People Will Talk

Dr. Elwell hires a detective to scrutinize Praetorius's unorthodox but effective methods. The inquiry is shadowed by the enigmatic presence of Mr. Shunderson, who rarely leaves Praetorius's side. A housekeeper who once worked for Praetorius reacts with visible unease when asked about Shunderson.

The housekeeper hints at a deep, intuitive understanding between Shunderson and Praetorius, suggesting their relationship goes beyond mere companionship. Elwell's questions only deepen the sense that Shunderson is a quiet, loyal ally. Shunderson remains a discreet but powerful presence at Praetorius's side.

Deborah Higgins faints during a medical school lecture, prompting Praetorius to examine her. He tells her she is pregnant, a revelation that unsettles her and her family. Mrs. Higgins admits she is not truly married and refuses to reveal the father, fearing her father’s distress.

In a hallway near Praetorius's office, Deborah shoots herself but suffers no serious injury. The act underscores the depth of her emotional turmoil and shocks the clinic staff. The incident becomes a pivotal moment that forces Praetorius to confront Deborah's vulnerability.

After a successful operation on Deborah, Praetorius tries to calm her by suggesting a mistake in the pregnancy test. Deborah, realizing she is truly pregnant, falls in love with him but becomes overwhelmed. She runs away from the clinic, prompting Praetorius to seek her out and reveal the truth about the pregnancy.

Praetorius and Shunderson drive to Deborah and her father Arthur at a family farm. Arthur misreads Deborah's injury as a curling iron accident and fears the consequences of a pregnancy. Deborah admits her love for Noah, and they share a passionate kiss, sealing a new bond.

Deborah and Noah marry and Arthur moves in with them. Deborah buys a birthday gift for her husband, an electric train set, and a cake, signaling a fresh start. The couple grows closer as Deborah accepts her pregnancy and Noah affirms his affection.

Deborah suggests she is pregnant, and Noah confirms she was pregnant all along. They debate the due date, with Noah predicting September and Deborah opting for December. Deborah accuses Noah of marrying out of pity, but he reassures her that his love is genuine.

Elwell's detective discovers that Shunderson was once convicted of murder, prompting Elwell to request a misconduct hearing against Praetorius. The situation escalates as questions about Shunderson's past threaten Praetorius's reputation.

A photographer takes a picture of Shunderson who confides his past to Praetorius about how he survived. The image and the confession feed into the mounting tension surrounding the upcoming hearing. Praetorius weighs how much to reveal about his secret friendship.

Elwell visits Praetorius with the charges and gossip about his methods. Deborah answers the door and challenges him about the rumors surrounding her husband, highlighting the personal stakes involved in the accusations.

A formal hearing is held to judge the allegations against Praetorius. He recounts his early career and explains his licensed practice, while Elwell accuses him of quackery and opportunism. The hearing examines the truth behind his medical practices and his past.

Shunderson finally explains his survival after being mistaken for a murdered man and reveals that Praetorius once saved his life. The testimony sways the proceedings, and the chairman ultimately rules in Praetorius's favor. Elwell exits discredited and alone.

After Praetorius's acquittal, the film closes with Deborah, her father, and Shunderson in the audience as Lyonel Barker, the physics professor, plays in the orchestra. Praetorius conducts the orchestra in the finale of Brahms's Academic Festival Overture Gaudeamus Igitur, symbolizing his triumph and the fragile harmony of his restored life.