The October Man

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(Train whistle)

(Tyres squeal)

(Train whistle continues)

Depressed fracture of the skull

and extensive damage to the brain area.

Two attempts at suicide during

the first convalescent period.

It's an interesting case.

We knew, of course, that he

was upset about the child.

The parents were friends of his.

He felt in some way responsible.

It wasn't his fault. It was an accident.

An injured brain isn't

always logical, Mr Graham.

It may seem easier to take

one's life than to go on living.

Well, it's a most unsatisfactory case.

From an insurance point of view?

Oh, I'm as sympathetic as the next man.

We can't go on paying out indefinitely.

Is there still a qualifying disability or

isn't there? That's what I have to determine.

If the world's kind to him during the next

few months, he'll be all right. If it isn't...

A final breakdown. Insanity?

He'll probably commit suicide

first. There's still that tendency.

Any evidence of abnormality

before the accident?

None. He was an industrial chemist

- intelligent and quite sane.

It's all right, you can put your things on.

It was the claims manager himself

and he didn't bring a doctor.

- Oh.

- It's a good sign.

They'll probably agree now.

If your head bothers you during the

next year or so, you can still claim.

It's good of you to take

so much trouble, doctor,

but I want to forget the whole thing.

Insurance companies like paying out.

Any idea where you're

going to live in London?

Yes, Brockhurst Common

Hotel, it's near the works.

What about your friends in Sheffield

- are you going to see them again?

Yes, I suppose so, sometime.

You know they never blamed you.

No, but if I hadn't kept her out so

late, she'd still be alive, wouldn't she?

Apart from work, have you

any idea what you want to do?

Mm?

Oh, I don't know, I might get married.

Anyone in view?

No. The view's been rather

restricted lately, hasn't it?

There's a piece of advice

I ought to give you.

- About marriage?

- In a way.

I wouldn't make any important

decision for a time, if I were you,

about marriage or changing

your job or anything else.

You mean there's a good chance of a relapse.

Not necessarily.

If you came to me with a broken

leg, I'd say don't play football.

That's sense, isn't it?

Well, goodbye, Doctor, thank you.

Remember you'll tire easily

at first. Don't overdo it.

Go to bed early and take it easy.

- Thanks, I will.

- And that's not just routine advice.

When you've been in hospital a

long time, the outside world seems

strange and noisy.

People will upset you at

first. Try not to let them.

- All right, Doc, I'll remember. Goodbye.

- Goodbye.

- Here, mind what you're doing.

- Sorry.

(Train whistle)

(Train whistle)

(Typewriter clacking)

- Good evening.

- Good evening.

My name's Ackland, I believe

there's a room booked for me.

- Oh, yes of course, Mr Ackland.

- Yes.

- It's ready for you, I think.

- Thank you.

Room number eight on the

top floor. I'll show you.

- Right.

- Oh, the book. Will you sign it, please?

Such a nuisance, I always think.

- My last address?

- Yes, please.

Your firm booked the

room for you, didn't they?

Yes.

Loughton Hospital

- you're a doctor there?

No, I've been a patient there.

- For long?

- About a year.

- Would you show me to my room now.

- Oh, yes, of course.

No, it's quite all right, I can manage.

- Is this all your luggage?

- The rest of it's being sent on.

That's the dining room back

there and this is the lounge.

Oh, good evening, Miss Selby.

Oh, good evening, Miss Heap. This

is Mr Ackland. Mr Ackland, Miss Heap.

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