Le cas du Dr Laurent (1957)

Dr. Laurent is forced to leave Paris for health reasons. He arrives in a small town in the Alpes-Maritimes hinterland, Saint-Martin-Vésubie, where he is to replace Dr. Bastid, who has become too old to continue practicing. After being shown around the village by Dr. Bastid, Dr. Laurent begins seeing patients. Very soon, many villagers seek his help, including Francine, a young unmarried farm girl who tells him she is pregnant. Catherine Loubet, who suffered greatly during her pregnancy and childbirth, receives him at her home but, disagreeing with his advice, cuts their conversation short. Dr. Laurent wants to give classes on pain-free childbirth. Inevitably, his decision sets the village gossiping about him. A decent, methodical man, the doctor gives a lecture in a room at the town hall, then visits expectant mothers to teach them the new methods. Before long, people from the surrounding area come to consult him. The region’s doctors fear the competition and, with the help of the municipal authorities, submit a petition to the medical council. Summoned and put on the spot by his colleagues, Dr. Laurent succeeds in delivering Francine’s baby before them using the new methods, and is cleared of the accusations.