Murder: By Reason of Insanity (1985) - full transcript
A married couple from Poland emigrates to the U.S.,. but things don't turn out as well as they had imaged. The husband's business fails, while his wife's career really takes off. The husband, unable to cope with the pressures of his failed business, his failing marriage and the adjustments necessary to live in a completely different society, begins to take out his frustrations on his wife.
[music playing]
[dog barking]
[door rattling]
[dog barking]
[glass breaking]
[snip]
[interposing voices]
It's past your bedtime,
so no clowning around.
[interposing voices]
Then you do too.
OK, kiddos.
Oh, Sara, can you just
pick up your dollhouse
before we have our cake?
And Daniel, you come with me.
All right?
We'll get some milk
and set the table.
Mom, can we have some soda?
Oh, no.
I think it's better if you
have milk for... for cake.
Please.
No, no.
And I know you have milk?
[dog barking]
Daniel, come with me one minute.
Mommy, what
happened to the phone?
I don't know what, honey?
Sara.
Wait a second.
Ewa, please.
Daddy!
I've only come
to see my children.
I've been missing you so much.
Come over there.
Your little dollhouse, huh?
Daddy fixed the door.
It broke.
(ANGRILY) You're going
to listen to me, Ewa.
You can't keep me
away from my children.
I haven't seen them
for a long time.
Could you bear that
if it happened to you?
[sirens]
Tell me, Ewa.
Why can't you answer me?
[sirens]
[voices on police radio]
[knocking]
- Are you OK?
- Everything is all right.
Might I have a moment
with my children?
Is it all right?
Why is this happening?
[dog barking]
The medical center
called you, right?
Did they say I've escaped?
Better safe than sorry, Adam.
It won't work, you and your
lawyer trying to keep me away.
[yelling]
[sirens]
What did he yell in Polish
as they were taking him away?
That it is my fate to die.
Not today.
I think I'll just
make us some coffee.
What do you think?
[music playing]
[laughter]
[wa-hoo]
[applause]
[cheering]
[applause]
Now after that
wonderful dancing,
I would like to present the new
and distinguished president of
the Polish Club, Adam Berwid.
Come on, Adam.
Come on!
[applause]
Well, [clears throat]
if there's one
thing all Polish people
share, it's our patriotism.
Loyalty, faith, trust
we bring to America.
Rich or poor, the Polish
man give these things
in return for
opportunity and freedom...
this and his love
of home and family.
With my wife Ewa at my side.
[applause]
[music playing]
Look happy, Ewa.
Smile.
Look all these good people, Ewa.
[applause]
[music playing]
[interposing voices]
It would allow me to go
back to work as an engineer.
Why waste your time with Angus
Rozhinska while I wait for you?
I was just asking
if she could babysit.
Marsha is a good
enough babysitter.
But she can only
work on weekends, Adam.
You know that.
We need someone the
children can trust to be
with them during the week.
I told you I would provide.
You don't need a job.
Adam, please let me take it.
There's nothing more to say.
There's nothing
more to talk about.
Go to bed.
I'll take my shower.
You're still up?
Are the children asleep?
Daniel must have
found his teddy bear,
because I saw its head
sticking out of the covers.
Want to go to bed?
Yes.
[typing]
Excuse me.
Yeah.
I'm here about
the job interview.
Right.
They will be interviewing
the secretaries
right after lunch downstairs.
Um, excuse me again.
Yeah.
Uh, it's... it's not
the secretary job.
It's the power
engineering position.
Sorry.
Everybody's out to lunch.
So Mr. Norton's down
in the drafting room.
I'll take you to him.
Thank you.
This is a very
impressive work history.
Why so long since your last job?
Well, we defected from Poland.
It was nine years ago.
And then the
children came along.
So...
Defected?
That must have been exciting.
Um, no.
Actually, we just walked away.
Come on.
Really?
Maybe I should make
up a better story.
Nah.
I just read too many spy novels.
What happened to your accent?
Where did you lose it?
Brooklyn.
Brooklyn?
That's where people
go to get an accent.
You know, you're not at all
what I expected, Mrs. Berwid.
Contributed to the plans for
the 800 megawatt power plant.
What aspect?
The durability calculations
of the main vessel
on the piping layouts.
Where is your husband?
What's he up to?
He's... he's a
nuclear engineer.
He started his own
consulting firm.
But he's... he's been
having some difficulty.
He may be forced to
close his office.
It's tough.
Takes guts to start
something like that,
especially in a new country.
You know Mrs. Berwid,
you'd be the only lady
engineer in the company.
I don't know how
things are in Poland,
but around here the
guys get very rough.
I know my field, Mr. Norton.
And I will do the job for you.
It doesn't matter
about anything else.
I take two weeks a year, go
to Las Vegas and lose my pants.
Do you know that means?
It means I like to gamble.
Also means I'm a lousy gambler.
Ah, but this is no gamble.
Maggie, come on in here
and meet the first lady
engineer in our company.
Well, it's about time.
Saving, borrowing, taking
a loan out on the house.
And now a full time babysitter.
For years I thought that you
were spoiled... an only child.
And so I tried to teach you.
I tried to teach you how to keep
a decent house, how to dress,
how to take care
for your own babies.
Adam.
Now I realize you
were just pretending,
binding me to you
with the children,
waiting for me to fail.
Adam, please.
You won't fail.
It takes a long time
to start a business.
I see you struggling for all
of us, and it hurts me too.
Let me work just until
we pay the debts... just
until your company gets going.
I know it will, Adam.
You've always taken
such good care of me.
Now let me pay you back
for all those years.
Let me work, please.
[click]
Mr. Berwid.
Thought you'd already be
moved out of the office.
Sorry, Jimmy.
Can I help?
Tell me.
Me Have you ever seen my wife?
Your wife?
Well, yeah.
I think so.
She's very pretty.
Mommy, is this what
jellyfish are made of?
No, dummy.
jellyfish have insides
without outsides.
Right, Mom?
You're a dummy, too.
[interposing voices]
EWA BERWID: We're going to go
to the beach this Saturday.
And Daddy may even take
us to the park on Sunday
if you're really good.
I'll be real good.
Hi, Dad.
- Hi.
Hi.
Hello.
Are you all right, hun?
Of course.
Why are you asking?
I know it must have been
hard to close the office.
I just...
Don't shame me in
front of the children.
Adam, I was... I'm sorry.
You're right.
You're right.
What's this?
Hot dogs.
With ketchup and mustard.
They've been begging
for them all week.
Junk food?
So now you don't
have time to make
your children a proper
meal so you can clean
the cabinets like I told you?
Adam, I have been
at work all day.
Of course.
I forgot how your boss is
working you every night.
He is.
And they want me
to work full time.
What shall I tell him?
Shall I tell him no?
Shall I quit?
(YELLING) I'm not finished!
Daddy!
What are you doing, Adam?
[interposing voices]
Stop it!
Stop it!
Daddy, I'm hungry!
I'm hungry.
Go to your bed.
Sara, come on!
Not until your mother
makes a proper meal.
[yelling]
I'm hungry!
Sara, please.
Stop this, Adam.
Don't make the children suffer.
Leave them or I'll beat
the devil out of you.
Children I... I promise
we'll have more hot dogs.
OK?
Are you very hungry, you two?
Yeah.
Yeah, I know.
What if I bring you some
cereal a little later?
Bananas?
Yeah.
Yeah.
Bananas.
Your favorite.
(ANGRILY) I know what
you're doing to them!
I know what you're doing!
[slam]
Adam, stop.
Don't hit me.
Don't hit me, please.
[smack]
[ugh]
[grunting]
[moaning]
No!
No! (CRYING) Please.
[ugh] Adam! [ugh] Adam!
Stop!
Please, stop!
[grunt]
[scream]
[crying]
(CRYING) No.
Oh, no.
No.
No.
[crying]
If you ever disobey
me again, I'll kill you.
[slam]
[crying]
(READING) America was the
first country in the world
to give boys and girls
a place of their own
in a public library.
The first children's room to be
included in an architect's plan
and equipped for the confident
convenience of children
from picture book
to high school age
were that of the Pratt
Institute Free Library,
Brooklyn, New York,
opened in 1896.
[crying]
Don't worry about a thing.
You'll be in very
good hands here.
Believe me.
It's the same as paying
a high-priced lawyer.
Good morning, Johnny.
Most of these kids here are
law students, Mrs. Berwid,
at Larchmont.
Excuse me, Bobby.
Let's see.
Well, you've gotten rape
right, but hotline is one word.
OK?
Yeah.
We have a blanket agreement
with the district court
allowing us to practice the
simple aspects of the law.
But we do it all here...
matrimonial, custody.
Janet Landry.
Ewa Berwid.
She'll be right with you.
[phones ringing]
[inaudible].
Yeah.
OK.
We'll see what we can do.
I'm sorry.
Have a seat.
Um, Mrs. Berwid, is it?
It's a madhouse here as usual.
OK, you indicate that, uh,
it's a matrimonial problem.
I think so.
Yes.
Janet!
Hm?
Janet.
Excuse me.
Where the hell did I put that
stuff that Solomon sent us?
(MUMBLING) I don't know.
I think Jeff's got it.
Oh, this is Mrs. Berwid.
Mrs. Berwid, Ben Haggarty.
He's a law professor,
but now he's
as hassled as the rest of us.
[crunch]
Well, I guess that sums me up.
Hello.
OK.
So now what can we do
for you, Mrs. Berwid?
It's about my husband.
I think he's intending
maybe to kill me.
Oh.
Yeah, I guess that's what
it's supposed to feel like.
You know, my cousin Lucy
and her husband split up.
But... maybe we
should talk to Ben.
He's, uh, real good
with stuff like this.
No remorse?
None of that?
Nothing?
Hm?
No.
Now, Mrs. Berwid, you
said that your husband's
business has just folded.
Sometimes people under
a great amount of strain
aren't themselves for awhile.
Janet isn't trying to
minimize the situation.
It's just that there might
be some mitigating factors
that we... we can explore.
That's all.
Please, go on.
Well, he, uh...
with our children,
for example, he's always
very firm with them.
It's not that he
didn't love them,
but it's almost as if now
he's obsessed with them.
He... he says that I
neglect my daughter.
And he watches me with Daniel.
He's our son.
And he... he accuses
(CRYING) with my own babies.
Angry people say some
pretty mean things.
But it's not just that.
He's... he's like a stranger.
(CRYING) He's full of hatred.
And when he looks at me,
it's like he sees someone
who is going to destroy him.
You're trying to
tell us something.
What is it?
And I am afraid my
husband is losing his mind.
Has he been
examined by a doctor?
He won't go.
He's always trusted
me to help him.
You have the right
to decide when you've
had enough, no matter what.
These situations are
complicated and very painful,
Mrs. Berwid.
Just want you to know that
we're here to help you any time
with anything, anywhere.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
I... I just wanted to
ask one thing before I go.
What's that?
Well, perhaps you
don't handle such things,
but I would like to ask
someone about writing my will.
Now 7 plus 2.
9?
Right.
Very good.
Now 7 plus 8.
- Um, 10?
- No.
That's [inaudible].
Um.
Think about it.
Sara, the fork is on the left.
I know which is left.
Of course you do, because
you're a big girl, number one.
Tell me, what do you
have to do before lunch?
Change clothes.
Right.
Where's your blue blouse?
Mommy mended it.
I think it's in
her sewing cabinet.
I'll go and get it for you.
You keep playing.
Now it's 15.
Right.
DANIEL: You're doing it wrong.
You're supposed to
do it on the right.
SARA: I know what I'm doing.
And it's supposed
to go on the left.
Just go back to [inaudible].
DANIEL: I don't want to
go back to [inaudible].
You can't do that!
You're cheating!
No, I'm not, because
we're playing my way.
No, we're not!
SARA: Yes, we are.
DANIEL: Uh-uh.
SARA: Yes, we are.
Because we never said we
were playing your way.
So we must be playing my way.
DANIEL: Uh-uh.
Hey!
That's cheating!
Uh-uh!
I hate you.
Children, stop it!
What are you doing?
- He cheated.
She cheated!
- Where's your father?
- He left.
He got mad.
He left you alone?
He cut up your dress
in the sewing room.
Mm-hm.
Yeah.
Children, now,
get your jackets.
We're going out.
- But what about dinner?
We're going out for dinner.
Come, Daniel, son.
Why is Daddy being so mean?
He's just very confused.
Hurry, children.
We're going to Maggie's.
We'll eat there
and stay the night.
Ewa, why didn't you tell
me all these things before?
I mean, I knew
something was wrong.
But I just thought it
was the standard macho.
Maggie, we come from
a country where all
the decisions were made for us.
Now everything confuses him.
But I thought you
said he was the one
who wanted to come here.
Come on, hun.
Sit down.
Yes, it was his dream
to come to America.
But the reality
was very different.
So now he sees
everybody as his enemy.
Even the woman next door.
Don't talk to her, he told me.
You're not allowed to do that.
Ah, boy, I can't believe this.
You sound like a prisoner.
Does he ever take
you out on weekends?
In the afternoon sometimes we
take the children to the park.
And we used to go
to the Polish Club,
but then they said they
were plotting against him.
So...
And now it's you.
[sigh] You've got
to see a lawyer.
Yes.
I saw one today.
Good for you.
Maggie, if I leave him
he'll only get worse.
I know it.
Oh, gal, I have heard that
song and dance a million times.
It's a bunch of baloney.
You gotta stop blaming yourself
and tell him to take a hike.
[phone ringing]
Hold on.
Hello.
Hello?
Jerk.
Hung up.
Maggie, I'd better go.
You don't think that was him.
Oh, Ewa, don't be silly.
I don't want him coming here
and getting you in trouble.
Ewa... Ewa, he does not
even know my last name.
Now how's he going
to get my number?
Maggie, if Adam wants
your number or your address
or your grandfather's
address, he will get it.
I can't believe it.
Hi.
Hi, sweeties.
(WHISPERING) Come, Sara.
Daniel, wake up.
Wake up.
We're just going to go home.
[mumbling]
Mama, I'm tired.
Why don't you stay here.
I've got tons of room.
Do what you have to do, and
worry about the guilt later.
Oh, Maggie, it's all right.
Ewa, do you hear me?
You have friends
who care about you.
I know it.
It... it's no problem for me.
I promise you.
I...
[knocking]
It'd be easier for the...
[knocking]
Don't you worry.
I'll take care of this.
Come Sara.
Then you can sleep
in your own bed.
MAGGIE: Who is it?
ADAM BERWID: Adam Berwid.
For my wife.
Is she with you?
Is she here?
Mm-hm.
May I come in?
(YELLING) Ewa, it's Adam.
He wanted to come in.
Yes, Maggie.
It's all right.
Tell him we're just coming.
(WHISPERING) Daniel, put
your pants on right now.
Thank you.
Nice place.
Adam, would you stop
for a minute, please?
I would like to talk.
Sit down.
I want to talk as well.
Adam, things must
change between us.
I've been to see a lawyer.
They suggested counseling.
Not necessary.
Not necessary?
I agree with you.
Things must change.
So I've made some decisions.
You are so easily
deceived, Ewa, that maybe,
for instance, you
shouldn't waste your time
with people like that.
Adam, she's my...
The children... they
must eat proper food.
And they have to stop
running wild all day.
Sara especially.
It's not good for a
girl to dress as a boy.
You should make her new clothes.
- Adam.
What?
Do you understand?
We could be a happy family.
Well, I've been aggressive
and weak, but I'll find work.
And tomorrow you'll
quit your job.
Do you agree, Ewa?
Do you?
I must leave you, Adam.
I'm sorry.
Good.
So now you divorcing me.
I'll take custody
of the children.
And you will be outside
like you want me.
Adam, we can't live in
the same house anymore.
JUDGE: Have the attorneys
approach the bench.
Gentlemen, please.
This has to come to an end.
Well, that's...
that's exactly...
that's precisely what I feel.
That's why we're asking for
minimal visitation rights.
[interposing voices]
JUDGE: You realize, Mr.
Crowell, the way things
are going that your client
will end up in jail.
DICK CROWELL: I understand
that, Your Honor.
And believe me, I
want to avoid that.
BEN HAGGARTY: And
we agree absolutely.
Something has to be
done in this courtroom.
Your Honor.
And I apologize on
behalf of my client.
[interposing voices]
What are you talking about?
I want to know.
Mr. Berwid, the
court would like
to remind you that you
have already violated
several protection orders.
Are you trying to tell me
when I can see my children?
You will not see
them at all if you
do not respect the visitation
rights established by law.
I'm going to decide that.
Let their biological mother
go and be a businesswoman.
Because the children
would stay with me.
I've planned fears for her
physical safety, Your Honor.
Mr. Berwid has
broken into her house
four times since we
filed for divorce.
Mr. Berwid, we have set your
visitation rights for Sundays
between 3:00 and 6:00 P.M.
I'll see my children
when I want to see them.
And if I tell you that
I'm going to put you in jail
for 30 days, do you
still intend to defy
the order of this court?
You're telling me to defy
the order of this court.
Do we have a
language problem here?
(ANGRILY) No,
there's no problem.
All the tricks you
have put into our mind
will never bring me to my knees!
You're telling me not
to see my children.
And I tell you I
have to be a man,
and I'm going to save
them whatever it costs.
[sirens]
EWA BERWID: Adam, you just can't
come back whenever you want.
ADAM BERWID: I have
come for the children.
You are going to obey me, Ewa.
Do you understand, Ewa?
[sirens]
[voices on police radio]
[knocking]
[interposing voices]
Who told you to come for me?
We're getting tired
of picking you up, Adam.
It won't work.
You and your lawyer are
trying to keep me away.
I guess they got
here just in time.
[speaking polish]
[sirens]
MAN (ON INTERCOM): Visitor
waiting for Adam Berwid.
Visitor waiting.
[slam]
Visitor waiting
for Mark Johnson.
Visitor waiting.
Visitor waiting for Paul Slade.
Visitor waiting.
Now you break into
the house seven times.
And now you have two weeks
of psychiatric observation.
Better expect me to sleep.
Don't worry.
You'll be confined
to the medical center
during observation.
Adam, this kind of behavior
does not win custody cases.
I will win custody.
Listen to me.
It takes extraordinary cause to
take a kid away from its mother
in this country.
So far you haven't
even given me a reason.
She's evil.
Yeah?
Well, lots luck
with that one, pal.
I tell you.
And I blame myself for this.
I looked away.
Looked away for too long.
(CRYING)
With my own son.
What are you saying to me?
(CRYING) Sleeping with
him, stroking his naked body,
sodomizing him.
Do you know what that
word means, Adam... sodomy?
(CRYING) I got the Bible.
I swear before God.
I have to think about this.
I will come and see you
at the medical center.
Now, look.
You've been under
a lot of strain,
but you've got to cool off.
You're not going to get
anywhere by throwing
around death threats.
Do you catch my drift?
Do me a favor and
don't kill anybody.
OK?
[banging]
I'll see you.
[slam]
[ugh] Maggie, can
I have the towel?
Are you ready
to say uncle yet?
No.
I need the other wrench too.
Considering the
divorce rate, maybe we
should all take plumbing.
It's Saturday.
What do you say we
get a babysitter,
get dressed to the teeth, and
go confront the enemy tonight.
Huh?
Maggie, I thought that
the battle of the sexes
had left you shell-shocked.
[laughs] Yeah,
well, maybe I lost
my marbles out on
the battlefield,
but I keep reenlisting.
So you want to go?
Oh, Maggie, I can't.
I've got the kids.
You have always
got some excuse.
DANIEL: Mommy, there's
a man at the door.
I'll get it.
Be cool.
You're divorced now.
Adam's back in the jail again.
You got nothing to worry about.
Mommy, are you almost done?
I'm almost done, Daniel.
After you're done, can you
come up and play with me?
Yes, I can.
And I want to very much.
Just let me finish.
Two minutes.
Postman.
Registered mail.
It came yesterday
afternoon from the jail.
It's in Polish, so please
forgive the translation.
Sit down, please.
(READING) Ewa Florian,
count the hours of your life.
I don't have to run away
from jail to escape.
When you get choked,
it will be by my hands.
By the time I put
you to death, I'm
going to push your
ribs till they go
to the other side of your body.
I'm going to cut the veins in
your legs and... and your teeth
I will sh... shove
into your brain.
Your character is
like the devil.
You are pushing
your luck too far.
All these ideas that you come
up with will... all these ideas
that you come up
with will come back
to your mind in the last
minute from my hands.
Adam Z. Berwid.
May I see that letter please?
See the envelope please?
[clears throat] Here.
He mailed it as
registered mail, huh?
I can't read this.
It's in Polish.
It doesn't matter
what language it's in.
It's in the language
of a maniac.
And he's not kidding, is he?
What can we do?
Well, we'll charge him
with aggravated harassment.
Oh, come on.
That's only a misdemeanor.
He'll get a couple
months at most.
Well, then what should we do?
Come on.
You tell me.
You're the A student.
Well...
You know this guy
isn't kidding, right?
Right.
I mean, what if everybody
who got ticked off
and wrote a nasty letter
got slapped in jail
for the rest of his life?
- OK, but...
What happens to
the First Amendment?
Hm?
Come on.
Come on, Ben, look
what we've got here.
We got to think of
something to do.
Yeah.
We are going to do something.
You're going to
go to the library.
You're going to
find me a precedent.
But first you're going
to bring me a sandwich
because I'm starving.
Go on.
We'll do the best we
can with what we've got.
I think the letter
will be enough, Ewa.
You won't have to
appear in court.
Are you sure that this
wasn't re-translated?
I think so. [inaudible].
Now Adam.
I want you to help me out.
Try not to speak.
Let he handle this.
Adam, when I speak to
you, do you hear me?
It sounds like a
Mickey Mouse thing.
Stand up.
Be seated.
People of the state of New
York versus Adam Berwid.
Charges are
aggravated harassment.
Are there any
preliminary motions?
No, Your Honor.
Proceed.
Your Honor, I've
come to a decision.
Adam, for God's sake.
What is it, Mr. Berwid.
I know something you don't.
I know my wife is a liar.
Well, thank you, Mr. Berwid.
Uh, there will be a time
for you later on to let...
Before God she
lies under oath.
She's destroying my
children's lives.
I know that.
You don't.
See fools you too
like everybody else.
And there will
be a time for you
to state your case, Mr. Berwid.
Sit down, please.
And I tell her now, I have
no choice but to kill her.
Mr. Berwid, do you realize
the gravity of the statement
you've just made?
Your Honor, uh, my
client is distraught.
English is not his
first language.
Now I...
- No.
I'm fine.
I'm saying I'd do anything
to protect my children.
If Judge Goldberg is a
father he understands.
He knows his duty.
My duty, sir, is to protect
society from those who threaten
its members with violence.
That's why I
trust God, not you.
My wife knows what I'll do.
Defendant Adam Berwid
is hereby remanded,
pursuant to section
703.30 of the criminal
procedure law to
determine the competency
of defendant to stand trial.
Congratulations.
Ewa, how are you?
You sure you're ready for this?
Where's Janet?
She's inside.
Now you wait outside
the courtroom
until you're called to testify.
Then you go right
to the witness box.
OK?
You understand that?
All right.
You're not the only witness.
Others will be called too.
Just be calm.
Answer frankly and factly.
If you get nervous,
just look at me.
Let the record reflect that
this is a hearing regarding
Adam Berwid's competency to
stand trial on the charge
of aggravated harassment.
Please have Mrs.
Berwid take the stand.
You evil woman.
JUDGE: Mr. Berwid.
And you taught me!
Sit down, Mr. Berwid!
You take my children
and all I own and put me
in jails and mental hospitals.
JUDGE: I'm warning you, sir.
ADAM BERWID: All to tell
me my duty what I must do!
JUDGE: Sit down, Mr. Berwid!
[inaudible] to help
you [inaudible] help me.
[gavel knocking]
JUDGE: (YELLING) Officer,
sit that man down!
Mrs. Berwid, you may leave.
ADAM BERWID: They
help to teach me.
They teach me.
[yelling]
[gavel knocking]
(SCREAMING) Ewa!
Ewa, I'll kill you!
I will kill you!
Ewa!
[screaming]
[grunting]
On the basis of
psychiatric reports and Mr
Berwid's behavior in this court,
I find defendant Adam Berwid
incompetent to stand
trial, and commit
him to 60 days observation
at the Mid-Hudson
Psychiatric Hospital.
Let the record reflect that I
will take any legal precaution
at my disposal to
make certain you
are not a threat to Ewa Berwid.
JUDGE: This is not a
prison, Mr. Berwid.
It's a maximum
security hospital.
Aside from the ward
physician, your treatment team
consists of Mrs. Johnson, one
of the psychologists, a social
worker, and a time assistant.
There's also a nurse.
Mr. Olson, the lawyer,
is also provided, should
you require his services.
Any questions?
ADAM BERWID: When do I get out?
JUDGE: That's really
up to you, Mr. Berwid.
[hammering]
Well, that should do it.
What do you think?
Let me see.
[grunt] I don't know.
Ewa, we both know
that sooner or later,
Adam will come back here.
He's only been found
incompetent to stand
trial for a misdemeanor.
That's nothing.
It's 60 days.
SARA: Mommy, Daniel
wants to know if we can
have more ice cream before bed.
DANIEL: You said it first.
- One second.
SARA: I did not.
I bought these new shoes.
Well, they're not new exactly.
I got them at a bargain store.
But I think they're very modern.
Ewa, why don't you
move to another city?
And just change your
name, and just disappear.
No.
For many reasons.
I have no money.
There's a lien on the house for
business debt, so I can't sell.
Anyway, he'd find me.
Where are you going to hide
a female Polish engineer
with two children?
Ewa, the man is dangerous.
When he gets out, where do
you think he's going to go?
Janet, please.
How can I run when I can't
even stand on my own feet?
It is very easy.
You just pack your bags.
It is not easy.
Everything and everyone
I know is here.
I've never been on
my own before this.
But I have a good change here.
Oh, Ewa, you have a
good chance anywhere.
Come on.
You're bright.
You're talented.
But here first, please.
I loved Adam once.
It shouldn't be like this.
It's just that I'm
worried about you.
I served in the Polish Army.
I can use a gun.
I've applied for a permit.
Might as well take
Karate while you're at it.
At some point I
have to trust God.
God doesn't have
anything to do with this.
We'll see.
[interposing voices]
Bam!
Bam!
On the way, the
FBI gets its man.
FBI runs the show.
Want to know who put you here?
FBI.
FBI?
They're everywhere.
Be careful who you talk to.
They send out thoughts.
Keep your thoughts to yourself.
Come on, G-Man, pill time.
Come on.
It's all right.
You too, Adam.
No.
No pill.
Don't pull this again.
No pill.
(YELLING) Mommy.
Mommy!
What is it, Daniel?
Are there any tigers here?
I don't think so.
Why?
Sara said so.
I said there used to
be mountain lions here.
Mrs. Watson said so.
Oh.
Well, I think maybe your
sister is right then.
Now could you two stop
squabbling and go to sleep?
Mommy, is Daddy ever
going to come home?
I don't know, Daniel.
I think he's going to be in the
hospital for a long, long time.
Can you sleep now?
Huh?
OK.
Well, this could
be a butterfly.
See?
This is it's wing.
It Only has one wing.
Perhaps someone has
taken the other off.
So now maybe she feels sorry
for all her scheming, like Ewa.
How do you mean?
She does things to... to make
me worry for the children.
What kinds of things?
Let's see the next picture.
Can you make up a
story for this one?
Maybe this old woman is
whispering something to her.
About what?
It could be anything.
Maybe that there's something
wrong with their child...
that he has run away.
Did you run away
when you were a boy?
I escaped from my
father during the war.
I went back to my
mother's house.
Was he mistreating you?
He was neglectful.
And I realized that my mother
was even a greater evil.
She was evil.
She was hurting us
children... abusing us.
She was punishing you?
Beating us up.
You are very clever.
I've learned something
from you today.
No, Maggie.
Janet explained.
She said misdemeanor
charges get dropped
automatically after two months.
But if he makes them
think he's well,
he can be out in
a matter of days.
MAGGIE (ON PHONE): Days?
Listen.
You gotta do something, gal.
Talk to his doctor.
All right.
Maybe if we talked
to the doctors.
MAGGIE (ON PHONE): Right.
Now what are you waiting for?
Give them a call right now.
Sorry I'm late.
Excuse me.
Mr. Olson, Adam's attorney.
Mr. Haggarty.
- Oh, how do you do?
- Mr. Haggarty.
[inaudible] Mrs. Berwid.
Oh.
Mr. Olson, my
assistant Ms. Lander...
Landry. [clears throat]
[coughs] Excuse me.
Cup of coffee, Mr. Olson?
Thank you.
Some sugar.
Now that the treatment
team has assembled,
we'd like to reassure
us to Adam's progress.
You must understand that
I appreciate your concern.
I really do.
Well, we're just trying
to prevent a murder here,
Dr. You know, four
months ago, Adam
went into a homicidal rage.
Uh, Mr. Haggarty,
he has calmed
down considerably since then.
He shows equilibrium, good
control of his impulses.
Well, of course he has.
Because he's in here
and she's out there.
That's why.
That's right.
And while he's in here it is my
job to cure him, Mr. Haggarty.
All the charges against
him have been dropped.
By some automatic bureaucracy.
Not by Mrs. Berwid.
Ms. Landry, they
have been dropped.
Now as long as
Adam is my patient
and I think I can help him I'm
going to treat the man until he
is released or transferred.
When will that be, Dr.?
Well, given what
you have said here...
and I do take that into
consideration... we might hold
him, uh, another six months.
And after that I suspect
we will, uh, transfer him
to, um, Pilgrim State Hospital.
Wait a minute.
There's practically
no security there.
And that's less than an
hour away Ewa's house.
Well, that's the
intention, Mr. Haggarty.
We're ordered by the
state to transfer patients
to hospitals as, uh, close
as possible to their home
communities.
BEN HAGGARTY: That's just
what Mr. Berwid wants.
DOCTOR: That's how
it is, Mr. Haggarty.
BEN HAGGARTY: That's
just terrific.
Well, that's...
that's just great.
And now he extends my
sentence in this prison here.
Come on now.
What do you expect?
Huh?
I mean, it's not as if you've
been exactly cooperative.
Huh?
That makes no difference.
I am to be held here only if
I'm acting out hostilities.
That's the law.
And I haven't been doing that.
OK.
You haven't been doing that.
Why?
Why haven't you been doing it?
Is it because you just
want to get out of here?
Or is it because you're
free of the hostilities
toward your ex-wife?
Hm?
Which one is it, Adam?
Adam.
I believe we're going to
see more and more solid fuel
power plants in the future.
So Mrs. Berwid could not have
arrived here at a better time.
And it should not
surprise anyone who's
seen her work on the piping
layouts and the boiler
blow-down system that I'm
naming her head of this project.
Ewa, come on up
here and take over.
Congratulations.
It's all yours.
Thank you.
Um, well, as Mr.
Norton says, I believe
that the Resource
Recovery Plant is only
the first of many such plants.
Uh, we estimate that the project
will take approximately one
year, and um, I want to thank
Mr. Norton for his confidence
in me.
I... I will do my
very best to see
that the project goes smoothly,
and to prove myself worthy
of this job.
[music playing]
It shows up under
the blue light.
Come on, gal.
Come on.
We're going to
have a great time.
I... I don't know
any of these dances.
Just watch the others.
They don't seem
to know either.
You got the idea.
[music playing]
Hey, Joe!
Sounds great!
You know, you've
got great eyes, Ewa.
Why don't you use a
little eye shadow.
Open up the color a little.
Really?
Yeah.
What about my hair, Maggie?
What can I do with my hair?
[inaudible]?
I don't know.
Maybe a little softer on the
face and two shades lighter.
Ooh.
Ooh-ooh.
That is a hot number.
See you later.
[music playing]
(READING) Dear Ewa,
you saved my life,
and I thank you for that.
I could have been dead by now.
And the children would
be without a father.
Because of the metabolic
changes in my personality,
I am afraid I was going
through an emotional crisis
this past year.
It took me more time to
recover than I expected.
But I'm healthy physically
now and also emotionally.
They've even shown me my
progress on a diagram.
I've made great progress
here at Mid-Hudson.
The staff understands me.
They have worked hard with me.
Next week I am leaving here,
and I'll be transferred
to Pilgrim State Hospital.
(READING) Dear Adam, I have
received a number of letters
from you.
In your last one, you
have misinterpreted
all my actions and intentions.
I have no feelings left
for you... love or hate.
I can never coexist with you
as lovers or in any other way.
I think you should concentrate
on getting well so that you
can organize your life
and start fulfilling
your responsibilities.
As I said, I am not your enemy,
and I don't want to fight you.
I hope you will get better soon.
The children send their love.
That there's the
administration building.
Take a look at it.
Look at this.
People come and go, but
anybody that goes, comes back.
You see?
When this lights up
in the night time
it's like Hollywood Boulevard...
the Palladium in England.
It's a beautiful place.
Over there's the Pilgrim.
Take a look at that.
The Pilgrim.
Beautiful place.
I got a condominium there.
In 11C and 11B two
condominiums, one co-op.
Then we have disco dancing.
They play the "Star-Spangled
Banner." (SINGING) Hey,
baby, disco baby.
Champagne party every
Saturday night, baby.
And you're gonna
love it, too, baby.
Let me tell you something.
One thing I can tell you.
Two prisoners were here
from the United States.
Let me tell you something.
This is a beautiful joint.
Anybody comes here stays
the rest of their life.
I bring my wife
here once a week.
I got a little kid.
I'll break him into the joints.
You can't go wrong.
You can't miss it.
You have nothing to worry about.
Relax.
When you get in there, you'll
do more talking than me.
I got news for you.
I want to see a doctor.
I want to know why I'm being
kept here against my will.
[interposing voices]
Fred.
Hey!
Hey, hey, ho!
Hey, hey, hey!
That's enough.
That's enough.
Huh?
All right.
All right.
[inaudible]
So what do we have today?
Uh, we have six
renewals, Dr. And, uh, we
have a new admission.
I'm just making up his chart.
Adam Berwid, transferred
from Mid-Hudson.
He's paranoid,
obsessive-compulsive.
Incarcerated for
threatening his wife.
No medication.
Uh, what's he look like?
He's very well put together.
He's very calm.
But I think...
[inaudible].
[interposing voices]
They seem to have taught
you rather well, Mr. Berwid.
Oh, yes.
I learned many things at
Mid-Hudson... how to wash
my face, how to brush my teeth.
We'll continue that here too.
Uh, the cupboard.
Mr. Berwid?
I'm Dr. Huffman.
Or should I say, Dr. Berwid?
Mr. Berwid has a doctorate
in nuclear engineering.
I'm impressed.
Thank you.
I'm looking forward
to going back
to work as soon as my ex-wife
calms down about me, of course.
Yeah, I've never had
the good luck to meet
anyone from Poland before.
Maybe you could explain
to me the connection
between the Catholic
Church and the government.
The Church is corrupt, like
any man-made institution.
Myself, I think, nobody should
get between a man and God.
That's interesting.
I'd like to discuss this
at length some time.
See you soon.
Thank you, Dr. Huffman.
A doctor of nuclear
engineering, huh?
What else you have there, huh?
Four shirts.
OK.
You seem a bit down
in the mouth, Adam.
Is it because the anniversary
of your divorce is coming up?
It makes me a little sad.
The divorce is
a kind of death.
Mourning is part of
the recovery process.
It's natural.
Yes.
I've read that theory somewhere.
I imagine you have.
You're read everything
in the library.
That's what makes it such
a pleasure to talk to you.
Tell me, Adam, what do you
feel about nuclear power
as an expert.
Well, I think
it's very dangerous.
Human beings can't handle it.
What about the disposal
of waste products?
Good question, Dr. Huffman.
But you see, it's a far more
serious problem in Poland
than in the West.
But as long as it's in the
hands of the bureaucracy,
they have better control.
But it is in the
hands of politicians.
And they think only in
terms of power and profits.
Could you trust them?
[gunshot]
You're good, gal.
So what's he like?
Come on.
You know I'm dying to know.
[sigh] Well, his name is Tom.
He's strong and loving,
wonderful with the children.
And he does the dishes.
[laughter]
Robert Redford or Paul Newman?
- More like Clint Eastwood.
- Ooh.
And he does the dishes?
Has he got a brother?
Maggie, I'll ask.
[gunshot]
OK.
Here we go.
Hot off the presses.
Thank you.
We'll have one of these
in every squad car in town.
OK.
Let's see now.
Lawyer's name.
Yes.
You got the signals straight?
The police come if
the porch light is off.
Good.
All right.
You tell your neighbors too.
- Yes.
I will.
- OK.
And the gun permit?
Oh, yes.
Uh, right over here.
You certainly did qualify.
Sergeant, thank you
for all your help.
Uh, do you mind if
I ask you something?
No.
Why don't you just move?
Actually I've been applying
for new jobs out of state.
Good.
[inaudible] Tom?
Well, if he asks me I won't
go, but it's not settled yet.
Ah.
I get the picture.
And Sergeant, I know
it will be safer here.
You'll watch me, and
you'll watch out for Adam.
The minute I move, you won't
worry about him anymore.
Yeah, well, we will
keep on top of it.
You rest easy, Mrs. Berwid.
And you can call me any time.
Thank you.
Bye-bye, Ms. Landers.
ADAM BERWID: (READING)
Dear Ewa, why have
you not written to me again?
I hope that you don't still
believe my past threats.
As the Bible says,
forget the past.
For some time now
I have the feeling
that our whole family
and our marriage
were victims of
someone's dirty tricks.
I never believed you really
wanted to get the divorce.
I know as you do that it
is best for the children
to have two parents.
We both have obligations
to the children.
I know you're still too
frightened to visit me.
Please don't be afraid.
I'm OK.
Also there are numbers
of security people.
And I can come in a
security jacket if you wish.
Please.
We must see each other and talk.
Last night I... I was dreaming.
And then I was remembering how
you baked bread that morning.
Do you remember?
I guess we're both
a little nervous.
I guess so.
After all the problems
I'm causing you're
very forgiving to come here.
When do you think
you'll be released?
Not till the judge sees that
the, uh... that the atmosphere
between us is completely clear.
Is it?
On my part, yes.
Of course I can understand
how you might not be certain.
You know, after
I'm released I... I
wanted to ask you
if you would like
to go traveling for a few days.
We still have the
last name, which
would alleviate suspicions.
Adam, we're divorced.
I have a new life now.
Of course.
I imagine such an attractive
woman has many boyfriends.
You haven't asked
about the children.
I'm glad you didn't
bring them, though.
This is not such a nice
place for them to see.
Adam, why did you accuse me
of those things with Daniel?
I was going crazy.
Everyone knows that.
But were you just saying
those things, or were you...
I... Ewa, let's forget the
past like the Bible says.
Anyway, I have to go soon.
I'm just trying to
understand what happened.
You understand
perfectly what happened.
But did you really
believe that I was
doing those things to our son?
- I have to go now.
Adam, wait.
[slam]
Now you say you'll
issue Adam day passes?
If he continues to show
steady improvement, of course.
Legally my hands are tied.
And while they should be.
Yeah, maybe this
isn't the time
for us to be so liberal here.
You're so concerned
about Adam's rights.
What about the potential
rights of the victim?
A woman's life could
be at stake here.
I understand the issues.
That's not going to
happen in this case.
Oh, is that right?
Oh.
What if we we're right
and you're wrong?
Hm?
You ever think of that?
What exactly do you propose?
At least notify us if Adam
leaves the hospital grounds.
All right.
We'll put the phone number on
Adam's file to be used only
in the event of his escape.
Thank you.
It's a pity that society
finds it so hard to forgive.
[knocking]
No.
Hold no a minute.
What do you want, Adam?
Might I come in?
Sure.
I have a day pass.
I'll ring you right back.
Um.
Uh, let me check that, Adam.
OK?
Sure.
OK.
Thank you, Mrs. Karris.
You'll be back
on time, won't you?
Sure.
[music playing]
[interposing voices]
BEN HAGGARTY: My
favorite song. (SINGING)
London Bridge is falling down.
Boys Was girls together.
Boys and girls.
Live in [inaudible].
[interposing voices]
Trip the light fantastic on
the sidewalks of New York.
East side...
FEMALE VOICE: Why don't
we sing something else.
BEN HAGGARTY: I love this.
[singing]
[interposing voices]
Want to sing
something [inaudible]?
[humming]
(SINGING) London Bridge is
falling down. [inaudible].
Boys and girls together.
Where's my piece of cheesecake?
[laughter]
Later.
[singing]
[laughter]
[interposing voices]
[scatting]
Gerry, uh, see if Adam is in
the canteen for me, will you?
And try the gym too.
And let me know.
[interposing voices]
Dr.
[tapping]
I thought you'd gone.
[screaming]
What is it?
Adam Berwid hasn't
come back yet.
Uh, have you seen the
cover on his file?
Shouldn't someone be notified?
Mrs. Karris,
emergency notification
does not apply to a day pass.
Extend Adam's curfew till 9:00.
I talk to him in the morning.
Thanks.
Dr. Huffman told me you
were worried, Mrs. Karris.
I'm sorry about that.
Just lost track of the time.
And then she got
all emotional on me,
jumped up right into a
cab, and gone in the night.
[laughter]
Actually there's a
big plus to this.
I didn't have to drive
her home last night.
What is it, Adam?
I have a pass.
What?
I want to go into town
and buy a decent coat.
I thought you went yesterday.
And also today, Mrs. Karris.
I'll go down with you, Adam.
OK?
Uh, wait here till
I get back, Gerry.
Right.
Adam, would you hold on
for a moment here, please?
I'll be right with you.
[knocking]
Dr. Chang, could I speak
with you for a moment?
It's important.
- Please.
Come in.
DR. HUFFMAN (ON PHONE):
Dr. Huffman here.
Dr. Huffman, Dr. Chang here.
Yes, Dr.
Um, I understand
that you've given
Adam Berwid another day pass.
DR. HUFFMAN (ON
PHONE): That's correct.
Well, in view of patient's
history, I must say,
I have some misgivings.
And so do some of the members
of his treatment team.
DR. HUFFMAN (ON PHONE):
You mean, Nurse Karris?
Among others, yes.
Don't you think
it's a bit premature
to be letting him out?
DR. HUFFMAN (ON PHONE): He
has my complete confidence.
In my experience, these passes
reap great therapeutic rewards.
I am registering my concern.
DR. HUFFMAN (ON
PHONE): Rest assured
there's nothing to worry about.
Goodbye.
Thank thank, Dr. Huffman.
We're going to have ice cream.
Yeah.
And a little snack.
Yeah.
You guys are happy
about this, huh?
- Really, Mommy.
- We're going to see Maggie.
Oh, boy.
And do some shopping.
I'm getting into
the front seat.
No.
I am.
Now, don't argue.
Maggie, I'd like your
opinion on this drawing.
I did it last night.
It... it's my first red dress.
Uh-huh.
[buzz]
[video game music playing]
Mom, can I have a quarter?
Daniel, you want
a whole quarter?
Yeah.
What about your sister?
Does she want a quarter?
No.
So what do you think?
Well, it's great,
but are you going
to wear that to the office?
It's for Tom's party.
Oh, well.
So, uh, when's the wedding?
Well.
Come on.
I saw that moving van
stuff on your desk.
Maggie, that was in my desk.
Um, right.
You caught me.
[inaudible]
Mommy.
Mommy, can I have four quarters
because Sara's beating me.
Daniel.
He thinks I'm a bank.
[laughter]
Two quarters.
And you give one to your sister.
That kid drives
a hard bargain.
Yes.
[laughter]
He's an American child.
MAGGIE: And you're
a Polish pushover.
Can you help me?
Yes, sir.
What can I do for you?
[inaudible] please on knives.
What kind?
To hunt.
Hunting knives.
Here we go.
These are excellent knives.
Me and my son, we go up to
Bear Mountain sometimes.
It's nice.
I have that knife there.
It's an excellent knife.
Uh, it comes with the scabbard.
[train horn]
(YELLING) Hello.
Hello!
Yes.
Berwid.
Berwid.
I fell asleep on the train.
Missed my stop.
Of course I will be late.
What train?
Where?
Well, when was the next one due?
(ANGRILY) Well,
why didn't you ask?
Look, just put me
through to a doctor.
They all went home?
[phone ringing]
OK, children.
We're home.
Sara, I'll race
you to the door.
- OK.
- Oh, no.
No racing.
[slam]
[voices on television]
Oh, Sara, no television now.
You have you milk...
SARA: Please let me watch.
No.
You have your milk and
go straight to bed.
OK?
And can I have your
jacket, Daniel?
[inaudible].
Yes.
Don't you dare spill
the milk on them.
Don't worry.
I never spill the milk.
[children arguing]
Eat it.
No!
[inaudible].
Children, please stop.
- No.
- Just milk.
No cookies.
Hello.
Adam, don't come any closer.
I'm sorry you're
still so scared.
Adam, please.
You know you mustn't be here.
They why not call the police?
I will.
Children, take your milk
and come to bed please.
Sara.
- Mommy, was that Daddy?
Yes, Daniel.
He's come to talk to Mommy.
Come on.
I want to see him.
Me too.
Not now.
You come to bed now.
Daniel.
Daniel!
Mommy, can I see Daddy?
No.
Please go upstairs now
and go to sleep, children.
[banging]
No. (SCREAMING) Adam,
no. [inaudible].
No!
Adam!
I did not do anything.
Oh, police! [scream]
9-1-1 OPERATOR
(ON PHONE): 9-1-1.
[screaming]
Hello.
All right.
Stop screaming and
tell me where you are.
[screaming]
Ma'am!
Where are you?
Stop!
9-1-1 OPERATOR
(ON PHONE): Hello.
Police.
9-1-1 OPERATOR (ON PHONE):
Ma'am, tell me where you are.
[moaning]
9-1-1 OPERATOR
(ON PHONE): Hello.
Ma'am, tell me where you are.
Hello!
[screaming]
Hello.
Ma'am.
(SCREAMING) He's...
he's killing me!
Oh, God!
[phone ringing]
MALE VOICE ON POLICE SCANNER:
We have a missing person
report from Pilgrim State.
Patient's name is Adam Berwid.
Resides at 6538 Wellington.
Patient is four hours
overdue, and the nurses
are afraid he may come
back after his ex-wife.
POLICE OFFICER:
This place is quiet.
There's nobody around.
Hello.
I got your number
from a... a bulletin
my ex-wife made up about me.
ADAM BERWID (ON PHONE):
My name is Adam Berwid.
I killed her last
night, Sergeant.
I'll be waiting at
the house for you.
[knocking]
DR. HUFFMAN (ON PHONE): Come in.
But I ask you,
gentlemen, where do
you turn at a time like this?
Where do you find comfort
in escape of guilt we
all, in some measure,
have to share?
We all know Ewa Berwid, have
little left but her memory.
Beloved friend,
respected colleague,
devoted, selfless mother.
No senseless act of
violence can rob us of this.
But in the shadows of a troubled
homeland, the black terror
of her marriage to a madman, Ewa
Berwid reached for the light.
And she found it.
Though she enjoyed happiness
and confidence too briefly,
her image will remain
forever in our hearts.
I want you to remember
her, gentlemen.
and grieve with all
of us who knew her.
And resolve, as I do.
Ewa Berwid's death won't
be the last of its kind.
NARRATOR: Partly as a direct
result of Ewa Berwid's death,
certain procedures for
releasing mental patients
with a criminal history
have been changed.
Now in many states,
panels of doctors
must agree to the release,
and interested parties
must be notified.
In her will, Ewa Berwid
left instructions
that her children
reside with a family
she had known for some time.
In 1983, the estate
of Ewa Berwid
was awarded $600,000 in a
wrongful death suit brought
against the state of New York.
Adam Berwid was found
guilty of murder
and was sentenced to prison
for 35 years to life.
He will be eligible for
parole in the year 2016.
[music playing]
[trumpet anthem]