It's a small, poor village where doctors Masami Morikawa and Kinuyo Tanaka show up, intent on testing the locals for tuberculosis and other diseases. The villagers don't cooperate. They are fearful they will be charged for the service later, and they consider it shameful to be ill. The doctors' only ally is the local teacher, Shin Saburi, who accepts the ancillary duties of his job, like changing diapers, with good grace. It takes a while, but gradually the doctors earn the good will of the villagers.
Hiroshi Shimizu's movie has a very clear message: treat the patient, not the disease. You may have all the latest scientific methods at your fingertips, but unless you have the trust of the patient, you will never be able to help him. Miss Morikawa and Miss Tanaka proceed with smiles on their faces, soft words, and jolly the people -- especially the children -- into trusting them.
