John Smith, Dr Ryan and others in “Unfinished Business”

John Smith

So what'd you have to tell me, Doctor?

Well, it's a bit delicate, I'm afraid. Uh Forgive me, sir, but, uh I feel it's my duty to tell you that, uh, your wife has been articulating opinions, uh incompatible with Reich orthodoxy.

Smith

I see. Please go on.

Well, this morning, she expressed a desire, a desire to rethink the Reich's eugenics policies. Uh, I think she feels that because of your position, you might have some influence in the matter.

Smith

Has she expressed these thoughts to anyone else that you know of?

Not that I'm aware of, sir. No. She also spoke today of, uh, having acted impulsively.

Smith

In what way?

I-I didn't probe. I thought it best to alert you.

Smith

Thank you. Was there something else?

I don't know if you're aware, sir. There, there's a phenomenon that occurs in psychotherapy. It's called, uh, "transference. " Uh, a patient develops feelings of affection, or attraction for the analyst. It's very common really.

Smith

And has my wife expressed such feelings to you, Doctor?

Today your wife was, uh physically demonstrative in a way that perhaps -

Smith

It's okay. You can tell me.

She kissed me, sir. She, uh, gave me a good-bye kiss. It was just a kiss on the cheek, but under the circumstances...

Smith

I understand.

Sir, um...

Smith

Mm-hmm.

Given everything else, I really do think it best that I, uh I terminate treatment and resign as her analyst. [presents Smith his file on Helen]

Smith

You did very well to tell me. [leaves]