Les Enfants de l'amour (1953)
Directed by Léonide Moguy

Film Synopsis

In the days before the contraceptive pill became wildly available, an unwanted pregnancy was the bane of young women from all strata of society.  Madame Dutilleux runs a maternity clinic in Paris devoted to helping single mothers through the trauma of an unplanned and potentially devastating child birth.  In this, she is assisted by a dedicated social worker, Hélène Lambert, who does all that she can to help the distressed women come to terms with the challenges of being a mother for the first time.  Dr Jacques Baurain lends his support, whilst trying to instil some moral values into the unfortunate women.

It is emotionally demanding work and Hélène and Dr Baurain often have their work cut out dealing with women who are at the limits of what they can endure, both physically and psychologically.  They manage to talk one young woman, Dolly, out of selling her newborn baby to a couple desperate to adopt.   Another reluctant mother, Liliane, has the good fortune to be reunited with her fiancé, thanks to Hélène's timely intervention.  Another woman, Anne-Marie, who has already lost one baby, has her mind put at rest after patching things up with her father.  Madame Dutilleux's clinic proves to be a lifesaver for those women who awaken too late to the cruel realities of life...