Original subtitles

I used to think if you fell from grace,

it was the result of one stupendous error.

Or else, an unfortunate accident.

After all... I was an outsider.

Uh-oh.

What did I know about farm life?

Get him off the table, please.

No!

Here. Make yourself useful.

Just eat your food. I'm not hungry!

Claire, what is this?

But when the fall happens,

it can happen anywhere.

And so, gradually,

you don't necessarily sense the motion.

Ba! Ba!

There you go.

You see, it takes at least two...

...and generally three things, to alter the course

of a life.

Sorry!

I hate you mom!

I know you do.

Stupid!

You slip around the truth once,

and then again,

and maybe one more time.

Until...

...there you are.

Feeling for a moment that it was sudden.

Mommy!

Your arrival, at the bottom of the heap.

Mommy!

♪

♪

♪

Hi ladies!

Howard!

♪

Oh, Howard, look.

Don't go! After today,

I'll be home all summer.

Don't go! Okay?

Don't go. Don't go. Don't go.

Claire...

- Don't go, don't go... - Jesus.

Don't go...

Claire!

Woo!

Come on buddy. Wilma's here.

Don't go, don't go!

- Good morning. - Good morning!

Shoot. I meant to ask you,

can you stay late today?

No, not today.

Edgar's got an appointment at the eye doctor.

He needs me

to drive him, you know how he is.

That's fine.

Next time, if you give me more warning...

I love the girls, and I'd do anything for you.

It's not a problem!

Girls, be good!

Wave goodbye...

Bye!

There.

Muah!

All better. Ok?

There you go.

What is it this time, Robby?

Huh?

Are you sure it's okay?

It's more than okay. I'll pick up the girls.

Come by when you're done.

You'd think today would be a breeze, but no.

That Mackessy kid is working my nerves.

Oh not again.

That mother of his.

Spending her welfare checks at the racetrack.

Some people should be allowed to have children!

I gotta go.

What's he got?

Same thing he had when you sent him off the school

this morning. Please.

Come on, honey.

When you have children,

occasionally you have to

think of them first!

Mind your own goddamn business!

This is my business!

You know, I should thank you, Mrs. Mackessy...

It's your negligence that keeps me employed!

Shut up!

You, I'm warning you, if he comes to school sick

one time next year,

just one time!

I will have no choice but to report you!

Well I'll report you!

Yeah.

Get me out of here!

- Thank God! - Yeah!

There are some wicked things I'd like to do

to these kids. - Shh!

Careful, or I'll report ya.

Hello!

Hey, we'll be right down.

Make yourself at home.

Okay!

Ready, set...

Go!

Oh, look how beautiful you two look!

Oh gosh. Muah!

- Look Mommy! - And you...

Oh my, look at you!

- Thanks a lot. - Oh, we had fun.

Oh.

Oh, Theresa?

- You missed a spot. - I did?

- Made you look. - Ha, that's very funny!

Thanks.

Okay girls,

time to go home. - Say bye-bye.

Bye! - Thanks for coming.

Bye! Bye!

You want us to bring anything tonight?

Just you and your perfect family!

Bye!

I hadn't taken into consideration

how cold the whip cream would feel so...

...imagine my surprise

when he goes squealing down the hall like a pig,

and it completely shriveled up! I mean, it was so small.

Alice, is this necessary?

Well, and then to top it off he gets mad at me,

because he can't stand the thought of my spending

money on a dairy product when I can just

skim my own cream off the top of the milk pail.

More wine, Alice?

Oh no, I'm wasted.

Oh, what the hell! It's summer!

Fill 'er up.

Dan, tell them about the ice cubes

and the video you brought home.

- What! - Dan, you pervert.

A video, I had no idea.

Somebody stinks!

I wonder who it could be.

I think Dan is trying to change the subject.

Change your diaper, please.

Silly!

Wow.

- Oh I miss this age. - Don't go there.

Ugh, you can't possibly understand.

You don't have an Emma.

Yeah, but she's so independent.

She's so impossible.

Sometimes I don't even like her.

Mm.

Oh Lizzy, look at your legs!

Oh, she's gonna have great legs.

- You think? - Mm-hmm!

And when it finally comes out...

...it's just.... Oh, it's just

Howard! Howard!

- I don't miss it. - You don't?

No I don't.

Yeah, well that's funny because I seem to recall

just yesterday, somebody who looked just like you

begging me to help milk my cows.

Howard!

Leave him alone!

- He doesn't miss it! - Shh!

My husband, a cow is born and suddenly it's all worth it.

So um... what are you doing tomorrow?

Gosh.

What am I doing tomorrow? Um...

Hey, can I take the girls?

Are you sure?

Sure, I'm sure.

We'll have fun!

- Thanks. Bye. - Bye.

♪

♪

- Hey! - Hi.

You got room?

I thought you were asleep.

Oh my god! It's so hot.

Why do you always have it so hot?

Mm...

Oh, we're growing!

Let's hope.

Hi.

Mommy, wake up!

Mommy, wake up!

Mommy, wake up!

Good morning.

Mmuah!

My snuggle toy.

Mommy, sometimes...

Mommy... sometimes Barney, he um...

Mommy hates Barney!

Oh, it's not that I hate Barney, it's just...

What are you doing?!

Mom! - Honey, I'm sorry.

I wasn't thinking.

Why did you do that to me?!

I didn't do anything to you!

You did!

No! Stop it!

Moooom!

I'm gonna count to three. If you don't stop,

you're gonna go sit in the chair.

One!

Emma I'm warning you!

Two! Mom!

This is your last chance!

Mooooom!

- Mom! - Two and a half!

Mom, let go!

Let go!

Ow!

Stay there.

Claire bear, what are you saying?

Claire!

Egg lady, egg lady, egg lady, egg!

Egg lady! Egg lady!

You're not to move!

But Mommy... - Don't move!

Hi.

Uh, let's see...

That right?

Thank you.

Thank you!

Have a nice day!

Boo!

Not funny.

Neh, neh, neh!

Neh na neh!

Neh, neh, neh!

Welcome back.

Mommy!

Honey, what are you doing?

What am I doing?

I'm about to suffocate this cat instead of our daughter,

that's what I'm doing.

I'll be in soon.

I think I'm handling it fine, Howard.

I really think I am.

Hello!

Where's Emma? Hi!

Hi Audrey.

- Hey Lizzy! - I'm under here, I promise.

- New sandals? - You like them?

- Very you. - Thanks.

Here are diapers, and swimming suits,

and a change of clothes. - Okay.

What happened?

Oh God...

It's Emma. She wants another mother.

- Are you interested? - I know, I know.

No, you don't know.

Bye girls!

I got to go, Dan's waiting.

He's not working today?

Oh, he's gonna be working all right...

Mom!

Lucky you!

- Rent another video. - Maybe we will.

Maybe we'll make one!

Okay, bye!

Ask nicely!

Can you just ask nicely?

Is Audrey here?

Yes. Audrey and Lizzy are both in the living room.

And in a little while...

...if we all get along, we can go swimming.

Okay? So behave yourself. Please.

Ouch!

What's so funny?

She burped!

She burped!

♪

♪

♪

Okay girls, I'm ready!

What is that?

What is that?

Is that a penny?

Oh sweetie!

Give it to me! You know better than that!

Emma bet me!

What's wrong with you?

I like that!

Where's Lizzy?

Girls, do ou- did you see where Lizzy went?

Girls?

No.

Lizzy?

Lizzy!

Stay here.

Lizzy-puss!

Lizzy!

Lizzy?

Pumpkin?

Where are you sweetie?

Lizzy!

Howard? Have you seen Lizzy?

Howard!

Ugh.

♪

Oh!

Howard!

Howard!

♪

Oh my God...

♪

Howard!

♪

Alice?

She's breathing.

They don't know what sort of brain activity there is.

The next few hours will deter-

I thought she was in the living room.

I don't...

...she how she...

Claire was eating pennies.

I told her you were gonna take her swimming.

I told her she was a good swimmer.

- Am I allowed in there? - Uh, sorry. Only family.

Please...

Please...

♪

Please...

Please...

Please...

Please.

Please.

Please.

Hey...

How is she?

Her eyelids fluttered this afternoon.

What's that mean?

Where are Emma and Claire?

I called my mother.

In Bosnia?

In Minnesota.

- Oh. - She hasn't left yet.

Who else could I call?

I'll be home soon.

Soon as Lizzy is well.

Okay?

Mommy's gotta go.

Okay? I'll call you later.

You mind your grandma now, okay?

Have you been praying?

Have I been saying what?

Praying?

What if Lizzy doesn't get better?

Father, I'm Howard Goodwin.

How is she?

We're in, uh... Need of the Lord's help.

You can say that again, Joe.

What?

Alice.

Alice, something's happening.

♪

They're fed and asleep!

Alice?

What happened?

It's over.

Oh my God...

- What do yo- - Mom, there was nothing

they could do.

♪

♪

Honey, you cannot wear corduroy when it is

100 degrees!

Go buy yourself a suit.

You ought to own one.

So if you do,

you'll have it for occasions like this.

Hi.

Do you know what I could do with the hundred or so

dollars this is gonna cost?

Thanks, Nellie.

We'll find him something presentable.

Good.

Come on. Hurry up.

These people are going to have heat strokes.

Alice... What?

Just don't talk, okay? Just don't talk.

I heard the mother insisted the undertakers put

a diaper on the girl.

Oh my word.

They were planning to put on underpants

until she started screaming.

She's not even toilet trained yet!

Terrible.

The whole thing.

That school nurse and her husband were there.

I knew there was something wrong when they painted

that barn blue.

There's Theresa.

Thank you.

- Keep moving. - Don't force me.

Don't force me!

♪

♪

♪

Will it ever happen to us?

No.

Not until you're very old.

♪

You really do take him everywhere!

I'm not sure I should leave you.

Ah, we'll be fine, Mom.

I could call them tonight and tell them that...

We'll miss you, but we'll get along.

Besides, they're counting on you.

Oh, look who's up!

You should go.

Where are you going, Grandma?

Oh, well I'm going to take care of some

babies that are less fortunate than you.

Hey! Turn that back on!

On!

On! I hate you mom!

I hate you!

Emma, lamb, don't speak to your mother like that.

Okay, girls.

Let's go for a ride, okay? Come on.

I want that!

I want som- We'll get another one!

Where are we going?

Alice, dear. I, I, I can't help but worry about you.

You just need to...

...be more positive.

And not think such dark thoughts.

I need some air.

Theresa?

You scared me.

I'm sorry...

Don't!

I know.

But it's helping right now.

- I didn't... - Don't.

There's nothing to say.

That's a terrible thing.

It's hard for me to see you right now.

I know.

No, you don't know.

Oh! It's amazing how much

a person can cry.

You know, I...

I decided to write down all the things I...

...I could remember about her.

I was terrified there wasn't much.

But I started...

...right at conception, and... God. It all came back.

Every doctor's visit.

Hearing her heartbeat on the stethoscope thing.

The birth...

Her first tooth.

Everyone says, you know...

"Go on with your life, keep busy, plant a garden,

take a vacation."

My sister thinks I should get a puppy.

And Dan still gets up at 40'clock every morning...

...work, work, work, like nothing's happened.

And Audrey, well, she's doing the best of all of us.

She's running around shouting

"My sister's in heaven! My sister's in heaven!"

Me, you know...

I eat, I shower.

I'm afraid to leave cause I keep thinking...

...maybe Lizzy will come back.

And we won't be home.

Where are you going?

Well, we thought Cape Cod but now we're thinking

the Grand Canyon. I don't want to go.

Theresa?

I know you're sorry, Alice.

I'm even sorry you're sorry.

But that doesn't do me any good right now.

Don't ever tell Dan I smoked, okay?

Bye Gramma!

Bye Gramma!

Bye Gran!

Bye!

Okay, come on.

Let's get up.

Come on, come on, come on. Let's go.

Stop it.

You know, I know you Alice.

Someday you're gonna turn this into a story.

You're gonna tell a bunch of dinner guests

about the time you were so depressed,

I had to dress you myself.

You're gonna say something about how I had to

dust off your feet to put on your socks. Come on.

Come on. Look alive.

I can't!

Okay.

Come on, come on. Up! Up.

Up, up, up!

Claire misses you.

And Emma is in a mood.

Please.

There's a school board meeting tonight.

They're discussing contracts.

- You should go. - No!

We can't change what happened.

No one blames you.

You know that.

We have to get on with things.

Now, come on.

You know, I hear you, and I-

I understand exactly what it is you're trying to tell me,

but... you know, we are in a bad position here.

Even though our community is...

...is still growing, we are faced with these massive

budget restraints.

And that's just the way it is people, there's not

a thing we can do about that.

So I'm gonna have to ask you for your help here.

- Hi. - Okay? We have all

got to consider carefully the kinds of changes

that we need to make. I mean, whether it's to

curriculum, or... or staffing, or to the

building itself...

Mrs. Goodwin?

I'm Detective Grogan from the investigation unit in Racine.

I'd like to talk to you for a minute, if you don't mind.

Me?

Just for a minute.

This is Officer Melby.

Welby? As in Marcus Welby?

We're trying to get some information about

Robbie Mackessy.

Oh God...

Not pleasant memories I take it?

I think you could say.

You have a relationship with Robbie?

Oh... pfft.

- What's funny? - Kids are usually

afraid of the school nurse.

Afraid?

Yeah, I'm a tall person who carries a needle.

You know, I have to go. - Oh, just...

Just a few questions. Please Mrs. Goodwin.

The more we know about Robbie, the better we can assist him.

Uh, what sort of trouble is he in now?

We're not able to comment, I'm afraid.

We wonder if you remembered any

strange behavioral patterns?

Oh well.

His crazy mother always brings him to school sick.

What kind of sickness did he have?

Oh God, I mean, you know,

sore throats, ear infections, you know,

the common cold, you know, you name it.

- I, I have to go. - Are you okay?

Uh, no. I- I'm not well.

I'm sorry to keep you standing. Why don't we sit?

This really won't take much longer.

You see, I'm sick.

And I really can't...

We just have a few more things to ask.

You want to know the truth?

I am trying, to have a complete

nervous breakdown, and no one will let me

do it in peace!

What's the matter?

Mrs. Goodwin?

- Mrs. Goodwin... - I hurt everybody.

- Hey. - Hi.

How'd it go?

- Fine. - Okay?

Yeah.

You alright?

Yes.

Hi.

Hi.

- What's the matter? - Nothing.

Sniffles]

Hey.

Hey.

Did you get a raise?

- Are you alright? - Mm-hmmm.

Wha- What's so funny?

You okay?

Alice?

- Yes? - What?

Come on...

In case you hadn't noticed, there's no food.

There's a list on the table.

Congratulations for getting up, by the way.

No sweetheart. No.

Keep in motion, Alice.

For the sake of the kids, just keep in motion.

Want a bite?

Emma, get in the car.

Get in the car!

Get in the car!

Oh, the list. I forgot the goddamn list.

Stay here!

Motion, Alice. Keep in motion.

- Alice Goodwin? - Yes.

We have a warrant for your arrest.

- Charge of child abuse. - What?

Just come with us, please.

Right this way. Towards the car.

Put your hands on the front of the car.

Howard!

Howard!

You have the right to an attorney,

if you cannot afford one, one will be appointed by the courts.

Alice!

Alice?

Howard!

Robbie Mackessy says I did awful things.

What's going on?

I'm in trouble, Howard.

- Will someone please expl- - Read the piece of paper.

- Explain to me what's goin- - Howard...

What's this? I don't have time to read this.

What you need to do,

what you need to do is take care of the girls.

I'll call as soon as I sort this out.

- Ma'am. - No, please, giv-

- Give me a minute! - I'm going with you.

- No! No Howard. - Alice, I...

Girls!

Girls!

Sir, why is she being arrested, please...

Oh, sweethearts,

be good okay?

- Listen to Daddy. - Ma'am let's go.

- Stay in the car! - Where is she going?

Do we have a lawyer?

No, we don't have a lawyer.

There's a guy, there's a guy in Racine. His name is...

...is Reverdy. Theresa knows him.

He's supposed to be the best, okay?

Call him!

Officer, is there somebody I can call?

Wh- who do I call?

Alice!

Alice, wh-

Come here. Come here!

Daddy!

Hello? Ow...

Hello?

Ow, Daddy!

Ow...

Mommy doesn't do it that way.

Hello, yes? This is my one call.

What?

This should teach me, Howard.

Did you read the warrant?

Robbie Mackessy says I did things to him.

His mother has had it in for me for years.

I said to the deputies in the car, I said,

"Aren't you sick of this kind of thing?

You call this child abuse?"

You know last year, a third grader

was charged with fourth degree abuse

for pulling another boy's pants down

on the playground.

Alice, why? Why you?!

You've got to understand I'm in here now.

It's gonna take more than the truth

to get me out.

Did you get Reverdy?

He's on vacation until Thursday.

I've got to call out to another lawyer.

I only want Reverdy.

I'll just talk to one of the public defenders

here in the meantime.

I need to come see you.

No, listen...

You couldn't see me now anyway. They're about to

take me up!

Howard, the visiting time,

for my group,

is 2:15 on Sunday.

Sunday?!

Don't come if you can't find a sitter. Call Wilma.

I don't want the girls to see me in here.

Is that the t.v.?

Alice, listen to me.

I don't want them watching t.v.

Don't worry. I will be alright.

That's Mommy!

This is just an indication of things to come,

for the next life.

I'll be in hell.

And you'll be in heaven with the girls.

...and reckless endangerment of a minor.

The arrest comes on the heels of a recent drowning

of a two year old girl on Mrs. Goodwin's property.

I was kidding. That was a joke.

More coffee?

Boy, go out of town, look what you come back to.

- More coffee? - Please.

Miss?

Is something wrong?

A school nurse...

...is a person in a position of trust.

And communities become outraged when they perceive

that trust to have been violated.

What are you saying?

Well they bail is outrageous for someone like Alice.

How much?

It's 100 thousand.

This can't be...

...pleasant for you.

Mine, mine. Beautiful kids.

Well, what if we put up the farm?

Oh I doubt they'd accept it.

It's your only asset.

And...

They think you'll run.

What?

I can argue with the judge. I can make a motion to have

the bail reduced,

but you got 1400 parents in a feeding frenzy.

I think we're gonna have to live with this.

I uh, I've done some homework...

I made it my business to get acquainted with

Carole Mackessy.

The boy's mother.

She's kind of trampy looking. Which is good for us.

On the other hand, she cries easily.

Which is not so good.

One other thing...

Can you tell me about the little girl that drowned?

She's in jail?!

Uh, mom, she's just been mistaken for someone else.

What did you say they think she did?

And uh, all I need is the uh...

...bail money. Uh, to get her out.

Well I don't see why you should have to pay

if it's a mistake.

I need...

...Nine... 90 thousand.

19 thousand?!

Oh, Howie, y- you know I'm very short on reserves right now.

I love her dearly, but sometimes I think

she brings troubles right down on her own shoulders.

Mom!

I gotta go.

Uh, the girls are in the tub.

Don't worry. We're over the hump on this.

Howie...

Howie?

I'm hungry.

Mommy would never let us have that.

Is that right?

Hi Wilma.

Hi Wilma.

Oh hi Wilma, Edgar. How are ya?

Come on, get in the car.

♪

♪

When's Mommy coming home?

Soon.

When's Mommy coming home?!

Soon!

Always sort laundry by color.

And this is important...

...don't ever put cotton in the dryer.

I bought you some law books.

I want novels!

I want Laura Ingalls 'Wilder,' Dostoyevsky...

Crime and Punishment!

I'm kidding.

Um, I have to go.

Um, and pictures of the girls,

and a picture of you too.

Now remember, 2:15 p.m.

Howard? Are you there?

I'm here.

And I hate to be a nag about this, but...

What?

Don't bring the girls.

Okay?

♪

You've probably heard about Alice.

Uh, if you could watch Emma and Claire,

on Sunday, around uh...

Oh, I don't think so.

And if you'll excuse me, I'm just on my way out the door.

♪

Hi, Howard Goodwin here.

I'm in a kind of a bind.

I just want you to know, I've been

praying for you. I pray for that poor child.

I pray that your wife is not beyond healing.

I don't know how you're gonna live with her

if she ever gets out.

My daughter says that your wife

used to stare at the girls while they were naked

in the shower after gym class. She says your wife

kept moving her hands up and down he-

♪

♪

My girls were wondering if they could come over

and help you with your chores.

I know you don't know them very well,

but they always look forward to when you deliver the eggs.

I'll pay you.

Be good girls!

♪

♪

Thank you.

Can you deliver these to my wife please?

She's right there in number four.

Alice Goodwin. Thanks.

See the girl next to me?

Howard, don't be so obvious.

That's my cell mate. She killed her kids.

- What?

She's so fat, she didn't know she was pregnant.

She gave birth to twins.

- Alice. - The babies were black.

And she didn't want her mother to find out,

so she killed them.

- Alice, whe- - Two things.

Don't ask your mother for money. Don't.

I beg you. I could not face her if she had to

pawn off any of her jewels.

And please, don't sell any land.

But I want you out of here.

They have to give me a trial in three months.

I'll be home in no time.

They have nothing to go on.

Don't look at me as if I'm cracked!

I'm not saying I deserve this.

Howard...

Are you okay?

You look sort of... awful.

Well, people are, um...

- What? - People are...

What are people saying?

That I'm some vicious woman who runs from funerals

and tortures children with rectal thermometers?

I have a right to know, so I can defend myself.

Tell me what's being said!

You know I bet Darla Hunter's been talking.

Remember the time Darla's kid and Emma

took off all their clothes and played operating room

and then Darla calls me up and accuses me of having

a sexed up house.

That's a good one, isn't it Howard?

A sexed up house!

Yeah, I explained to her we belong to the once

a month, missionary position club.

I'm gonna write you a letter.

I'm alright.

How are the girls? They alright?

They okay? Where are they this afternoon?

Another thing,

tell them the truth. As much as you can.

Tell them once in a rare while,

people blame the wrong person for their own troubles.

And tell them I hope they're gonna be good,

and to do what the-

Tell them I love them!

Tell me...

How exactly does someone like you

fuck a kid?

Cause as far as I can tell,

you ain't got no dick to do it with.

Less you have something.

You crazy.

Women people, we do this to each other a lot,

more so than men do.

"Who she think she is?"

Oprah's the fairy godmother, ya'll.

See? That's what I'm talking about.

She don't take nothin' from nobody.

That is why I like Oprah.

Shoot, I could be Oprah.

Though, who could be me?

Nobody'd ever seen anybody that looked like me,

Here it come. Look, look!

Uh-oh, look! Look!

Look goddamnit!

Shut the fuck up!

You shut the fuck up.

Shut yo AIDS filled ass up.

Ohhh...

You better be careful, before I come over there

and bite yo ass!

Shut up now. Goodwin!

Move! Move!

Tell her!

That's what I'm talking about.

Well ain't you even gonna look at 'em?

Could I then?

I wish that I had, um...

...pictures of my babies.

I wish there was something here I could kill myself with.

Aw, don't cry my blubbery fat elephant!

She gon' take care of dat sweet, greasy, fat pussy.

Leave it alone.

Tell me,

what'd you use?

Flashlight?

Broomstick? Big ol' banana.

I've been accused of sexual abuse,

if that's what you mean.

- Accused? - Accused.

Don't tell me.

You innocent, right?

Hey everybody!

Grandma's innocent!

Yeah, me too!

I hate that nigger.

What?

I said I hate that nigger.

Three other children have come forward.

Norman Frasier, Tommy Giddings,

Donna Struck.

What can ya...

What can you tell me about them?

There are 700 kids at Blackwell.

How could I possibly be expected to remember...

Think.

Think.

Norman Frasier... I pulled out a tooth once.

Donna Struck...

I remember checking her for scoliosis

in the girl's shower. I just ran my hand...

...down her back.

The gym teacher asked me to!

I'm just an LPN, I really don't even know...

And the other one...

I- I don't even know who that is.

Tommy Giddings.

Can you think of anything else?

Time's up.

Okay.

Okay.

So... ...tomorrow.

Remember...

The preliminary hearing is for...

...discovery.

If you will.

It's a time for the defense to get information

from the prosecution.

It's the time...

...you find out who your friends really are.

Thank you so much.

You know...

Alice... I... I've been doing this...

long enough.

And, uh, I gotta say...

I've never seen anyone take to it so well.

What's your secret?

Didn't you ever want to run away to a desert island?

♪

Let us in!

Protect our children!

♪

All rise.

Alice Goodwin....

...has violated the trust of this community.

She said...

"I hurt everybody."

She said

"There's wicked things I'd like to do to some of these kids."

She said she'd come after me if I tattled.

Indistinct chatter, overlapping]

Mm, mm, mm!

Hey everybody,

da baby fucker's back!

How'd it go?

Would you just hold still?

I am!

- Stand still! - I am!

Hello?

Anybody home?

Theresa.... hi.

What's this all about, Howard?

Daddy!

We had our papers saved, I saw the headlines.

Uh, come in.

- How are you? - I'm fine. Fine.

Alice always said I had high threshold for filth

and squalor.

Daddy.

I'm coming. It's a... cherry stain.

- I'm trying to... - Let me.

Emma, take off your shirt honey. We'll get it out.

Howard, boil some water.

We only got home this afternoon.

I hate this country.

We nearly tripped over a pile of papers

in the hall, and I'm standing there... reading...

Saying out loud "What?"

And who should come along but Kathleen Brooks,

of course, the model Christian.

Making sure I've heard the dirt.

When she said Robbie Mackessy I just

shut my mouth and closed the door.

Emma.

Let's go upstairs, and get into our pajamas. Okay?

That a girl.

What happened?

She said "I hurt everybody."

That's what I love about her.

She blurts out these one liners, and you want

to gag her. It's so refreshing.

I know.

But...

I can imagine why she would say that. Can't you?

But what if these things people are saying...

Don't be ridiculous.

This is Alice we're talking about.

I'll bring them back after supper!

Hi girls!

♪

♪

♪

I have this terrific urge to read poetry to my fellow inmates.

They'd probably sit on me and stuff my face

with toilet paper.

What's that sonnet?

They that have the power to hurt,

but will do none.

What?

It's about how great you are, if you don't give in

to the temptation "be cruel."

You know, how noble it is to be...

Strong and at the same time, gentle.

Don't you want to know how the girls are?

How are they?

They've been going up to Theresa's.

Oh.

And they like it, and I think it's good for them.

Great!

How is... Theresa?

She mind taking the girls?

She feeding you?

Well you don't have to look so sheepish.

What does she bring you down, lunch boxes

with roast beef sandwiches and her famous fruit salad?

She does!

I can see it in your face. She brings you fruit salad.

She makes me lunch, on occasion.

Well I'm glad! I'm very glad.

I can rest assured

that you're getting the four major food groups.

We have to talk about how we're going to get

you out of here.

Okay?

- Now, Reverdy says... - He's great. Isn't he?

How are we gonna pay him?

You think I'm innocent, don't you?

Of course you do.

Oh Howard, you're just as steady as can be.

And I'm living in my head!

Look...

I just wanted this visit to be perfect.

You talk as if you're an old fart, Howard.

Like you grew up in these parts and aspired to be

an old fart.

That's awfully nice of you to say that.

Yeah, well, I mean that as a compliment. I really did.

Well,

I gotta get back to work.

- Unfortunately. - Not yet. I made dessert.

- Come here Claire. - Huh?

Which one do you want?

Apple or blueberry?

Psst, psst.

Apple!

Blueberry.

Very good, Claire. Blueberry!

Blueberry, blueberry, blueberry!

Hey, Dan.

- Hey. - Hey.

You're home early.

I'm sorry.

For what?

We're gonna go.

Let me wrap up the pie.

Daddy, the pie.

Oh, right.

Okay, I'll be right back.

They have no business being here.

They're our children's friends!

I don't want the-

Don't be afraid.

Come on in.

Hey Debby...

I know something you don't know!

You know how...

...and this just drives me crazy.

How sometimes you just can't tell nothin'

by just lookin' at it.

I be walkin' down the street past Alice here,

and think she was the perfect person.

Now come to find out, she just like you fatso.

She a baby killer too.

What does that mean?

It's the real reason I'm here.

♪

♪

Oh yeah!

Oh yeahhh!

♪

T!

It's right there! It's right there!

Duh!

Being cooped up make a person feel real church-like

after a while.

When you get out...

...that air feels good.

I'll be dead soon.

I'll be dead before Christmas.

There's more to us than our bodies,

it's just the husk of something that...

that fly in the air as soon as my heart stop.

Oprah, she outlive us all.

That's why she my shining star.

There's the pond, Emma! Let's go!

Come on!

Theresa!

Howard, it's okay.

It's okay.

Dear girls,

your paintings are beautiful.

Where I am, I can't make paintings.

But if you open my top dresser drawer,

you'll find something I made for my mother when she

had to leave me.

It's a map of a make believe...

...world.

That's nice.

Thank you.

May I have it back?

Sure.

Oops.

Can Audrey stay over?

It's fine with me.

Oh, not tonight. Daddy's in Chicago.

Please?

Oh, I'll tell you what,

we can stay a little longer.

I miss her too much.

Hello!

Hello all you white girls watchin'...

...who think you not racist cause you just

love Oprah!

Today,

Today...

...we are talking to baby killers.

Our first guest,

is Debby.

She strangled her two nigger babies in the backseat

of her car. Mm-mm.

Welcome Debby.

It's kind of quiet up there.

Yeah.

Our next guest...

...is Alice!

Alice likes to drown her babies

in her very own pond.

Alice, Alice.

Alice! - Welcome Alice.

You could stay just a little longer.

- I'll carry her home. - I really should go.

Oh, look at them.

- Lizzy... - Shh, shh.

It's okay. It's okay...

Shh, shh...

Yeah, yeah... - When did you first realize

that you were a baby killer?

I repeat...

When did you first realize that you were a baby killer?

You know, one of the reasons I like you so much...

...is you do all the talking.

It is very...

...restful.

Oh girl! - Fucking bitch!

That's all.

♪

♪

♪

How come Theresa doesn't come around anymore?

If Mom can't ever come home,

can we go live with Theresa sometimes?

So we can be with a lady?

She has a family of her own.

But I want Theresa.

I want Theresa.

I want Theresa!

I want Theresa! I want Theresa!

Oh my... God...

Excuse me.

She don't even know what hit her.

- Hmm. - Who?

Dyshett.

Some of them girls were saying Dyshett

beat on you, but...

I seen it. I seen every single move.

Just when Dyshett was about to get on you...

...you went into a blur.

You bumped over, and bam your head goes on the table,

Then you fall back on the floor and smack!

Your head falls on the cement.

She didn't hurt me?

No.

You hurt yourself, honey bun.

You have to keep up your strength, Miss Alice.

Give me that pillow Debby.

Here.

Mmm... You look like...

...something chucked with that new hairdo, girl.

Ta-da!

Look for her in that window. That one right over there.

Here she comes.

Hey!

Okay, now lift.

Emma!

Claire!

You stay right here, okay?

Alice, pick up the phone!

What happened to you?

I don't know anyone here.

Tell me what happened!

Alice!

Come on. Come on.

Come on.

She can't come down today.

Why not?!

Why not?!

- Cause she's sick. - She's not sick.

She just doesn't want to see you.

Where are we going?

- Come on, just walk. - No! I don't ever want

to go home with you.

- Emma come on! - I hate you!

- Shut up. - Let go of me!

Daddy!

Let go of me!

I bumped my head.

You don't get bruises like that from bumping your head.

I'm fine!

- What happened? - I'm... fine.

Look, if you don't tell me everything, I can't help you.

Alice...

What is it?

Nothing.

Okay.

- I'll tell Howard you're fine. - How is he?

- What do you think? - I don't know.

I haven't heard from him in days.

Something is going on. I... I'm worried he's gonna go and do something stupid.

She's from Milwaukee...

...and she wants to open up a place for...

...underprivileged city kids to you know, come out

and have some fun and games.

I don't care if she builds a golf course.

Well of course, you know, extensive renovation

will be required, so...

That's why your offer will be considerably less.

Look, t-to be honest with you my sister is dying of leukemia.

The medical bills, as I'm sure you can imagine...

- Oh I'm so sorry. - Please just make it happen.

You want me to?

'Dear Alice...

I think I'd be a good used car salesman.'

Um...

'Mainly because I've lost

all of what you used to imagine were my redeeming qualities.

I'm no longer calm, or moderate.

This afternoon Emma called me a liar.

I'm sorry about bringing the girls.

It was a mistake.

Claire and Emma have learned to cry like adults.

They sit by themselves

and cry without making much noise.'

♪

'We need you with us for plenty of reasons, but...

...not least to gently help the girls

shake off a few years so they can again

have a tantrum.

What a relief that would be.

Howard.'

♪

♪

Come on.

What kind of kids you got?

We're playing.

What?

What are their names?

Dyshett...

I said that we were playing.

How old are they?

Shit!

Are you missing your babies?

I- Is that it?

Debby get some tissues!

Oh God...

I miss my babies too.

I got three babies at home, but they stay with my Mother.

She's got two.

Two little girls.

Don't cry Miss Alice...

I got two babies.

Just like you.

Sorry I haven't come down.

Haven't taken Emma and Claire.

I felt kinda mixed up for a while.

I didn't feel like I could see you.

How's Alice?

I've gotten a letter every day this week.

She's terrified I'm gonna sell the farm.

She always knows.

Well we can't stay here anymore.

It's obvious.

Even if she's acquitted...

...but you love it here.

Yeah, yeah I do.

But more than anything, I need to get her out of there.

You're a good person, Howard.

♪

Your babies have nice clothes.

Oh, thank you.

Yours has a beautiful dress.

♪

This is nice.

I'll be able to ride my bike down the driveway.

You are so lucky.

Let's not all have these long faces, please!

Can I have that?

Yeah.

Thanks.

Oh, no honey. It's yours.

Plus, you need it more than I do.

♪

♪

♪

Daddy got us Barbie's dream house.

What pretty flowers.

What's under your hat?

You're not so pretty anymore.

Oh...

...where's the cat?

Not pets allowed.

Oh.

Can we go visit Theresa soon?

We'll have to call her one of these days.

When?

One of these days.

This is great.

What was jail like?

Well...

It was like being in a large litter of hamsters.

- In a small metal cage. - Really?

You mean you had one of those wheels to run on?

No!

Oh, shh!

What's so funny?

It's a joke I have with Mom.

Well, I wouldn't want to get between a private joke.

Sweet dreams.

Sweet dreams.

♪

Did you miss me?

Of course I did.

Did you miss me?

♪

♪

Next.

♪

These babies had no mother or father whatsoever.

Or a beautiful home to live in.

Now when are you girls gonna come and visit me

in Minnesota?

Oh, didn't Howard tell you?

I can't leave the state.

I know I keep saying it, but I just love this house.

Don't you

Alice...

Did you ever think

of putting that chair over by the window?

No. Not really.

Well here, I'm gonna help you.

Grandma, what are you doing?

Oh, just a little redecorating.

Mom...

Put it back.

Well I'm happy to see you too.

You look so handsome. So official.

Now tell me, aren't you glad

this great farm experiment is over?

Tommy Gidding's mother was a waitress

in the same restaurant where Carole Mackessy worked.

Norman Frasier's mother is her hairdresser,

and Donna Stuck's mother is her best friend.

I leaked this coincidence,

and miraculously, all three dropped their charges.

Even better!

The judge has approved my motion to keep

any mention of Lizzy, the drowning,

the whole episode...

out!

It's inadmissible.

And for dessert...

God. We have Mrs. Shepherd. Oh...

You are going to love her!

Love her!

She's gonna be our, o-our star witness

with higher billing than even you!

Having fun?

I wouldn't be any good if I didn't.

But,

you can rest assured,

rest assured that I'm enjoying the prospect

of getting our story, the real story, out!

So she unzipped the pants first,

and then she unbuttoned them?

I forget!

Do you like your Mom's boyfriends?

Objection.

Your t.v. has 64 channels. Wow!

And your mom lets you watch whatever you want?

Yep!

Do your mother's boyfriends ever stay the night?

Objection!

Did you ever see naked people on t.v.?

Is the court paying for tissue?

She tied me to the chair.

She tied you to the chair?

- She said she'd bite me. - Did she bite you?

She said she'd bite me if I moved.

She said my blood would come out!

Your blood?

She always pushed me down.

So, the nurse, tied you to the chair,

and pushed you down. - Yes.

And she bit you.

Yes!

So Mrs. Goodwin tied you to the chair, pushed you down, and bit you?

Stop asking me that, you're hurting me!

I'm hurting you?

I said, you're hurting me!

No further questions, your honor.

You know I wish...

You wish?

What do you wish?

That that Robbie Mackessy had been the one to drown.

Oh Howard, not now.

Well wouldn't he be better off at this point?

I swear I've never met anybody like Reverdy before.

Makes me sick.

Makes me feel like I want to vomit.

Uh-huh. I'm gonna get the girls.

Or we'll be charged for the next hour.

You know, you never listen to me!

You know that?

Howard...

I am listening.

I just don't know what else to say.

Robbie didn't drown. Lizzy did.

If not Reverdy, who?

Maybe I should have copped a plea,

and served a sentence. Would you have liked that?

I could say 'I'm sorry' every minute for the rest

of my life, and it still wouldn't be enough.

I'm sorry for Lizzy, I'm sorry for Robbie,

I'm sorry for Theresa,

I am sorry Reverdy makes you sick.

I'm sorry for you, and for Emma, and for Claire.

I'm sorry!

I am just plain sorry!

And maybe, just maybe...

Reverdy will get me off.

And we can try to begin again.

Or whatever.

I didn't believe him at first.

Then he started getting nightmares.

Would you like some water?

No, ma'am.

Please continue.

I didn't know what to think.

I kept asking him, and he told me the same

story over and over.

And I still didn't believe him.

Then he started wetting the bed.

I just knew something bad had happened.

So...

You came to the house to have sex?

Correct.

After the sex,

did you ever spend the night?

No.

Where was Robbie...

when, you and...

his mother were...

...having sex?

I don't know.

Robbie came to my door.

He looked so frightened.

He took me by the hand...

Where did he take you?

He took me into his house.

Into the den.

This isn't easy for me.

I appreciate that.

Mrs. Shepard, what did you see?

It was dark,

the music was loud.

But I could see her.

Mrs. Mackessy.

Naked.

Tied to a chair.

And a man was behind her.

Biting her neck.

I'm gloating.

I'll pay for it someday.

But I can't help it right now.

I'm gloating.

What is it Alice?

Surprise.

Yes, we were neighbors and friends.

Did your children play together?

Very often. Several times a week.

Did you ever...

...suspect Alice Goodwin of...

Neglect? Or foul play?

No.

You never saw anything.. Any...

Signs, or any flares to alert you?

Never.

Your daughter was always happy to go t-

Daughters.

I'm sorry.

Your daughters were always happy to go to the Goodwins?

Yes. Thrilled.

Would you allow...

your daughter to stay unchaperoned

with the Goodwin family at this time?

I can't impress upon you enough that Alice

would never inflict...

She never did any of those things.

Objection.

Answer the question please.

Mrs. Collins...

Would you allow your daughter to stay

unchaperoned with the Goodwin family

at this time?

Yes.

Woo!

Sexual abuse,

reckless endangerment, child abuse.

And how did you plead?

Not guilty.

And how did you find the jail?

Objection.

Your honor,

I think my client deserves the chance

to say a few sentences about the time she spent

in jail as a result of these charges.

She was beaten,

and suffered a severe injury.

So severe, she had to be hospitalized.

You may proceed.

Now, how did you find the county jail?

I was in awe.

You were what?

I was in awe of the women there.

Not an experience you'd care to repeat,

I take it?

No, but...

In all of the... what?

25 visits we have recorded here,

Mrs. Goodwin...

Did you ever touch Robbie

in an inappropriate way?

I'm sorry, what was the question?

Did you ever touch Robbie Mackessy

in an inappropriate way?

Yes.

Godamnit Alice!

I don't know-

How could-

I don't know what the fuck you think you're doing!

I told the truth.

You told the truth.

Something you neglected to tell me!

I don't know what to do, Howard.

I don't know what to do.

Let Oprah be the judge.

Oh Jesus.

Let me, and Robbie, and Mrs. Mackessy

and Howard, and Theresa, and Dan...

Let all of us come before Oprah.

And let the studio audience decide.

You just tell me what you did to that fucking kid.

I hit him once on the face.

It was a slap.

Robbie was a difficult kid to treat.

He was disrespectful,

he made personal remarks...

His contempt overwhelmed me one day...

...and I slapped him.

I know that's no excuse.

Is slapping Robbie Mackessy one of the charges that's been

brought against you?

No.

What did you mean...

Mrs. Goodwin,

when you said to...

...Detective Groban and Officer Melby:

that "I hurt everbody."?

What did you mean by that?

Our neighbor, a two year old,

had just recently drowned in our pond, and I wa-

Objection! This is inadmissible!

Will Counsel please approach the bench.

Are you playing games with me, Paul?

Because if you are, you'd better tell me right now

and I'll declare a mistrial and we can start this

whole thing all over again.

Now, Miss Durkin,

Your colleague has opened the door,

and I want you to know you can have as much

latitude as you want.

Are you aware...

that it is against the law for a school employee

to hit a child?

Yes, I am.

And still you struck Robbie Mackessy?

That's correct.

Did you report your conduct?

No, I did not.

So you lived with the knowledge that you hurt

Robbie Mackessy, just as you lived with the knowledge

of the other abuse?

Stick to the facts.

"I hurt everybody."

That's what you said in your admission

to Officer Melby.

What do you mean by 'hurt everybody?'

Um...

For a parent...

Not taking action, not doing a certain thing,

can be just as damaging as striking a child.

Not paying attention.

Turning your back, just for a moment...

Letting go of their hand when they need you.

Sometimes it seems that every minute, there is peril.

Everything fell apart

those few weeks after Lizzy drowned.

The Officers and I...

...we were having a general conversation.

Or so I thought.

I meant that I was human.

And that therefore I had

hurt the persons closest to me.

Did you tell your husband that you hit Robbie?

No.

So, you were secretive about it?

Yes, I was.

It has taken me a long time to know

how to remember last year.

♪

♪

♪

On occasion I've thought that we are

where we belong.

City people return to the city.

Come on girls, let's go!

♪

What I wanted to tell Howard is:

that there is so much good,

and if we're not careful, it can slip away from us.

Oh, look at these beautiful animals.

There's your dad!

♪

There's my girls!

Hi.

Hi daddy! Hi daddy!

Here you go!

Oh my gosh...

The gate is open.

Have fun!

Can I have the car keys?

- Please? - Sure.

Thanks.

Have a good time!

Sometimes it seemed that Howard could hardly

stand to ask me for the smallest thing.

That it was difficult for him to get out the words

"Please pass the salt."

♪

All the same,

it was about forgiving.

I understood that forgiveness itself was strong.

Durable.

Like strands of a web...

..weaving around us.

Holding us.

It's so good to see you!

We are no longer friends, really.

And yet I know that we are a part of each other's lives

in much the same way an ex-lover,

or dead parent is only slightly beneath one's consciousness by day.

That's exciting!

And always behind closed lids in sleep.

♪

♪

When I was very young,

I used to sit before my map of the world,

imagining myself in an ideal country.

Alone, and at peace.

Now, if I can make the world over...

If I can make an impossible new world,

this is who you would see.

♪

You would see Emma, Claire, Howard, and me.

All together, outcasts making a perfect circle.

Put the napkin on your lap, please.

You hungry Claire bear?

Yeah!

Two little pieces of salad for Claire.