The Men ( 1950 )

A war wound has left ex-GI Ken paralyzed below the waist. In the hospital back home, he passes through an initial period of depression with the help of sympathetic Dr. Brock and his faithful fiancée Ellen. Ken's bitter isolation is also overcome with the help of his fellow patients, especially intelligent young cynic Norm, witty Leo, and serious young Angel. Soon Ken throws himself into the work of rehabilitation and after a long period of physical therapy even suspects that he could regain the use of his limbs. With his doctor's approval and help, he and Ellen marry, but on their wedding night both have misgivings about the marriage: the full realization of Ellen's new responsibilities frightens her and makes her more uncertain than ever, and Ken reverts to self-pity. They have a violent argument and he returns to the hospital. But his blazing anger finds no sympathy from his buddies, and after a surprising conversation with Dr. Brock, Ken realizes that he must return to his wife, with whom he must try to build his new life in spite of all the difficulties.—alfiehitchie