Unwed Mother (1958)

Jeanne Cooper: Mrs. Horton

Quotes 

• Mrs. Horton : Our home is supported largely from what we receive from the adopting foster parent. For that reason, we are reluctant to admit unwed, expectant mothers with police records. But I see no reason why we shouldn't make an exception in your case in view of what Mr. Curtis has told us are the circumstances.

  Betty Miller : Thank you. There are no excuses.

• Mrs. Horton : There are a few formalities we have to finish up. Now if you will sign this paper for me please. You can sign it right here.

  [Betty stalls in signing the adoption paper] 

  Mrs. Horton : You know, Betty, the Paulleys have been very liberal with us. The check they gave us can take care of 20 girls, maybe more. What's the trouble, Betty?

  Betty Miller : I won't do it.

  Mrs. Horton : I thought we made an agreement. I... I thought that you agreed to do this.

  Betty Miller : I did. But it was wrong.

  Mrs. Horton : Is it?

  Betty Miller : That check they gave you. It was as if they were buying my child.

  Mrs. Horton : Betty, you are an emotionally young, stable girl. If you weren't you wouldn't be facing this problem now . Are you going to let your own selfishness stand in the way of a financial security for your baby? A chance to have a good home? A good education? A good future? Well, are you?

  Betty Miller : What about a mother's love?

  Mrs. Horton : Well, if you decide to keep your baby, what can you really offer him? Blank space on a birth certificate? The opportunity to be called a lot of nasty, vile names? A mother who has to act as both parents when she'll be so busy earning a living she won't have time to be one?

  Betty Miller : Don't worry about my child's future.

  Mrs. Horton : Well, Betty, I wouldn't if you would just place him in a proper home.

  Betty Miller : Well, my home is the proper home

  Mrs. Horton : Oh, who are you to stand there and tell me what is right and what is wrong? So far your actions have been wrong.

  Betty Miller : You don't know what it's like. You sit there so safe and sound and sure of yourself. on the other side of the desk.

  Mrs. Horton : I WAS on the other side of that... on the other side of that desk. 11 years ago.

  Betty Miller : You have a child?

  Mrs. Horton : There never was a Mr. Horton. But I had a child, yes.

  Betty Miller : I didn't know.

  Mrs. Horton : Nobody does.

  Betty Miller : You've never regretted your decision?

  Mrs. Horton : A million times. But I know the decision was the right one for my baby.

  [after a long pause, Betty signs the adoption paper and exits the office]