If There Be Thorns (2015) - full transcript

[Students laughing]

Hey! Freak-boy.
Have a nice trip!

See you next fall!

Leave him alone,
jerk-off.

Oh, or what? You going to kick
my ass with some ballet moves?

Hey, get a life!
Moron.

Don't listen
to them, okay, Bart?

Hey, Melodie and I
are going to go for a hike.

I'll be home in a bit.
Don't tell mom and dad, okay'?

See you at home, buddy.

Hey, Emma.



Hi, Dr. Sheffield.
Here's your mail.

Thank you.

(Bart)
Hey. Dad.

Hey, kiddo.

This kid on the bus...

Why don't you give us a second,
go inside and get a snack?

Thanks, buddy.

"Hello" to you, too, Bart!

You sure Cathy
hasn't seen these'?

No, sir. I've kept it
from her like you asked.

[Classical music playing]

Miss Cathy, is it my turn'?

Yes.

Why is she here again?



Bart, sweetie.

[Sighs]

Her mom is in the hospital.

The cancer has come back
so she needs us right now.

Can't she stay
with someone else?

No.

Because there is no one else.

Don't eat too many cookies.

You'll spoil your appetite.

Okay, sweetie.

Show me what you did.

Stupid jocks.

[Girl giggling]

(Jory)
See you tonight.

Emma tells me you've already

sold all the tickets
for your show.

Yes, I have.

I really think it's going to boost
enrollment in the studio.

You've already got
a waiting list!

Well, I think that's
because all the girls

are lining up to dance with

my very handsome
assistant instructor.

Hey, peanut.
Your babysitter is outside.

- Okay.
- Go.

Say "bye" to miss Cathy.
Bye, sweetie.

Bye, miss Cathy.
See you tomorrow.

She's so cute.

Yes, she is.

Hey, Jory.

Where is your brother'?

Oh, he's out
in the treehouse, I'm sure.

Come on.

He's always in that treehouse.

He's 12.

Do you remember what
you were doing at that age'?

I think I've totally forgotten.

- Really'?
- Yeah.

Maybe I need a reminder.

Maybe I can help with that.

Yeah?

Hey, Bart?

[Dog barks]

Hey, you up there'?

Where are you'?

Come on. Clover,
where is he'?

Good boy.

Come on, clover.

Bart?

Got you!

You scared the crap out of me!

Hey, I found
your girlie magazines.

That's not mine.

Yeah?

Relax! I'm not going
to tell mom and dad.

Where'd you get it, though'?

In the basement of the
Dracula house next door.

Come and see.

Come on, clover.

Come on.

This place is really creepy.

I wonder if people died here,
and it's haunted.

Maybe that's why
no one's bought it.

Hey, where are you taking me'?

Oh, man. That's gross. I know.
How do you think they died?

Don't know.

Maybe they came in
through the chimney

and got trapped.

No! Clover! Bad dog!

[Cawing and flapping]

[Gasps and groans]

You okay'?

Yeah. Man...

Get out of here!

Go home, you stupid mutt!

Hey, hey.

Looks pretty nasty.

As soon we get home,

you've got to let dad clean it.

No! Don't tell
mom or dad.

They'll wonder where I got it.

[Door creaking]

[Footsteps approaching]

Come on.
Let's get out of here.

What are you boys
doing in here'?

This is private property.

Do you know what happens
to trespassers'?

Nobody lives here.

They do now.

It's been bought.

I suggest you leave right now.

Yeah. Come on, Bart.
Let's go.

(Jory) I just have to review
for my midterm next week,

and I'm set.

Good man.

What about you, Bart?

How'd you do on
that geometry test?

Fine.

Oh, come on.
You know we have

a "no secrets" policy
in this family.

[Sighs]

I got a

oh, Bart...

Now, now, that's okay.

I got some "c" s in my day.

You can work through that.

You just have to study
more. Right, Jory'?

You know what I think
would really help me work hard?

Is if I had a pet python
to help keep me company

while I study.

Again, no.

Nice try, though. Honey, no, I'm not
having those things in my house.

Don't they eat mice and rats?

Oh, by the way, I heard that
someone is moving in next door.

- They are'?
- Mm-hmm.

(Chris)
It's about time.

I hope they fix that place up.

As it is, it's really hurting
our property values.

(Cathy)
I'm sure they will.

Boys, if you're finished,

why don't you help Emma
with the dishes?

Yeah. Yeah.

Thanks, honey.

They're good kids.

We're blessed, aren't we'?

We are.

Thank you, gentlemen.

(Jory)
That was good.

What's bothering you'?

It's just thinking
about little Cindy.

How is Melissa doing?

Not well.

The cancer has metastasized.

What happens when
her mother dies, Chris?

There would be
background checks,

interviews, people
looking into our past.

There are ways around that.

Melissa wants it, too.

She's offered to have custody
transferred in her will.

Cathy, it's too risky.

Plus, we already have
so many expenses.

The house, the car,
the kids, Emma.

Please, Chris.

That little girl is all alone.
She has no one.

[Gasps, groaning]

[Jory, whispering]
Melodie, you're shivering.

(Melodie)
No, we can't.

Your parents' room
is right there.

Come on. This way.
We're going to the attic.

[Melodie giggles]

[Lips smacking]

[Light moans and giggles]

Oh, god.
You smell amazing.

[Heavy breathing]

[Soft panting and moaning]

[Gasps]

[Moaning and grunting]

[Birds singing]

[Power tools roaring]

[Power tools buzzing]

- Jory!
- What'?

They're here.

She looks like a witch.

She must be rich,
though. Look.

That guy is her Butler.

Let's get closer.

Bart!

[Woman] Where are my scrapbooks?

I can't see anything.

Yeah, but I can hear people.

[Man] I'll unpack them tomorrow.

Come on. Let's get out of here.
This place is creepy.

It's okay, they won't see us.

- You don't think so?
- No.

We weren't spying.
We swear.

We just live next door
and we saw somebody moving in.

Would you like to come in
for some tea and cookies?

Bart!
Put that down.

[Woman]
John Amos!

John Amos?

Tea and cookies at once!

Good help is so hard
to find these days.

Is there something
wrong with your face?

(Jory)
Bart, that's rude.

No, I like directness.

It shows strength.

My face long ago decided
it would reflect my regret.

What is that supposed to mean?

It means
"time ravages."

Can't you fix it'?

Bart.

There's no point in trying
to bring back what's gone.

I am but a nun.

Where'd you get
all this money from'?

Again, rude.

It's family money

passed down from my father.

But money isn't
everything, Bart,

especially when you don't
have anyone to share it with.

You don't have any family?

I did once, but not anymore.

[china clinking]

Now it's just me and John Amos.

He used to serve
Malcolm, my father.

John Amos, the Polaroid.

Ah.

[John Amos sighs]

Can I have a picture with you'?

Why do you want
a picture of us'?

Stand over here.

You're both so full of life.

You remind me of myself
when I was your age.

Smile for the camera.

[Snap]
Done.

What is that?

The painting.

That picture I told you that
wasn't to be seen, you idiot.

It must have been the movers. Put
it in the office. Out of sight.

- As you wish.
- Now!

Boys!

Can I get another photo'?

Stand right there.

[Snap]

Thank you.

This will be much better.

It's just darling.

I guess.

I'm going to keep this.

I want to see more
of you in person.

Would you consider
taking after-school jobs

to help me unpack
and tend to my greenhouse?

I have ballet classes,
so that would be hard.

He has a girlfriend, too.

Bart!

I'm sure the girls
love you, too, Bart.

Not really.

Well, they will.

Well, what do you
think about the job'?

Well, we would have
to check and make sure

it's okay with
our mom and dad first.

You mean Cathy and Christopher?

How did you know their names?

I was told by the realtor.

And I'm
Mrs. Foxworth.

Well, we'd better get going.

It's getting pretty late.

Think about those jobs.

Yeah.

Come on, Bart.

[Sighs]

Bart?

Why don't you
come back sometime'?

Just you.

Just me'?

I think you know
how special you are.

And special people
deserve special attention,

and I do have a lot of money,

like you noticed,

but money has never
bought me happiness,

and what I really want
is grandchildren

to spoil with gifts.

Gifts? Like what kind
of gifts?

Even a pet snake?

Eww. But yes, darling,
even a pet snake.

Bart. Come on.

It's late.

Jory.

Yeah?

Do you ever wonder
about your dad'?

Your real dad'?

Sometimes.

But, honestly, I feel like

Chris is my real dad.

Julian is just, uh...

My biological father.

What brought this up'?

I don't know.

Just...

Wondering...

About...

My biological dad.

You don't remember him at all'?

I was too young.

You weren't even born
when he died.

All I really remember is Chris.

Why do you think
we've never really met

anybody in our family?

None of mom or dad's family?

You know why. Okay'?

Mom's mom is locked up
in the loony bin,

and her dad's dead.

And dad's mom and dad
are dead, too,

so there's really
nobody to meet.

There aren't
any cousins or uncles'?

Not everybody's
family is that close.

Okay'?

Anyway... I'm going
to go meet Melodie.

(Cathy) What are you doing
meeting Melodie so late'?

She needed help
with the take-home quiz.

I see.

Well, I don't think she could
ask for a better tutor.

Sweetheart...

I heard you talking to Jory.

And all you need to know

is that your father
was a wonderful man.

That's why I named
you after him.

But Jory is right.

Chris really is your father
in so many more ways.

He supported me
and you and Jory.

He's been there for us
since the beginning.

Yeah.

Yeah.

So let's just leave
the past in the past.

You don't want to hurt
Chris's feelings, do you'?

By bringing up Bart?

No.

Okay, then.

You should be concentrating
on playing and school

and girls...

Well, maybe not girls just yet.

Oh, Bart!

I'm so happy you came
to visit with me again.

You know, without that thing on,

your face doesn't look that bad

for being 80 or whatever.

Wow! I'm not
that long in the tooth,

but thank you, I'm flattered.

You planted all of these'?

John Amos did, but I instructed.

Have you thought
about that job'?

Yeah, I want to do it.

I want to save up some money
to get a bow and arrow.

My dad won't get me one.

Well, if they're
not going to spoil you,

then I will.

Will you hand me that tray?

Whoa!

I see you've found
your new little pet.

He's mine'?

You got him for me'?

What do I do with him'?

I can't take him home.
Mom and dad will get really mad.

They need to loosen up.

You can keep him here.

Why would you
get a present like this?

You just met me.

Well, what if I told you
I'm not a total stranger'?

What do you mean?

What if I told you
that we're related?

That our lineage
is inextricably connected,

like the rose to the Thorn'?

You have your...

Your great-grandfathers
ears and nose.

What does that mean?

I'm your grandmother, Bart.

Your mom takes after me,
doesn't she'?

So you got out
of the mental institution'?

I was never in
a mental institution.

It was an outpatient clinic.

You make it sound
like I'm crazy.

So why did you move next to us

and not tell mom'?

There were hard feelings.

Family is complicated.

Very complicated.

But nevertheless,

family must always
stick together.

That's why I was dedicated

to finding you,

and I'm determined
to make things right.

You mustn't tell Cathy
or Chris about me.

I'll tell them myself
when the time is right.

My dad has come up
with a "no secrets" policy

in our family.

He did'?

Oh, that's very ironic.

There's nothing
wrong with a secret

if it's a little one,

and it's for the best.

You're old enough to understand
complicated things like this.

We need that big, beautiful
Foxworth brain of yours

to make things right.

[Broom swishing]

Lad'? Come here.

Let me tell you something.

I've known your grandmother
a long time.

She's a persistent woman.

She's come here
to get her family back,

and to make things right.

I have no doubt
that she'll succeed.

In the meantime...
I have something for you.

Now... please stay here
for a minute.

I'm going to give you a lesson
in the family history.

Your great-grandfather,
Malcolm Foxworth,

was a smart man.

He was a tycoon.

He built an empire.

And he was once
one of the most powerful men

in America.

And you know what?

I see the same qualities
he had in you.

The same energy,

tenacity,

smarts.

You're just like him.

Your great-grandfathers
journal.

One of the only things
left of him.

Malcolm spoke the truth.

Maybe you can learn
a thing or two,

and avoid the moral pitfalls

that have trapped
so many others.

What does that mean?

It means you can choose
a moral life,

a righteous life,

a great life...

Or you can choose to shy away
from the light of god.

You cannot tell
your parents about this.

You can't even tell Jory.

[Bart, reading]:
"July 12, 1943.

“Life is a solitary existence,

“but out of that solitude,

"with a little ingenuity,

"and with the strength of god,

I can bring about triumph."

[Malcolm, writing]:
"Why?

“Because I do not let weakness and
sin distract me from greatness.

"And sin

originated
from one creature. "

(Bart) "Nothing else has
the power to drive a man

"to do what is against
his better judgment

"than lust for women.

"A woman can make a man
abandon his friends,

"abandon his morals,

"a Bandon his dreams.

Women will make a man soft."

(Malcolm) “it is up to a man
to resist this seduction,

"this temptation, this sin,

"or it will destroy him.

And in time, we shall pay for
each of our transgressions."

[With Bart] "And our children
will pay for them, too.

We will pay for these sins
with our blood..."

(Bart)
And our pain."

It was a fairly
simple procedure,

so I let him sew her up
after I was done,

and he stitched
his sleeve to her arm.

(Cathy)
He didn't!

(Jory)
Is it the same guy

who threw up
on the operating table?

- Yes.
- Jory!

Thank god, she was
unconscious for that,

or that'd have been
a lawsuit and a half.

Honey, that guy
sounds like an oaf!

What is he still doing there'?

Honey?

Are you okay'?

I'm fine.

[Phone ringing]

I got it, Emma.

Who would be
calling at this hour'?

Probably telemarketers.

Yeah.
[Ringing]

Hello.

[Woman]
Hello.

Hi, Marisha.

She never gets
the time difference right,

does she'?

Jory, your grandmother
would like to talk to you.

Yeah.

Oh, honey,
don't tell your grandmother

about the ballet recital.

- Okay.
- Okay'?

(Jory)
Hi, grandma.

Yeah, I'm trying to.

Of course.

Chris, I know she's eccentric,

but why do you hate her so much?

You don't like her
any more than I do.

What I think isn't important.

She's his grandmother.

He's allowed to talk to her.

Why can't I talk
to my grandmother?

Your grandmother?

Your mom.

The one
in the mental institution'?

Well, Bart, that's, um...

That's very complicated.

I haven't spoken
to her in years.

Not since
before Chris and I met.

Honey, are you okay'?
You look a little peaked.

Yeah.

Are you sure?

(Jory)
Yes, grandma.

Yes, of course, I'll tell her.

Okay, well, um,
try and finish your dinner.

Can I be excused'?

Sure.

(Jory) I'm sure I'll hear soon.

Yeah. Of course.

I'm going to go check on him.

(Bart) I don't need
you to check on me!

[Clover barking outside]

[Barking]

What is it, boy'?

Come on.

Cathy?

Cathy?

Cathy?

What are you doing here'?

Nothing.
I'm just cleaning up.

How long have you been at this?

A few days. This looks a lot
like the attic at Foxworth...

Chris, how can you
even say that?

I'm not planning on
locking anyone up in here.

I am not mother.

I'm not suggesting
you're mother,

but what are you doing here'?

I don't know.

I don't know, I just
want to keep our family safe,

and if we adopt Cindy...

If we adopt Cindy, it's not
going to help keep the family safe.

Chris, we have to adopt her.

She's just a little girl.
She has no one.

She's just like we were...
Completely alone.

[Sighs]
Okay.

Okay.

I hear you.

We'll adopt Cindy, but...

All of this...

It's just in case.

In case anyone
finds out about us.

I couldn't stand the thought
of anyone taking our children away.

Come on.

We are thousands of miles away

from Foxworth hall,

from all of that...

No one is going to take
our children, Cathy.

I won't let that happen.

[Footsteps]

Oh, hey, Jor.

Hey.

What're you up to'?

Just finished the laundry.

Where's your brother'?

I thought he was up here.

Bart?

He's not downstairs, either.

Well, he shouldn't be outside.

I think he's coming
down with something.

- What is it'?
- BART'S not in the house.

What?

Let's not panic.
Come on.

Let's go look for him.

Okay.

Bart!

Bart!

Come on, Bart!
Where are you'?

Bart!

[Clover barking]
Where is he'? Where is he'?

Bart!

Bart!

Bart! You out here'?

Bart!

Bart! Bart!
What's wrong?

Mom! Dad! Over here!

(Cathy)
Jory!

(Chris)
Jory, where are you'?

Here!
Jesus! Bart!

When did this happen?

(Cathy)
Bart!

(Jory)
Is he going to be okay'?

Oh, my god.

Oh, my god!

(Nurse) Okay, I got it.
(Bart) Get off of me!

Okay, Bart, just please...

(Bart)
No! Get off of me!

(Nurse)
It's okay, it's okay.

Can you hold him down'?
Yeah, I've got him.

(Bart)
Let go!

Chris, what are
they doing to him'?

He's had an adverse reaction
to the antibiotics.

What does that mean?

Means he's allergic
to everything.

Why?

Why is he so weak'?

His father wasn't weak.

I'm not weak.

This is all her fault.

This family is still
paying for her sins.

No, no.
That is not true.

[Cathy weeping]

Shh.

[Monitor beeping rapidly]

(Nurse)
I need a crash cart!

[Flatline beeping]

[Evangelist on TV]
Open your eyes,

see what is in front of you,

for the lord said

that you shall learn the truth,

and the truth
shall set you free!

[Monitor beeping steadily]

[Woman, over p.A.]: Dr.
Sugarman, line three.

Dr. Sugarman, line three.

[Cathy sobs]
My sweet little boy...

My strong little boy.

Please wake up.

Please...

It's mommy.

Here, dad.

Thank you, son.

[Pills rattling]

Here, honey.
Take one of these.

Oh, Chris, I don't need it.

It's just Valium.

You're a nervous wreck,
and you need to sleep.

You've been up all night.
Fine.

Hold on to this.

(Chris) Okay, hon.
Let's let him sleep.

[Cathy, sniffling]
Okay.

[Monitor continues
beeping steadily]

[Evangelist continues]: And
the truth shall set you

(Malcolm) I am alone in my
search for the truth...

And sinners all around me
live with lies and deceit.

(Chris) People looking
into our past...

do they not know the
hellfire that awaits them?

(Corrine) There are
ways around that.

If lying lips are an
abomination to the lord...

Then secrets must be revealed.

And the sins
of these lustful liars

must be paid for.

[Gasps]

[Shutting door echoes]

[Panting]

It's Cindy's mother...

[Sighs]

She's gone.

Oh, hon', I am so sorry.

Just... I just hope

BART'S going to be okay with it.

He'll adapt.

He'll have to.

A girl needs a home,
and we made a promise.

(Cathy) Oh, I have never
been so worried in my life.

I was a nervous wreck.
I really was.

We were all worried, Bart.

But now my boy
is as good as new.

You know, nurse, I think I can
take it from here. Thank you.

I bet you're excited
to be coming home, son.

Well, what would you
like for dinner'? Hmm'?

You must be famished.

How about, um...
Pork chops'?

With, um, applesauce and, um...

Oh! I can make a yellow cake
with chocolate frosting.

Hmm'? What do you
think, sweetie'?

I'm not "sweet."

People who are sweet are kind,

and people who are kind
are weak.

Where'd you hear that, Bart?

Nowhere. Why'?

We just...

I... knew somebody
who used to say that,

that's all.

What about Emma's
famous marshmallow pie'?

Hmm'? What do
you think?

I think you talk too much.

[Pills rattling]

Look who's home!

There she is!

Hey, peanut.
Welcome home.

(Cathy)
It's official.

Hey, sweetie! Oh...

My Cindy's here. Oh! Aren't we
lucky to have a little girl?

(Jory) Oh, look who's there...
It's big brother, Bart.

Hi, Bart.

(Emma)
Hey, Bart.

Go give him a hug, Cindy bear.

I'll take your jacket.

Oh... she's so cute.

Aww. She loves you, Bart!

Sweetie'?

Where are you going?

To work on my bug collection.

Okay.

Let's get started on lunch.

I'm sure he'll be just fine

once he gets back
into his regular routine.

Come on.

Bart.

I'm so glad
you're feeling better!

I've missed you!

Come in.
We must celebrate!

These are good.

Well, you deserve
the best of everything,

including your cookies.

How about a twirl
with your grandma'?

You listen to this old music?

It's not old!

It might as well be yesterday.

Well, grandma,
I have a question.

You have a painting.

I have many paintings, darling.

This one looks
kind of like my dad.

Not my real dad, but Chris.

Well, a lot of people
resemble each other.

It must be a coincidence.

I'm told that I look
like Jean Harlow.

It's in here,
in the living room.

Where did it go'?

Well, maybe the fever you had
scrambled your brain.

Whenever that happens to me,
I always take a cold bath.

My mom told me she met Chris

after she stopped
talking to you.

So how do you know Chris?

Bart...

Please, tell me.

Why would he say
he never met you if he did'?

Tell me!

Or I'll think
you're a horrible liar.

What could be so horrible'?

Did you do something?

Something to make them
both hate you'?

They don't hate me, do they?

I'm a good woman.

If you're a good woman,

why would he say
he never met you if he did'?

Why would you not
want to tell me

that that was
a painting of him'?

Because he's my son, Bart.

My dad is your s-son, and...

My mom is your daughter?

Then...

I think you understand.

It's one of my biggest failings
as a parent.

And as a parent,
you feel somewhat responsible,

though you aren't in the least.

But still, despite everything,
I love them.

As mothers do.

Why didn't you tell me'?

[Sighs]

I wanted to protect you,

and there's nothing
that this knowledge can do

except complicate things, but you're
very curious, and now you understand.

It's why they've kept me
away all these years.

It's why I had my breakdown
in the first place.

It's been awful for me...

And I can only imagine how awful
it must be for you now.

I can't believe it.

Bart, you must promise that you
will never speak of this to anyone,

or it will ruin your life.

Do you understand me'?

Did...

Did you know my real father?

[Sighs]
Oh, Bart.

You are too curious,

and, as they say,
curiosity killed the cat.

[Forcefully]
Did you know him'?

I'm feeling faint.

So... faint.

All I want is my family back.

Never mind the past.

I guess I should get going.

My mom will wonder where I am.

You hung that painting!
You imbecile!

Now his mind is churning
and asking questions.

I'm trying to handle
this delicately,

so I can win him,

and he'll convince them
to take me back.

I'm sorry.

It was a genuine mistake.

Get out of my sight!

Sins...

Sins must be paid for.

But how'?

You almost killed me, clover.

You know that?

[Laughing]

Nice one!

Who knocked it over last time'?

So, Melodie, have you decided

which university
you're going to go to'?

Father wants me to go
to college in new England.

He says California universities
are overrun by leftists.

Well, when you're finished,

you should definitely
come back here.

I mean, you're practically
part of the family.

- Mom!
- What'?

(Bart) You don't want to
be part of this family.

Our blood is cursed.

I'm just kidding.

It's not like our family
is plagued with dark secrets

or hypocrisy.

Um...
Lunch is ready.

Let's all get washed up.

[Bart, reading]
"Listen not to false prophets

"who will try to bend you
from god's' will,

"from god's grace.

"Know that such foul souls
are everywhere.

"Usually, it is
in the guise of a woman,

"sometimes in the guise of men

corrupted by women. "

What's wrong
with you'? Huh'?

[Claps book closed]

Hey! I'm talking to you!

Why would you
try and embarrass me

in front of my girlfriend
like that today?

And what the hell
were you talking about?

What was I talking about?

Why ami so screwed up, huh'?

Why do I have allergies, and why am I so much
shorter than everybody else in my grade'?

Hey.

You're just different, okay'?
That's all.

We're all different.

No! When you live
around a sin,

it starts to infect you.

Why are you talking
like such a weirdo'?

What sin'?

Why don't you ask them'?

I think you need some sleep.

Leave.

Now!

Clover!

Come here, boy!

[Door creaks]

Mom'? Dad'?

Have you seen clover anywhere?

I can't find him.

He'll come around
when he's hungry.

He always does.

I'm going to go outside
and look for him.

[Sighs]

I think Bart should
see a professional.

You mean like a psychiatrist?

It'll be good
just to get confirmation

that he's going through a phase.

Sometimes,
things like an accident

or a very high fever,
for instance,

can exacerbate an underlying
psychological condition...

Something that's there,
but remains dormant.

Let me ask.

Has there any history of abuse,

inversion,

deviance,

or mental illness in the family?

No. No.
Not at all.

Perhaps we can put together
your genetic history.

His biological father is dead.

Hmm.

Well, you know,
then what I propose,

is that before we start him
on any medication,

we continue to monitor him.

Bart is a very bright,
but also a very...

Sensitive young man.

Adolescence can be even more
difficult for somebody like him.

This could just be hormones.

But I do believe that, in time,
Bart is going to be just fine.

(Corrine)
Bart?

I want to pay you for today.

Grandma...

Please tell me about my father.

Did you really know him'?

If you insist.

Your father...

Bart... Bart Scott Winslow...

He was a good man.

As you probably know,

he died tragically in a fire

before you were born.

And my mom
introduced you to him'?

I knew him long before
your mother did.

How'?

I don't want to go down
this twisted road.

I fear it could
complicate things even more.

But look...

I got you a gift.

John Amos?
Bring it here.

I think you're really
going to like it.

Whoa.

How did you know I wanted one'?

Because you told me,
and I listened.

Now, you should play
with that in the barn,

and away from
the valuables here.

Let's go.

Why do you think grandma
gets so upset about my dad'?

[Sighs]

It's a...

A twisted...

Twisted web.

I don't know much
about it myself.

Let's try this again, hmm'?

Alright.

Watch your feet.

Do the Archer's

hmm...

Elbow up.

Put your forefinger
to the mouth.

String to the nose, and...

Wow, you're a natural.

[Chuckling]

Let me tell you something, Bart.

You have the potential
to be very powerful.

Malcolm wasn't born
with all of this.

No one expected him
to amount to anything.

He was small,
but he thought big.

I don't want anyone
to take advantage of you.

You're a good boy,

but you must look out
for yourself.

Like Malcolm?

Exactly.

You have to Blaze your own path.

The righteous path!

And there will be people

that will stand in your way.

And women will try
to undermine you

at every turn,

and use the evil that they have

to get you to do
their wicked bidding.

And you can't let them.

Hmm?

See'? Keep up
with your practice,

and one day, you can be

as graceful as miss Melodie.

Class dismissed.

[Dancers bubbling with chatter]

Guess what?

I have my mom's car today.

[He groans regretfully]

I want to, babe.
I want to, I really do.

I just have to get home, okay'?

I'm sorry.

I just have this feeling that...

Bart needs me.

[Calling]
Hey, Bart!

Bart!

Are you up in the treehouse'?

Bart!

Bart!

Bart! Come on.

Clover?
Clover, is that you'?

[Crying out]
Ahh!

What are you doing in here'?

Entertaining myself,

since you were... busy.

Where'd you get
the bow and arrow?

Grandma got it for me.

"Grandma?"

Bart, look...

I want you to stay
away from this place,

and stay away from that woman.

Okay'? She's not
your grandmother.

You don't want to see

what's in front of your
own face, sometimes, boy.

You let your feelings dictate,

and it's made you weak.

And a man who feels

is weak.

[Thud]

I found clover, Bart.

He's dead.

Do you know anything about that?

You think I killed him'?

I could never hurt an animal!

If you don't
stay away from this place,

I'm going to tell mom and dad
what you did!

You'd lie'?

You want me sent away,
don't you'?

Like they sent away grandma!

I'm looking out for you, okay'?

You're just worrying me.

If you say anything,

I will tell them that you are
fornicating with Melodie in the attic.

You didn't think I knew'?

I saw you!

Doing it.

It's a sin
out of wedlock, you know.

It's why we're not
friends anymore.

You disgust me.

[Thud]

You're not going
to say anything now...

Are you'?

Why are you being like this?

Isn't it obvious,
or are you blind'?

Mom and dad didn't meet
the way they said they did.

They lied to you about grandma.

They lied to you
about everything.

Bart, you're acting crazy.

"Crazy" is denying reality, boy.

(Chris)
It wasn't an accident.

The wire was wrapped
too carefully around clover.

(Cathy)
Who would do such a thing?

It's just awful.

(Chris)
I don't know,

but I'll talk to the kids
and tell them to be careful.

(Cathy) Emma, if you could keep
an extra eye on the kids, too.

(Emma)
Of course.

Bart...

What are you doing here'?

It's late.

I don't want to go home.

Are you okay'?

It's nothing.

Are you sure?

It's just...

If you do love me,
like you say you do...

You're the only one.

Ohh...

[Relieved sigh]

You and John Amos.

John Amos?

He can't love you,
he's... he's just a servant.

But a smart one.

Not really.

He said I could be
just like Malcolm.

Malcolm?
He told you that?

He told you
about... Malcolm?

[Sighs heavily]

Oh. Darling...

As much as I would love
to have you stay here,

your parents will be
wondering about you,

and you should be getting home.

What have you been
telling my grandson'?

Nothing, ma'am.

How does he know about Malcolm?

I don't know.
I thought you...

I don't pay you to think!

I pay you to do!
What have you told him'?

I've told him nothing, ma'am.

I believe he mentioned

reading an old journal
of MALCOLM'S.

I assumed you gave it to him

in an attempt
to reveal the truth,

as you said you would.

I did no such thing.

Bart is very impressionable!

And I can't have him

falling subject
to the wrong influences.

Now find me the journal

and get it back to me
immediately!

As you wish.

[Jory, reading]
"Dearest Cathy,

"I love you.

"So much.

"And truly,
it's the only consolation

of being locked
in this prison together."

"One day, when were grown,

“we can leave this behind,

"and start a new life together,

"and never look back.

Happy 13th birthday. "

Love, Chris."

[Birds singing]

You're so tense.
[Chuckles]

But massages are
good for development.

And you're maturing nicely.

When are you going
to tell me about Bart?

My father.

Who was he'?

He was my husband.

I don't understand.

[Corrine sighs]

Your mother
was very angry at me,

irrationally so,

and so she seduced my husband,

your poor grandmother's husband.

Why?

I don't know.

I don't know why
they hate me like they do,

just because I want them
to lead decent lives

and do the right thing.

Can you blame me'?

But listen to me,
for all the pain,

and the trauma
that this has caused me,

you're the result,

and I wouldn't wish it
to be any different.

You're here, and you're alive.

You remind me so much of him.

You're the son
that I was meant to have,

more or less.

Oh, Bart.

Promise me that
you'll never leave me,

like they did.

Promise me'?

I never will, grandma.

Are you okay, Jory'?

What's wrong?

I don't know.

[Exhales heavily]

I guess I'm just worried
about my brother.

Sometimes...

He says these crazy things.

Like what?

I don't know.

Some stuff about my parents.

It just doesn't make any sense.

Why don't you ask your mom'?

It's probably nothing.

♪ Twinkle, twinkle
little star ♪

♪ how I wonder ♪

♪ what you are ♪

♪ up above the world
so high ♪

♪ like a diamond ♪

♪ in the sky ♪

Want to watch my Dolly swim?

Mommy gave it to me.

You know what?

She's not your mommy.

And I'm not your brother.

And you're not
a part of this family!

[Bubbling]

Bart! What are you doing?

Stop! Get off!

[Coughing]

Mom!

Oh, my god! Honey!

What is wrong
with you'? Huh'?

What is going on with you'?

Why would you try
and hurt Cindy?

Why do you hate her so much?

She's your sister!
You should love her!

No! I shouldn't!

Brothers shouldn't
love their sisters.

Isn't that right, Chris?

Alright!
That is enough!

Let's go!

Come on!

- What's happening?
- Cindy had an accident.

- What's going on'?
- She's okay. Just take her.

(Emma) Sweetie, you're
going to be okay.

Shh, it's okay.

- Go on.
- Get off of me, Chris!

Enough of that!

You get in there.

You stay in there
until you calm down.

[Pounding]

(Bart)
You're not my father!

You're just pretending to be!

What are you doing?

He needs to calm down a little,
and we need some time to think.

You're devil spawn!

[Panting]

You're a sinner!
And a hypocrite!

Fornicating with your sister!

Cursing this family!

You deserve to die!

You all deserve to die!

[Banging door]

How does he know, Chris?

How'?

I don't know!

We'll figure it out.

God knows we've been
through worse.

What are we doing?

What is wrong with him,
that he's like this?

Dr. Phillips
ought to know.

We can't take him back
to Dr. Phillips!

What if he tells her
what he knows?

He's unstable,

so she'll think
he's making it up.

And what if they want
to lock him up, Chris?

I will never let that happen.

Chris! Please.

Just... just
give me a moment.

[Cathy gasps and sobs]

(Bart)
Let me out!

There you are, Jory.

What's going on'?

Your parents...

As you know them,

are more than what you think.

"More" how'?

It's very difficult.

No child should have to hear
this about their parents.

I want you to be strong.

Can you be'?

Bart...

Tell me what happened
with your sister.

She's not my sister.

And I'm not Bart.

Then who are you'?

[Sputtering and coughing]

Mr. and Mrs. Sheffield.

I'm concerned
that Bart is displaying

features of
a schizophrenic disorder.

He said he didn't hurt Cindy,

that it was somebody else.

An old man
he calls "Malcolm."

Malcolm?

That's impossible.

Um...

What are our options? We'd like
to take him away from here

as soon as possible. Well,
there's been some major advances

in electroshock therapy...

What? No! No.
Absolutely not.

I agree.

Alright.
If you insist.

We can try medications,

but I'd like to keep him
here at the hospital

just for a few days,
for observation.

But I'm afraid,
if that doesn't work,

our only option left
will be shock therapy.

[Door opens]

Hmm.

Well, the tranquilizers have
calmed him down considerably.

[Sighs heavily]
So, Dr. Phillips,

when you were
speaking with Bart,

did he say anything
else strange at all'?

Nothing worth repeating.

I'll stay here tonight.

Oh, no, no. That...
That won't be necessary.

I'm his mother.
I insist.

And I'll stay with her.
Thank you, doctor.

[Engine shuts down]

[Door opens]

Good morning, Jory.

[Chris sighs]

Where's Cindy?

Emma took her to the park.

Your mom, uh,
is still at the hospital.

Bart is still resting.

Everything okay, son'?

Bart say
something crazy to you'?

About what?

I don't know.

About the family?

About this family?

I don't know, Chris.

What could possibly be wrong

with this perfect
family you've created?

What could Bart be
so upset about, huh, Chris?

Listen, why are you so angry?

And why do you keep
calling me "Chris"?

Why don't you ask grandma'?

She's living next door.

Ah... Dr. Dollanganger.

"Sheffield."

Ah, yes. Of course.

Do come in.

[Door creaks]

There you are.

All grown up.

Corrine.

Call me "mother,"
and give me a hug.

Don't touch me.

What are you
doing here, Corrine'?

Haven't you done enough
to Cathy and me'?

I was hoping that
you could forgive me.

Cathy won't,

but you've always loved me
more than she did.

So you come here

and you manipulate Bart
into hating us'?

No! I only wanted
to love him

the way that a grandmother
loves a grandchild.

I wanted my family back.

But he knows, Corrine.

They both know.

You've poisoned my family again!

If your family
loves you based on a lie,

then they don't love you
at all, do they?

Well, you should know,
shouldn't you'?

But I've changed!

I can help them
have a normal life.

I can raise them properly,

and if not both of them,
then just Bart.

He's such a special boy.

A "normal life?"

Does any of this
seem normal to you'?

There is nothing
"normal" about you

or about what you think
might help them

in that fetid, rotten
head of yours.

You stay away
from my children, Corrine,

or so help me,
I will make it my life's mission

to see you locked back up,
for good this time.

I'm a doctor.

I have those powers.

And I have a lot of friends.

Yes, but they don't know
your secret, do they?

Stay away
from my children, Corrine.

Chris, I need to talk to you.

I was out getting some last-minute
things for the recital,

and the charge card
was declined.

- It was'?
- Yeah.

Must have forgot to pay a bill.

No. I went to the bank
to withdraw some money,

and there's hardly any in there.

Cathy, uh, don't worry yourself.

Chris!
What is going on'?

You're a doctor,
you earn good money,

you work all the time.

Why on earth are we
having financial problems?

Darling, please,

don't distract
yourself before the show.

I'm taking care
of everything, okay'?

Chris, I'm on
my last nerve here.

I know you're angry
at Chris and Cathy.

I know you want them
to pay for their sins.

But you have to hold back
until the time is right.

Malcolm was a smart man.

He knew that, sometimes,

you have to pretend to be
what people want you to be

in order to prevail over them.

You have to disguise
your intentions,

so they suspect nothing.

Do you understand?

Good boy.

I don't revolt you, do I'?

Melodie'?

Hey...

I'm sorry.

[Game beeping]

Hey, there.

How are you feeling, Bart?

Okay.

And how is Malcolm feeling?

He went away.

Oh, he did, did he'?

Yeah.

And I don't think
he's coming back, either.

Huh.

(Cathy) Cindy, honey! Hurry up.

We don't want to be late
for the recital.

(Chris)
Hi, Dr. Phillips.

Yes, the medications
have worked tremendously.

No. No more episodes.

He's been
perfectly stable and happy,

and completely abandoned this
fictitious "Malcolm" character.

Thank you. Yes.
I'll, uh, be in touch.

Bart, honey, are you sure

you don't want to come
to the recital'?

Okay.

See you there.

Bye, darling.

- Bye, Cindy.
- Bye-bye.

Break a leg.

[Applauding]

Thank you. Thank you,

and welcome to the Sheffield
dance academy's fall recital.

We are so excited to show you
what we've been working on,

and we hope you enjoy it.

So without further ado,
let's begin.

[Ballet music plays]

[Quietly]:
And arms in first position...

And in fifth...

And open.

And... up.

And...

Oh!

Cathy!

Don't move your leg.

- My knee...
- Shh, shh...

Chris, Chris, my knee!

Oh, god! You're fine.
You're going to be fine.

Oh, god!
Son, go get an ambulance.

Okay.

Oh, Chris... my knee.

You're going
to be okay. I'm here.

Chris, I'm fine.

I can manage.

I'm going to have to,
if I'm going to dance again.

Hi, sweetie.
It's good to be home. Mwah.

Hey, honey.

[Game beeping and whirring]

Does she know she's never
going to dance again'?

They told her at the hospital,
but it hasn't sunk in yet.

[Weary swan]

Mind your leg.

Well...

I think it's a good thing.

You know, I can, uh...

Ooh. Focus on myself,

my beautiful family.

Where's my little Cindy?

Emma put her to bed already.

Bart?

Want to come give me a hug'?

[Game beeping]

[Car horn honking outside]

Grandma!

Darling!

Jory, darling.
[Laughs]

Your grandmother is here.

Look at you!

My luggage... it's in the trunk.
I'll get it.

Thank you so much, Amy.

- "Emma."
- Indeed.

Cathy... I was so sorry
to hear about your accident.

The moment Jory told me,
I knew what I had to do.

- You came.
- Of course!

Who else is going
to teach your classes?

Amy'? Do you have
sugar for the coffee'?

Still "Emma."

It's my guilty little pleasure.

Well, I see you haven't lost
your Joie De vii/re.

I just hope I have mine
when I'm your age.

So, how long were you
planning on staying with us'?

As long as it takes
to put Jory into tiptop shape.

He has a bright
future ahead of him.

He does.

I've taught him
everything I know.

Exactly.

And now with your knee

and your delightful little girl,

I can relieve
some of your burden,

and take Jory even further.

[Inhales sharply]

Jory'?

Why don't you take your
grandmother's bags upstairs'?

To the guest room.

Yeah.

I'm sure you'd like
to get settled in, Marisha.

(Marisha)
I'll just finish my coffee.

[Clears throat]

Christopher, you startled me.

A ballerina who smokes'?

We all have our unsavory habits,

don't we, now'?

Haven't I done enough for you'?

You promised to stay
out of our lives.

The arrangement we've made
is no longer working for me.

[Shatters]

Chris? Honey?

Sweetheart.

Are you okay'?

[Sighing heavily]

What is it'?

It's Marisha.

She knows about us.

A couple of years ago,

her studio wasn't doing well...

She came to me for money.

And when I refused...

She threatened to turn us in
and take Jory away.

She's blackmailing us'?

Chris, you should have told me!

I didn't want to worry you.

[Scoffs bitterly]
I'm going to kill her.

No.

No!

We have to play this
smart, Cathy.

She has all the leverage.

Don't do or say anything rash
until we come up with a plan.

[Pager buzzing]

[Sighs wearily]

It's the hospital.

I got to go.

Okay.

We'll figure this out.

I promise.

This family
means everything to me.

[Game blooping and blipping]

[Door opens, Cathy sighs]

[Pills rattling]

[Sighs]

[Container and pills
clang in bin]

Cathy, darling.

I'm looking for
the reduced-fat mayonnaise.

I want you to get the hell
out of my house,

or I'm calling the police.

I beg your pardon'?

I know what you're doing,

and I will never
let you have Jory.

He's mine.

Look.

I know how a mother
feels about her son,

and how protective she can be,

but this is for the best.

You're not taking my son.

I'm looking after
his best interests.

He has a future,

and back in New York,

he'll no longer
have to participate

in this putrid farce.

It's damaging him.

Look at what it's done
to your other boy.

He's nuts, and no wonder.

[Slams game down]

(Cathy) Oh, Bart, honey!
Don't listen to her.

She doesn't know
what she's saying!

Bart? Bart!

[Sighs]
Oh, dammit.

You think I'm afraid of you'?
Well, I'm not!

But you're afraid
of what I can tell everyone,

aren't you'?

[Scoffs bitterly]

Do what you're going to do.

I just don't
give a damn anymore.

(Cathy)
Bart!

Hello, Bart.

I know I'm supposed to pretend
like it's all okay,

but their sinning makes me sick.

Their hypocrisy" all of them.

Well, if sin and hypocrisy
don't sit well with you...

I'm not sure if, uh...

If what?

I shouldn't say anything.
It's not my place.

It is your place.

You're just a servant,
John Amos.

You don't get to decide
what to tell me

and what not to tell me.

I'm just saying

that if sin and hypocrisy
don't sit well with you,

maybe you shouldn't be
with your grandma either.

What does that mean?

Are you saying...

I'm saying that she pretends
to be all high and mighty...

But she's a sinner, too.

No, she's not!

How dare you'?

Listen to me, Bart.

Don't you think that Chris and Cathy
learned their behavior somehow?

Where do you think
they got it from'?

Some years ago...

I discovered that she had
relations with her own uncle.

No.

That's how your mom
and Chris were born.

So I'm paying for their sins'?

[Door creaks]

[Calls out]
Hello?

Bart?

Oh, my god.

[Woman] Joey, she can't come
to the phone right now.

Can I just please
just talk to her'?

(Melodie) I can't. Melodie?
Melodie!

I-I know you're there.

[Click]

- Hello?
- [Dial tone]

Hello'?

[Slams receiver down]

Jory, there's something
I want to discuss with you.

About what?

About your
so-called parents.

Grandma,
I know already. Okay'?

I am so sorry.

They're ill, Jory.

Crazy.

Listen to me.

You have such a bright
future ahead of you,

but you need to get
out of this mess.

I'll book a ticket.

We can both go back to New York.

We could leave first
thing in the morning

and never look back.

(Cathy)
Bart?

Hello, dear.

I've come back.

So it was you at the recital.

I want you to stay
away from my children

and leave us the hell alone!

Cathy, I may never get
another chance to say this...

I prayed!

I prayed that you had died.

I prayed that you'd died
in that nut farm!

Oh, Cathy, if only
you knew how it hurts

to hear you say those things
after all these years.

I only came here to be near you.

I don't want you near me!

Move!

Go away! I hate you!

Please, give me another chance.

This time, I can be the loving
mother that I should have been

to you and Chris.

You gave up our love!

You gave up our love for money,

and for this...
For damn jewelry!

[Grunts as pearls
bounce and rumble]

You locked us in an attic
for three years!

Cathy, I always manage
to make the wrong decisions.

I think they're right
when I make them...

But they never prove
anything but wrong.

You stole my childhood!

I've made terrible mistakes.

Everything is falling apart,

because of you.

Everything is falling apart!

My life!

Everything Chris and I
have worked to build!

Did I damage you both so deeply
that you can never heal, Cathy?

Do you really
love your brother'?

Yes, I love him.

You made me love him.

[Gasps]

[Thud]

What the hell are you doing?

I'm putting an end

to the affliction
that plagues this family.

[Crack-thud]

Are they alive?

Watch them.

I'm going to get
the wheelbarrow.

We're taking them to the barn.

Be strong, boy.

Grandma.

Oh, darling...

What's happened?

Get me some rope. Now!

John Amos.

Have you gone mad'?

Yes, I have.

From wasting my life

serving you, you weak,
undisciplined wretch!

You're a servant.

It's your damned job.

[John Amos huffs]

What have you done
to my daughter?

Do you have any idea
how hard it's been,

tying my life to yours?

To serve
a once-great family

that's gone down
the path of sin'?

That's tarnished its name,
and through its name, mine'?

We're not really family.

You're an employee.

I thought that, perhaps,
you had learned something

when you gave these sinners up.

I thought that you had rejected

the sin you had created,
and moved on!

No.

You wanted it all back!

You and your children.

And your children's children!

All tainted!

All the devil's spawn.

You sound insane.

Just like
my damned, crazy mother.

Really?

[Locks clicks]

What are you doing?

You're weak, Corrine.

But I am strong.

I have been given
the strength of the lord,

and I will break
this cycle of abomination,

and make you pay!

I will set this place ablaze.

No!

I must.

These women
must pay for their sins.

The lord whispered it in my ear.

There's nothing
of the lord in you.

You're just...

A false prophet.

Don't you mess with me, Bart,

or you will end up
just like your damned dog!

- [Thud]
- Bart! Run! Run!

You little bastard!
Bart!

No! Let go!
Get off of me!

John Amos, stop it!
Stop it!

You'll never get away with this!

Oh, I believe I will.

The lord protects his own.

Don't, don't, don't...

[Flames whoosh]

Bye, Corrine.

Jory, what are you doing?

I'm going back with Marisha.

Son, listen to me.

I'm tired of listening,

about all of your lies, okay'?

I promise, no more lies.

We'll get everything
out in the open, right now.

[Exhaling]

Where's your mother'?

Next door.

Oh, god.

[Exhaling shakily]

Just, please, stay here.

Oh, my god! Oh!
Mother, what's going on'?

John Amos has gone crazy

and he's looked us in here. What? Oh,
my god! We're going to die in here?

I may never get another chance
to say this to you...

How much I've loved you,
I've loved all four of you,

and I'm horribly sorry
for everything that I've done.

If I could take it back,
I would.

Can you forgive me'?

Dad, mom and grandma
are trapped in the barn,

and the barn's on fire!

Take me to them.

[Flames roaring]

They're in there! Hurry!

Get out of here!
Stay low!

Cathy, are you in there'?

Cathy, can you hear me'?

Oh, my god! Chris!

Please take her!

I've got you, Cathy.
I've got you.

[Corrine coughing]

Hang on, baby.

[Coughs]
Grandma!

Come on, grandma!
Get up!

Go, darling! Go!

Little beast!
You'll get burned, too!

(Bart)
No!

[John Amos cries out]

Woman...

You are the gateway to my hell.

Go, Bart! Go!

[Crashing]

[Corrine cries out]

[Wood creaking, flames roaring]

Bart!

Dad! Go back in there
and save her!

I saw the smoke.
Are you okay'?

Jory, take him.

(Bart)
Jory, let go!

No! Grandma!

We can't just let her burn!

[Explosion roars]

[Corrine crying out]

Oh, my god, Chris.
Mother.

Mother.

[Sirens approaching]

[Responder radios crackling]

Are you okay'?

Oh, my god!

I saw the smoke,

and then I couldn't
find you, Jory.

Marisha, this is not the time.

Dad! Dad.

I got her.
Don't worry.

(Marisha)
Darling.

Are you okay'?

I'm fine.

This family is insane,

and you must come live with me.

No, grandma.

What do you mean, no'?

You want to continue to live
here with these mad people?

Enough!

They might be crazy,
but they're my family.

And I love them.

I'm staying here.

And if you even think about
turning Chris and Cathy in,

I'll never forgive you.

I'll never speak to you again.

I think it's time for you
to go home now, grandma.

I'll see you next Christmas.

Hey. Come here.
Good girl. Good girl.

Want to go get it'?

Melodie.

Hi.

I just wanted to say I'm sorry.

I told you that you
could be honest,

that you could trust me,

and when you did...

I freaked out.

But...

That doesn't change
the way I feel about you, Jory.

It doesn't'?

Oh, I've missed you so much.

You have?

You have!

What did you miss the most?

I can show you.

(Cindy)
Bart!

I want to see, I want to see.

Is he chewing the mouse'?

No. They're just playing.

Are you sure
they're just playing?

[Squeaking, slurping]

Yes, Cindy.

I'll be in my room.

No, no. Young lady,
snakes are icky.

We're going to go to the park.

Dr. Phillips
is a miracle-worker.

Yes, I think
he's back to his old self.

Amen! Our boy is back.
Now let's go get some worms.

Well, I'm going to get
some of that pie.

We are blessed, aren't we'?

To have such a wonderful family?

Yes, we are.

(Melodie)
Jory'? Come on.

Jory'?