That I forbid, as you superior.
And when I give orders, you obey.
- Father, don't stand for that.
- 'Petra.'
You've been eavesdropping, have you?
- Yes, eavesdropping.
- You were talking so loud.
If he wants to make war on Kirsten Springs
he has no right to be
on the board of directors.
Catherine, dear.
You're probably the only sane
person in this house.
Talk some sense into his head.
Make him realize what he's
driving his family into.
My family concern is nobody but myself.
- His family and his own town.
- I love this town.
Even when you propose to cut off
our most important industry?
The water is poisoned, Peter.
We're getting fat,
peddling filth and corruption
to innocent people.
A man who can make that kind of insinuation
is nothing but a traitor.
Yes.
A traitor! To me
and to the whole town.
How dare you speak to him like that.
- 'You've been warned.'
- Tom.
Consider what you owe yourself.
And your family.
Tom, listen to me.
You mustn't fight this out
in public with your brother.
You mustn't.
- It won't do any earthly good.
- Hello, Uncle Peter.
'He's got all the power.'
All you'll do is lose your job.
And what about us? Your family.
The people you're supposed to provide for.
Don't always think about us first, Father.
Well, you can talk.
If worst comes to worst,
you can manage for yourself.
What about the boys, Tom.
You and me.
If you go on like this.
God help us, we'll have no money again.
Have you forgotten what it was like to live
like we did up north?
Haven't we had enough of that
for one lifetime.
- You cheated.
- I did not.
- 'What will happen to them?'
- Stop it, Catherine.
Come here, boys.
Catherine, fix them something to eat.
Petra, help your mother.
Father.
- I...
- Help your mother.
Alright.
I never realized how incompetent
those fat-heads were before.
- What do you think?
- It's devastating.
The doctor's brilliant.
This is just the gunpowder we need.
- Aslaksen is in there.
- That coward?
You're going to print this, aren't you?
I'm just waiting for the doctor
to give me the word.
If the mayor is against it,
it's gonna get pretty rough.
Just let him try and stop it.
The whole town will be
screaming for his head.
Aslaksen will see to that.
We're really on the edge of something big.
This is a revolution.
Doctor.
- What'd the mayor have to say?
- 'The doctor is here.'
He said I didn't have the right
to speak with that information.
'He said that?'
Hovstad.
What do you think of my report?
- It's a masterpiece.
- It's tremendous.
The language that everyone
can understand and approve of.
May we print it then?
Yes. Print it. Print it.
I'll have it ready for tomorrow's edition.
Mr. Aslaksen.
Do me a favor, will you?
I'd hate to see the weather
report in the middle
of my article like last time.
Don't worry. I'll supervise
the printing personally.
- There won't be a mistake.
- This is only the beginning.
We'll go onto other subjects.
We'll expose every lie we live by.
Just remember, moderation in all things.
Moderation.
I don't see what's so funny about that?
Doctor Stockmann.
I feel as though I was standing
in some historic painting.
Someday this scene will be in a museum.
Entitled, "The day the truth was born".
I
I left a patient half bandaged on the road.
Excuse me.
He's gonna be very useful to us.
I don't like that business
about, "Every lie we live by."
Let him stick to the springs.
I better re-read this report.
What are you so frightened of all the time?
'Well, I have to live here.'
It would be different if he were
attacking the national leaders.
Everybody does that.
But if he thinks I'm going after
the local administration...
What's the difference?
Bad's bad.
Y-yes, but there
is a difference.
You attack the national
government, what happens?
Nothing.
They go right on.
But near our home..
Now that's a different matter.
Why a town council can be
tossed out just like that.
You can end up with something
else. Much worse.
I've learned the hard way,
Mr. Billing.
As you will.
It's always the same.
A man gets a little property
and the truth can go to hell.
Now, now, gentlemen.
I'm older than either of you.
I have seen fire-eaters
come and go.
Do you remember who had your job?
Councilman Stensford.
Councilman.
Best sellout.
You won't find us switching sides.
You both want to be in politics.
A politician never knows
where he's gonna end up.
Mr. Billing.
'Didn't you apply for the job
as secretary to the magistrate?'
So what if I did?
If I get it I'll have a chance
to put across some good things.
Alright. I'm just saying
people change.
You just remember,
when you call me a coward.
I may not have made the hot speeches
but I never went back on my beliefs either
like some of the big radicals around here.
Of course, I'm a more moderate man.
I don't see what's so funny about that.
I'm sorry.
Hovstad.
Hovstad!
I wish we could get rid of him.
He's not so bad.
Besides, he pays our salaries.
How about asking the doctor to back us?
Then we could really put out our paper.
What will he do for money?
His Father-in-law.
Kiil?
Since I've known him, he's worn
the same suit the same overcoat.
And the same ring on his right hand.
Did you ever get a look at that?
No, never did.
All year he wears the diamond inside.
On new year's eve, he turns it around.
I tell you there's money
in the old badger's family.
Land too.
And he's been keeping it all to himself.
Tell Carl... to hold
the front page of mine.
'Surprise.'
Come in, come in.
- Thanks.
- Sit down.
Look, I can only stay a minute.
- What do you think?
- Well.
You have time to translate it for us.
I don't understand.
What?
This book.
It's absolutely against
everything that people believe.
No.
No, it isn't that bad, is it?
It says that if you're good,
there's a supernatural force
that will make sure you end up happy.
And if you're bad, you'll be punished.
Now, since when does
the world work that way?
- Hey, sit down.
- Thank you.
Look, this is a newspaper, Petra.
People like to read this kind of thing.
They buy the newspaper for this and we..
Slip in the political stuff.
The newspaper can't afford
to ignore the public.
So, I see.
Hey, wait, wait,
wait a minute, wait a minute.
Now, don't go feeling like that.
Look, I want you to understand something.
I never even read that book.
It was Billing's idea.
I thought he was a radical.
Well, he is, but he is also..
What? A newspaper man?
Well, that too.
What I was going to was it..
He's also applied, the job
as secretary to the magistrate.
But the magistrate has been
fighting everything progressive
in this town for 30 years.
Let's not argue about that now.
I just didn't want
you to go out of here
with a wrong idea about me.
You know, I..
Well, I happen to admire a women like you.
I never had chance to tell
you that before but..
I wanted you to know.
Do you mind?
No, I don't mind.
Just reading that book upset me.
- I really don't understand.
- What?
Will you tell me, why you're
supporting my father?
Yes, it's a matter of principle.
Paper that will print
that book has no principle.
Why do you do such extremes,
you're just like you fa..
- Like my father, you mean?
- No.
You really have no use for him, do you?
No, no, I didn't mean that.
I didn't, I..
Look, I..
I happen to agree with your father.
And that's why I'm printing his findings.
- Excuse me.
- Pet..
The mayor's here.
- What the hell does he want?
- To talk to you.
Came in the back way,
because he wanted to see you.
- Call out for Mr. Billing.
- Your honor.
Thank you.
It's clean.
I always imagined this place
would look dirty.
But it's clean.
Very nice, Mr. Aslaksen.
Not at all, your honor.
I mean to say I always tried...
'Well, what can we do
for you, your honor?'
I had a very annoying thing
happen today... Mr. Hovstad.
'Is that so?'
As you see, my brother's written
some sort of memorandum.
'About the springs.'
Really?
He mentioned it to you.
Yes.
Yes, I think he did say
something about that.
That's it, isn't it?
This? I don't know.
I haven't had a chance to look
at the printer just handed it...
Isn't that the story that needs
it's spelling checked?
That's it, it's just a question of spell.
I'm very good at spelling.
Maybe I can help you.
No, no, your honor.
There's Latin in it.
You wouldn't know Latin, would you?
Yes, I would.
I used to help my brother
with his Latin all the time.
Let me have it.
You're going to print this?
We can't afford to refuse a signed article
from a well known man.
Mr. Aslaksen.
You're going to allow this?
I'm the publisher,
not the editor, your honor.
My policy is freedom for the editor.
'You have a point,
I can see that.'
- So, if you don't mind.
- Not at all.
Tell me.
You know our town very well, I think.
What it feels, thinks?
Amongst the small people, yes.
You might even say,
I represent their interest
'being one of them
in a manner of speaking.'
And the small tax payers
are the majority here
as everywhere else.
Naturally.
I, like you... admire
the spirit of sacrifice.
'What sacrifice, your honor?'
The cost of rebuilding the
springs is estimated to be some
three hundred thousand Crowns.
Well, I realize, it means
a tremendous outlay
for your stockholders.
Don't upset
yourself, Mr. Aslaksen.
So long as I'm mayor,
any changes in the springs
are going to be paid for
by a municipal loan.
Municipal..
You mean you're going to
tax the people for this?
'Exactly.'
But the springs are a private corporation.
A private money built them,
if the people want them changed
then people naturally must pay the bill.
Corporation simply can't afford to do it.
That's impossible, people will
have a stand for another tax.
- Is this a fact?
- Or is it your opinion?
Facts, gentlemen. Fact.
As you should know that this
place will have to be closed
for two years while necessary
repairs are being made.
Two years.
Not because of some imagined infection.
How will we survive?
A small businessman expects
his income from the visitors.
- How can you imagine...
- This is a different matter...
I saw the university analysis.
The sample supplied by the man
who wanted to be proved right.
You mean... the doctor invented
this whole business?
Out of vindictiveness
from his hatred to authority
and nothing else.
After all, who should know better than I.
This has nothing to do
with reform or health.
A pure and simple destruction.
And I intend to see that the
people understand it as such.
Frankly, I never thought of
it quite like that anyway.
I don't know what to say, your honor.
I'd hate to hurt the town in anyway.
I never realized we'd
have to have a new tax.
But you should have.
You wanted to support something
as irresponsible as this.
I happen to have a brief review
of the actual facts.
Which proves that with a little care
nobody need be harmed at all.
In time we'll have to make a few
minor structural changes.
And we'll pay for those.
I want you to study it,
Mr. Hovstad.
It's the doctor.
I'd rather not see him here.
- He's going to the back door.
- Can I get out this way?
No, he'll see you.
- The office room.
- Quickly.
Close the door.
Billing.
- Dr. Stockmann.
- Your front door is locked.
Yes, we had to close early, we had work.
The proof's ready or is it too soon.
Well, we can't expect them for some time.
Now, the doctor's here.
- Mind if I wait?
- No, no.
Doctor... it's-it's gonna
take quite a while.
Bear with me, Hovstad. I can
hardly wait to see it in print.
Doctor... we're very busy
right now.
I mean if this could wait till the morning.
Sorry, I don't want to hold anything up.
Just two words.
I was walking along
the streets just a moment ago
looking at people, driving
wagons in stores.
And I was suddenly touched
by their innocence.
You see, when this breaks..
You're liable to make a hero
out of me or something
and you got to promise me you
won't have any dinners for me.
Doctor, there's no use concealing.
I know it. Now, look.
I will not attend any dinners in my honor.
Doctor, I think..
I want you to come home.
- You have to talk to Petra.
- Why?
Something wrong, Mrs. Stockmann?
Dr. Stockmann is the father
of three children, Mr. Hovstad.
- Everybody knows that.
- Nobody would believe it.
The way you're dragging us
into this disaster.
What are you up to?
He treats you like a son.
You want to make a fool of him.
- Catherine.
- I know.
I know you are the cleverest man in town.
You're also the easiest to fool.
I want you to come home.
This man is not your friend.
'Any man who shares
my risk is my friend.'
- Where is he?
- Alright, doctor, just be calm.
He do try to talk you out of it?
Where you hiding, Peter?
Come out!
Come out, where ever you are.
My stick, please.
I want you to realize something, Peter.
In a democracy, this hat
doesn't belong to you.
It belongs to the people.
And it's passed from hand to hand.
You can't give any orders.
Not until the people have spoken.
And I have the people.
Because I have the truth.
Doctor, we're not scientists.
We can't judge whether
your article is really true.
You're printing it under my name.
Let me defend it.
'I'm not printing it.'
I'm not gonna sacrifice this newspaper.
The whole story gets out
the people are not gonna stand
for any changes in springs.
'His honor just
told us, doctor.'
There'll have to be a new tax.
Print it as a pamphlet.
I'll pay for it.
You won't get it printed in this town.
Give me back my report, if you don't mind.
Call a town meeting.
Tell anyone who wants to listen
that the water is poisoned.
Out door Thomas.
It's poison, Peter.
Mrs. Stockmann, I'm not going
to ruin this paper or this town
not for the stake of your family.
You can leave our family
out of this Mr. Aslaksen.
God help me. I think
you people are horrible.
'It's a ridiculous
place to have a meeting.'
'He wasn't even allowed
to use the church.'
- Captain Forster.
- Yeah.
Billing from A Messenger.
We met at the doctor's house.
Remember?
Yes, of course.
I didn't recognize you.
Why don't those people come inside?
I think they're waiting for the Mayor.
Can you tell me why you're
using your house for this?
You've never been involved
in anything political.
You know I travel most of the year.
Did you ever travel?
Not abroad, no.
I've been in a lot of places
where people aren't allowed
to say unpopular things, did you know that?
I've read about it.
Well, I don't like it.
Doesn't like it.
Come in, come in, come in.
It's warmer in here.
I don't have enough chairs,
you'll just have to stand.
- Now, this won't take long.
- I got better things to do.
The Mayor says..
"When the springs are safe
it's good enough for me."
We ought to know.
Once the doctor makes his case,
there'll be no argument.
'Hope not.'
Have a place you can sit by the stove.
'Are all these people
on my uncle's side?'
No, no. This is the first
time we've held a meeting here.
Excuse me.
Good evening, ladies.
I want to say, this is not going
to be any place for ladies.
I don't remember asking
your advice, Mr. Billing.
I'm not as bad
as you think, Mrs. Stockmann.
Then why did you print the Mayor's thing?
'And not a word about
my husband's report.'
If we printed your husband's report
it only would've hurt him.
Mr. Billing, I've never said
this to anyone in my life.
But I think you're a liar.
You try that once more,
I'm gonna throw you out of here.
Can't you take a joke.
Your honor, it's good you could come.
'Mr. Mayor, so glad
you could come.'
- How are you..
- Fine.
- Emily, well?
- Fine, waiting at home.
Gunnar, pleased you could come.
Any matter of public interest, here I am.
How are you?
Catherine.
- Petra.
- 'Good evening.'
Why wasn't there a statement
from the doctor?
First to make it here.
Well, I'll be looking forward
to a full report.
By the way, Petra..
Did you paint that poster
that's stuck on the town hall?
I did and I put it up too.
You know I could arrest you.
It's against the law
to deface the town hall.
Well, here I am.
- Thomas.
- Good to see everyone's here.
- Good luck, Tom.
- Thank you, Paul.
- Stick to your guns, Thomas.
- Thank you.
Come, boy.
- Good evening, doctor.
- Good evening.
I will listen with great interest, doctor.
That's all I ask.
I'm glad you're here, Peter.
I wouldn't miss it for the world.
Alright, boys sit down.
- How you feeling, Cathy?
- Don't loose your temper.
No, no, no, no.
He's married and that's
his family with him.
'Quiet, quiet, give the doctor
a chance to speak.'
'Quiet, quiet!'
Thank you for being here.
Well, the issue is very simple.
Doctor, we haven't... elected
a chairman.
This isn't a meeting.
I haven't time for a election.
I came to a meeting.
Let's have some control here.
Control for what?
Your honor, why don't
you take charge of this?
Yes.
Take charge of what?
Somebody's gotta take charge.
There's a difference of opinion.
- Don't know what I'm gonna say.
- I've got a pretty good idea.
And I don't wanna hear it.
We don't like trouble-makers.
My friend, you don't
know anything about me.
We know plenty about you, Stockmann.
What you read in the papers..
How do you know how I feel about this town?
'Just a minute.'
I think the democratic thing
to do is to elect a chairman.
I nominate the Mayor.
Everyone is a neutral person.
I suggest..
Mr. Aslaksen.
I came to a lecture,
I didn't come to a meeting.
What's the matter?
Are you afraid of a fair fight?
Second, Mr. Aslaksen.
'You're elected, Mr. Chairman.'
Gentlemen, gentlemen, I..
Ladies and gentlemen.
Gentlemen, one word before we start.
'Now, I'm a quiet,
peace loving man.'
Man in favor of discreet
moderation and moderate..
Discretion.
Now, now, now, I expect
that from all concerned.
Now, if anyone..
Wish to speak.
Mr. Chairman...
His honor, the mayor will
address the meeting.
'Bravo.'
Thank you.
Gentlemen..
This shouldn't take long
to settle so we can all go home.
'Here's the issue.'
Dr. Stockmann..
My brother.
And believe me, it's not easy to say this.
Has decided to destroy Kirsten
Springs our health institute.
He has a long and very involved
way of going about it
but that's the brunt of it, believe me.
Well then, what are we wasting time for?
- Let's throw him out of town.
- Yes.
Now, wait!
I want no violence here.
'I want you to understand
his motives.'
He's always been a man who is
never happy unless he is..
Badgering authority.
Ridiculing authority.
'Destroying authority.'
He wants to attack the springs..
So he can prove that the
administration blundered
in the construction.
There are a number of people
here who seem to feel that
the doctor has the right..
To say anything he pleases.
After all, we are a democratic country.
Now, God knows in ordinary times..
I'd agree totally with anybody's right..
To say anything.
'But these are not
ordinary times.'
Nations have crisis.
And so do towns.
There are ruins of nations
and there are ruins of towns
all over the world.
And they will erect by people
who in the guise of reform and..
Pleading for justice and so forth.
Broke down all authority and
left nothing but revolution
and chaos.
Peter.
Peter!
No, no, the-the Mayor's
not finished.
Thank you.
He has the press and every hall
in town to attack me.
And I have nothing but
this place here, now.
- 'You deserve a cell.'
- Shut up before..
My father has as much right as any of you.
'Be quiet young lady..'
Let your brother finish.
Doctor, I don't think you're
making a very good impression.
Please continue, your honor.
'We all know what this town was
without our institute.'
We could barely afford to keep
our streets in condition.
It was dead!
A third rate village.
I predict..
That within five years,
the income of every man here
will be greater than ever.
'I predict our schools
will be bigger and better.'
And in time our streets will be
crowded with fine carriages.
Great homes will be built here.
First class stores will open
all along our main streets.
I predict..
'...that if we're not defamed
and maliciously attacked.'
We will one day be one of the richest
and most beautiful
resort towns in the world.
Now, all we've got to do is ask ourselves..
One simple question.
Has anyone of us the right..
The democratic right,
as they like to call it..
To pick up minor flaws in the springs.
To exaggerate the most easily
repairable faults.
And attempt to have
this defamations published
for the whole world to see.
I believe there must be a line drawn.
And if a man decides to cross that line
we the people must finally
take him by the collar
and declare,
"you cannot say that."
'There's truth in what he says.'
It's all well and good for now.
'I think we all
understand each other.'
'I move Dr. Stockmann
be prohibited from reading
his report at this meeting.'
Quiet, quiet, please. Quiet.
'Now, I think I can proceed
to the vote.'
Are you gonna let me speak at all?
Well, doctor, we're just about
to vote on that question.
'Now, does everyone know
what they're voting for?'
- What?
- Point of order.
'Dr. Stockmann will read his
report at this meeting... '
Point of order!
Yes, doctor?
You want to discuss the motion.
Yes, dammit! I want
to discuss the motion.
'Alright, go ahead.'
Well, he talks and he talks.
But nothing about the fact.
You're just trying to ruin..
'Now, please,
now, please, quiet!'
We can't have this.
I think, doctor, that the
majority wants to take the vote
before you start to speak.
'Now, majority rules,
you won't deny that.'
They don't have to vote.
I won't read my report.
Now, may I have a few minute...
Mr. Chairman, he can't talk
about the institute.
What I've discovered here is a
thousand times more important..
Than all the institutes in the world.
'May I speak now?'
I want to congratulate all the liberals.
And the radicals on their
self control, tonight.
Especially, Mr. Hovstad.
What do you mean?
What do you mean radical?
Where's your evidence to call me a radical?
You're right.
There isn't any evidence.
- There never really was.
- But I believe in democracy.
When my readers are
overwhelmingly against something
I don't impose my will on the majority.
Exactly what I'm gonna talk
about, Mr. Hovstad.
I spent a good many years in the north.
The rulers there are
the birds and the animals.
Man lives on ice.
Huddle together and... little
piles of stone.
And his whole life consists
of grubbing for food.
Nothing more.
And it occurred to me one day,
how... useless I was there.
You see, they hadn't reached the point yet
where they needed a doctor.
A veterinarian would be more in order.
Is that the way you refer
to decent hardworking people?
Don't throw that magic word
at me, "the people."
Not anymore.
Just because there's a massive
shapes in human form.
That doesn't automatically
make them people.
'That honor has to be earned.'
When I came to my conclusions
about the spring...
You have no right to
talk about the springs.
When I made my decision about the water..
That's when I decided to fight.
Because I thought I had
the majority on my side.
And it felt good.
As good as coming back to a town
that I loved.
'That's why I thought
to establish the spring.'
Not for what my brother wanted.
Big stores and fine carriages.
But to cure the sick so
that the whole world
would come to our little town,
so it would grow
become more civilized.
More like a people.
You don't like anything about
this town, do you?
Admit it, you're
a revolutionist, aren't you?
Admit it!
No, I don't admit it.
I'm proud of it!
I'm against the age old lie that
the majority is always right.
Listen to me, the majority is always wrong.
Have you lost your mind?
Was the majority right when they stood by
while they crucified Jesus?
Was the majority right
when they refused to believe
that the earth revolved around the sun?
And allowed Galileo
to be driven to his knees?
Listen to me!
It takes 50 years
for the majority to be right.
And then the majority is never right..
Until it does right.
I've been this man's friend.
I've eaten at his table many times.
And I now cut myself off
from him absolutely.
Let me prove it to you.
The water is poisoned!
It's poisoned!
- Now, stop it!
- That's enough. Now, stop it.
Quiet, quiet!
There's not gonna be any violence here.
Let's talk to them.
We won't be responsible for what happens.
You shut me up here
and I'll take this
to out-of-town newspapers
until the whole country knows about it.
We'll see how far you'll get.
You wanna ruin this town, that's all.
You want to destroy it.
If the only way that this town can prosper
is through the murder of truth and freedom
then I say with all my heart,
let it be destroyed.
Order! Order!
I submit the following resolution.
The people here assembled,
decent, patriotic citizens
declare Dr. Stockmann,
medical officer of the spring
to be an enemy of the people
and of his community.
- That's not true!
- He's your friend.
He loves this town.
Is there anyone opposed to the motion?
'Any one against?'
I am.
There's one! Anyone else?
Anyone else?
All in favor?
Yeah!
It's carried.
This assembly formally declares
Dr. Thomas Stockmann
to be the people's enemy.
'In the future all dealings
with him by decent'
'patriotic citizens
will be on that basis.'
'This meeting is adjourned!'
Do you have room to take us
to America on your ship?
I'll make.
- Let's go through the house.
- No, Cathy.
Boys.
- What is it?
- They're throwing rocks.
Petra.
Petra.
Catherine.
Now, what's your name? There's
still some rocks to pick up.
She hasn't finished sweeping up the glass.
I want the boys to keep
these always as reminders.
Why hasn't she got the man over
here to fix the windows yet?
- She's getting him.
- For two hours?
We'll freeze to death in here.
Maybe he won't come.
He's got neighbors, I suppose.
He can't afford to lose their business.
We shouldn't have let the boys
go to school today.
- We've been evicted.
- 'No.'
He hates to do it but public
opinion being what it is..
The landlord is such a nice man.
We're gonna go to America, Catherine
the whole thing will be like a bad dream.
I don't want to go to America.
Sit down.
- When did this get torn?
- Must have happened last night.
Your best pair.
This shows you, if you go out
and fight for the truth
never wear your best pants.
How do you know, it'll be
any different in America?
I don't.
Just seems to me, big country like that..
Spiritually bigger.
Still, I suppose, they've got
the solid majority too.
At least, there's no room to hide there.
I'd hate to go half around the world
to find out we're in the same place.
'Petra?'
Why aren't you in school?
I've been dismissed.
They wouldn't.
As of two weeks from now.
But I couldn't bear to stay there.
Mrs. Bust told me herself.
I really can't blame her, father.
She showed me three letters, she got today.
From whom?
'They weren't signed.'
'What did they say?'
Well, one... was from somebody.
Who said that he'd heard
from somebody who visits this house.
That I had radical opinions
about certain things.
Perfect, somebody heard that
somebody heard that somebody..
Catherine, pack as soon as you
can. We're getting out of here.
Maybe, that's the window man.
And he's gonna get a big tip if it is.
If you're busy..
Keep your hat on, if you want.
It's a little chilly in here, today.
Thanks.
I believe, I will.
I caught cold last night.
That shed was freezing.
What do you want, Peter?
- May I sit down?
- Yeah, not there.
Piece of the solid majority
is liable to crack your skull.
Am I resigning or just being kicked out?
You're being relieved.
The board met this morning,
there was nothing else to do
considering the state of public opinion.
You look frightened, Peter.
I haven't completely forgotten
that you're my brother.
I doubt that.
'You have no practice left
in this town, Thomas.'
'A petition is going
from house to house.'
Everybody is signing it.
A pledge not to call you anymore.
I don't think a single family
will dare refuse to sign it.
- Did you start it?
- 'No.'
I never wanted to see your ruin,
Thomas. This will ruin you.
'Now, for once in your life will
you act like a responsible man?'
'Let me have a signed statement'
'saying that, in your
zeal to help the town'
you went overboard and exaggerated.
Put it anyway you like
so you calm anybody who might
feel nervous about the water.
If you have the good of the town at heart
you can accomplish everything
without damaging anybody
including yourself.
Now, if you give me
that... you've got your job.
You've got my word... that
you can gradually
make all the improvements
you feel are necessary.
That gives you what you want.
- You're nervous, Peter.
- I am not nervous.
In time, you can make your changes.
When? Five years? Ten years?
You know, there're
some people... you can't buy.
I'm quite capable of understanding that.
But you don't happen to be one of them.
And neither is
your father-in-law.
Morten Kiil's been
running around all morning
buying up stock in Kirsten Springs.
Every share he can lay his hands on.
I don't know what you're talking about.
Come on, now. Come on, come on.
A man wages a relentless campaign
to destroy confidence in a corporation.
Even go so far as to hold
a mass meeting against it.
'Next morning, when people
are still in a state of shock'
'his father-in-law
picks up all the shares'
'he can at half the value.'
And you have the nerve to speak
to me about principles.
- Do you really believe that?
- I believe what I see.
All I see is a man doing a dirty
filthy job for Morten Kiil.
Let me tell you, by tonight,
every man in this town
will see the same thing.
Go to your desk and write me a statement
denying everything you've been saying.
Get out of my home, Peter.
Alright.
And you better get this straight.
If you start another attack
on the Springs from out of town
the morning it's published,
I'll begin a prosecution
for conspiracy, is that clear?
I've been trying to make him
respectable all my life.
Now, if you wanna go ahead with this..
There'll be nobody to hold your back.
- 'Let's see, how you were.'
- 'How are you?'
'Fine.'
'We hated leaving you
alone with that mob.'
- 'Don't worry about that.'
- Hello, Captain.
You know, in a storm there's
just one thing to remember
'it'll pass.'
'Unless it kills you.'
You mustn't let yourselves get bitter.
- 'Would you like some coffee?'
- 'Please.'
When does your ship sail?
'Did father decide
if we were gonna leave?'
'That's what I came
to talk about.'
'Something happened
to the ship?'
- 'We can't go?'
- 'No, the ship will sail.'
'None of us will be aboard.
I was dismissed this morning.'
'You shouldn't have helped us.'
'I'll get another ship.'
'It's just that the owner is associated'
'with the Mayor
and the Springs.'
'I suppose he had no choice.
He's a very decent man.'
'They're all decent men.'
What have you done, Morten?
Kirsten Springs shares.
Very easy to get this morning.
Don't play with me, Morten.
What are you so nervous about?
Can't a man buy some stock?
Thomas, they hated you last night.
'But they also believed you.'
'They love to murder you,
but they believe you.'
Did you tell them that the pollution
is coming down the river
from Windmill Valley
where my tannery is?
I've never made any secret to you
that the pollution was tannery waste.
I don't blame you.
It's my fault.
I didn't take you seriously.
It's very serious now, Thomas.
I got that tannery from my father.
'His father got it
from my great-grandfather.'
I do not intend to allow my family's name
to stand for three generations
of murdering angels
who poisoned this town.
I don't see how you can stop it.
No, but you can.
These are bought with your money.
You probably suspected that I might leave
a little something
to Catherine and the boys.
'Well, I decided this morning...
to invest that money, Thomas.'
You bought this stock
with Catherine's money?
'Yeah.'
People call me a badger.
That's an animal that roots out things.
But it's also some kind
of pig, I understand.
Now, I've lived a clean man
and I'm gonna die clean.
You're gonna clean my name for me.
Why didn't you talk to me
before you bought these?
I thought you might understand
it better if I told you after.
Dammit, I think you do
understand it now, don't you?
Millions of tons
of water come down that river.
How'd you know
the one day you made your test
there wasn't something
unusual about the water?
I made too many tests.
The people got sick. They
could've brought the diseases.
They come here to get cured.
Maybe the food was bad.
- Did you think about the food?
- No, I didn't look into that.
Then what the hell makes you
so sure it's the water?
Thomas.
I have never liked your brother
and you have a perfect right to hate him.
I didn't do it because of my brother.
You went after him as if the
only way to cure this thing
was to destroy the whole institute.
There's hatred in that, boy,
don't you forget it.
This can all belong to you now.
So, be sure.
Be sure.
Tear the hatred out of your heart.
Stand naked in front of yourself.
Are you sure?
I have to talk to Catherine.
Do things right...
and she gets it all.
Be stupid... and she
loses everything.
Doctor, could we see you
for just five minutes, please?
I have nothing to say to you.
We don't expect you to forgive
us for what happened last night.
Should've let us know,
what was in the back of it all.
Could've had the Messenger
behind you all the while.
'Why didn't you tell us, we..'
- Aslaksen, do you-do you want..
- No, you..
Okay, in the beginning we supported you..
We couldn't go on supporting you
because, well, in simple language
'we didn't have the money to withstand'
'the loss in circulation
if we stuck with you.'
'You can say that.'
Look, I'm pretty tired.
The People's Messenger can
put on such a campaign now.
In two months... you'll be hailed
as a hero in this town.
Are you ready to go?
'We'll prove to the public that
you had to buy up the stock'
because the management
wouldn't make the changes
that you as resident doctor
demanded for the public health.
In other words, you did it for absolutely
scientific, public spirited reasons.
All we'd expect in return
is that you or, Mr. Kiil..
Would make up
our losses during the campaign.
Now, that's... open above board
and I don't see anything
wrong with it, do you?
No.
See, doctor, with you back
in charge of the Springs
I've absolutely no fear
that anything can go wrong.
Let me get this straight.
You'll clean up my name..
So that I can be in charge
of the corruption.
We-we have faith that
you won't let anybody get sick.
There's one point I keep repeating..
The water is poisoned.
Of course, if you refuse to cooperate..
- If that's your attitude...
- What will you do?
I wanna know what you'll do to the man
you were gonna make into a hero?
The Mayor will prosecute you for conspiracy
to destroy a corporation.
You'll end up in prison.
- We've got our newspaper...
- 'Tom.'
- 'Papa, papa, come quickly.'
- 'Come here.'
Hurry!
Tom, look at him.
I'm alright, it's nothin'.
- What happened now?
- Nothin', papa, I swear.
- Ejlif, what happened?
- The boys hit him.
They started calling you names.
So Morten began to fight.
All of a sudden
the whole bunch jumped on him...
Do you see what you're doin'?
- You stay out of this.
- 'What did they say?'
They called him a traitor.
My father is no traitor.
Man who drags his family through
a lifetime of disgrace is mad.
- They could have killed you.
- I don't care, I'll kill them.
I'll take a rock and the next
time I see them, I'll kill 'em.
Now, Morten. Morten come here.
- 'Doctor, any reasonable man... '
- Let me go.
Let me go.
They called you an enemy.
- Will you listen to us now?
- No, I won't listen.
Doctor, you can have everything you want.
Everything but the truth.
Everything but that.
'But you'll be in charge.'
The water is poisoned.
The people are poisoned.
The children are poisoned.
The water is poisoned.
And that's the end of it.
Now, get out of here.
Get out!
- 'You're insane with egotism.'
- 'You'll find you'll need us.'
Don't try to excuse humanitarian..
- Get out of here!
- Watch, what you're doing.
Get out. Get out.
The Captain can't take us.
But we'll get another ship.
No ships.
- No running away.
- What?
- We belong here.
- We're staying?
Yes, we're staying, but
we gotta be careful.
- We got to live through this.
- Good.
Petra, get a hammer, some nails.
Boys, we've got work to do.
Go get rugs.
- Get some blankets.
- But, Tom..
Better cover these windows.
We don't wanna freeze in here.
After all that's happened,
with everybody against us.
When you're right... don't
run away, Catherine, come on.
Boys.
- Just pick it up.
- Yes, hold on.
Nails.