People use the color yellow
To symbolize hope.
Yellow...
Like the sun
we rarely saw.
When I was very young,
I thought life would be
Like one long and perfect
summer day.
After all,
it started out that way.
We were
four beautiful children
With blond hair
and porcelain skin.
We looked like
those fancy dresden dolls
That grace shelves
and mantels.
Only we weren't just admired.
We were really loved.
But that was before.
"life is full of surprises,"
my mother used to say.
And greed and fear and shame,
as I soon learned.
And hopelessness.
We never colored
even one of our paper flowers
Yellow.
FLOWERS IN THE ATTIC
Give them back, Christopher.
Not until you quit
pounding on my wall, you freak.
Hey. What do you kids
think you're doing?
I don't even get a hug?
Dad!
Daddy!
Oh! I missed you all so much!
What did you bring us?
For you, son.
Thank you.
Did you forget about me?
Mm!
I could never forget about you.
It's so beautiful.
Oh! I got you!
Oh!
I wish you never had to go away
For work again.
Promise me you won't.
I hate to break up the party,
But dinner's almost ready,
and I made your favorite--
Homemade apple pie.
Corrine, you shouldn't have.
She didn't.
You forgot to take off the bakery label.
Ugh. Cathy! Could never
get anything past you, huh?
Yeah, mom.
What's going on?
I mean, you're wearing
a new dress and perfume.
Well, the wife of a vice-president
Can't wear just any old thing.
I was gonna wait
until it was 100% official,
But I got promoted,
And I'm now the head of sales
of the entire east coast.
That's great!
Thank you.
He got promoted!
He's so smart, that's why.
Nobody's here.
Cathy...
Hey.
This is a big opportunity for me.
For all of us.
I know what's gonna happen.
You'll be away all the time.
Mom will be busy with the twins.
Christopher will act like
he's the man of the house.
I'll be totally forgotten.
Can I tell you a secret?
I bought this...
On my last trip,
And it's more money
than I should've spent,
But the moment I saw it,
I knew you had to have it.
So, when I'm traveling,
I need you to be strong.
Can you do that for me?
Mommy! Cathy's hurting me!
It wouldn't hurt so much
If you'd sit still for five seconds.
Girls, please.
Your dad's gonna be home
in less than two hours,
I need to ice the cake,
chill the champagne--
Where are your brothers?
Why do I have to wear a tie?
'Cause we're the "dresden dolls."
I don't wanna be a doll.
It's just a saying, darling.
Because the neighbors
think we look so perfect.
We are perfect.
Why isn't he here yet?
He's probably just stuck in traffic.
When are we gonna eat the cake?
I want it now!
Can I take off my tie, please?
Just be patient, darlings, okay?
I'm going to go freshen the ice.
Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.
I hear someone in the driveway.
Mrs. Dollanganger?
I'm sorry, but, um...
There's been an accident.
Mama?
Mom?
Alright, guys, five more minutes.
Is daddy coming home tonight?
No.
Remember? We told you.
He died.
Sometimes, when I really miss him,
I just pretend he's on a business trip
And that he'll be back any day.
You guys wash up for dinner.
Mom, um, the twins want you
to read them a story.
Is that the mail?
Madame pomfrey says
I can't stay in ballet class,
Unless we pay for last month.
Are we gonna be okay without dad?
I'm doing the best I can.
It's not easy for a woman to get a job
And to support four kids on her own.
Look at me, I'm an ornament.
The only thing I was ever good at
Was being pretty.
You know...
You're lucky.
You had a dad that
thought you were special.
Because I'm just like you.
Well, in looks, maybe,
But you're more aggressive
and determined.
You're just like his mother,
And he loved his mother.
Doesn't everyone love their mother?
Some mothers are impossible to love.
They don't act like mothers at all.
Have christopher read
the twins a story,
And put this in the mailbox for tomorrow.
Another one? But you already sent--
It's late.
You should finish your homework.
Cathy, christopher!
Come inside, now.
You know all those letters I sent?
Well, I finally got a response.
It's all working out as I'd hoped.
We can go live with your grandmother,
In virginia.
What grandmother?
You and dad said
That we never had any family.
Well...
It's complicated.
My parents and I,
we didn't see eye-to-eye,
So we thought it was best
to keep our distance,
But with your father gone,
This is our best hope for now.
What about school?
And all of our friends?
My ballet classes?
You two are old enough
to understand,
To help your mother
out of a desperate situation.
But we still have the house,
And I can get a part-time job,
Cathy can help out more
with the twins.
People have a way of believing
That nothing bad can ever happen.
And your father was doing so well
At his job, so...
We charged against our future.
What do you mean?
Nothing here is really ours.
Not the furniture,
the cars, your toys...
N-not even this necklace.
It's been four months,
And I've been holding them at bay,
But the bank is gonna
come and take it all away.
Look, I know it sounds scary,
But I've saved the best news
for last.
My family is rich.
Not middle-class rich,
but unbelievably wealthy,
And they have one of the finest
homes in all of virginia,
With servants,
And acres of land,
and their very own lake.
Wait till we tell
everyone at school.
We leave tonight.
Tonight?
It's our only choice.
I know it's hard,
But I promise you,
Whatever you leave behind,
I'll buy you a thousand more
in virginia.
You won't miss a thing.
Don't worry, mom.
We're dollangangers.
We'll be happy wherever.
I knew I could count
on you, christopher.
And one more thing...
Our name isn't really dollanganger.
It's foxworth.
I bet the house is huge.
I mean, you could have
your own dance studio
With costumes and a grand piano.
I wouldn't even hear you.
You'll be out exploring
the woods and the lake.
Way better than any boring biology class.
Ma'am?
We'll reach your depot
in a few minutes.
Thank you.
You're sure you wouldn't rather
Get off in charlottesville?
It's 3:00 a.M.,
In the middle of nowhere.
Oh, thank you.
We have someone meeting us.
Just the children's bag.
Someone will pick up mine tomorrow.
Thank you.
Have a good night.
Godspeed, Mrs. Patterson.
I thought you said
There was someone meeting us.
We should be there
before the sun breaks.
It's a long walk.
How long?
I can't carry the twins.
Well, let them walk.
The country air
will do them good.
Where are we going?
I wanna go back home now!
Just a little further,
and everything will be alright.
You really think so?
Yes. If that's what mom said.
This is foxworth hall.
Okay, cory, blow your nose, okay?
Okay. Good. Good.
Okay, cathy, button this button.
Hello, mother.
Well...
Look what the cat dragged in.
Shh.
Shh.
Thank you for taking us in, mother.
I don't know
what we would've done.
I'm not your father, corrine.
Your groveling
has always bored me.
I see your children
have inherited your good looks.
I just hope there's
no hidden defect or affliction.
I didn't agree
to run a circus here.
My children are perfect,
physically and mentally.
They just need some rest.
Well, the two older children
can't share a bed.
Cathy and christopher
are children.
They're innocent.
Yes. That's what
I used to presume about you.
Well, if you're so worried,
Why don't you put them
in a separate room?
Heaven knows
there's enough here.
No, this is the only safe room
Where your father
can't hear them.
Put the two girls in one bed
And the two boys
in the other one.
And when your mother and I
leave here,
I will lock this room
from the outside,
And you will
keep the drapes closed.
And remember...
God sees everything.
God sees what evil
you do behind my back.
I'll wait for you out in the hall.
Grandfather doesn't
know we're here?
I'm sorry, I should've
told you the truth,
But I didn't want you
to be frightened.
When I was 18, I did something
my parents didn't approve of,
So my father
wrote me out of his will.
Is that why she hates us?
She doesn't hate you.
She's just jealous
Of how much I love
you guys and your dad,
How much my father
used to love me.
That's why we're here.
I'm gonna win him back.
He's gonna put us in his will.
He's 78 years old
and he's dying,
And I just need a little time
alone to reconnect with him.
How much time?
I don't know exactly.
Maybe a few days
or a week?
And when I win my father over,
I'm gonna take you all
down to meet him,
And I know he'll love each
and every one of you
Just as much as I do.
We'll be fine up here.
We're foxworths.
And tomorrow,
I'll bring toys and games,
And I'll come visit you
as much as I can.
And just whatever you do,
Don't make your grandmother
angry, okay?
Corrine!
What is that
on that child's hand?
It's a promise ring,
from my father.
Give it to me.
Mom, she can't.
Dad gave it to me.
I said, give it to me, girl!
Or must I speak more...
Slowly?
And don't you ever mention
your father in this house again.
Come on, Corrine, that's enough.
I'm sorry.
I promise, all our dreams
are gonna come true.
Just trust me.
Where's the sun?
Is it still night?
Cory! Don't.
Your food.
Uh! Uh-uh-uh.
Get your hands off that.
That food has to last you
the entire day.
I can't be running
up and down the stairs.
The servants might get suspicious.
There'll be eggs for breakfast,
sandwiches for lunch,
And chicken for dinner,
And I want you to eat all of it.
Don't waste one bite of it,
you understand?
And if you're very good,
I may bring you
some fruit.
Thank you.
I've written out
a list of other rules.
First of all, you'll keep
this room neat and tidy,
As if nobody lived here.
Keep your hair brushed neatly,
And your bodies clean
and fully clothed.
And be modest
when you go to the bathroom.
Girls and boys are never to use
the bathroom at the same time.
You older children will
keep the younger ones quiet.
No running around
or yelling or crying,
They're good kids,
But they need somewhere
to play and make noise.
Ah. Over here, there's a...
Stairway.
Leads up to the attic.
You want us
to play in an attic?
Up there,
there will be ample room.
And, the last Friday
of every month,
You're to clean out
all of your things
And hide up there
While the maids
are cleaning this room.
No one must ever see
or hear you.
Do you understand?
Good.
Because if your grandfather ever
discovered that you're here,
You'd all be thrown out
without a red cent,
But not before getting punished
for even being alive.
Carrie...
You can dress up
for days in here.
Hey, Cor', check it out.
You finally get
your own record player.
But it doesn't have a plug.
You just have to crank it.
Better hope you inherit
from this half of the gene pool.
Like you know anything.
Our entire family.
They're all grumpy!
Like our grandma.
They're not grumpy.
Guys! You gotta
come check this out.
Looks we weren't
the first kids up here.
It's hot and dusty.
I don't like it.
It's not so bad.
I wanna go outside
in the garden.
This is a bad place.
I want mama!
Okay, we're gonna
make this a game.
Pretend we're outside.
The floor can be the garden,
And the ceiling can be the sky,
And I'll even make a swing.
What do you think she meant,
Grandfather punishing us
for even being alive?
She's just
trying to scare us.
Then how come she said
we'd be here for months?
Quit worrying.
Mom's gonna take care of us.
Maybe this isn't
such a good idea.
See? It worked.
Cory, carrie,
come try this out.
I'm telling you,
the week's gonna fly by.
Mom's gonna win over her dad
and we'll all be rich.
We'll never have to
see this attic again.
This is cold and greasy!
I don't like it.
Cripes, carrie.
This is all we have.
No!
I don't
like this either.
Children, enough.
Wasting food...
Is the devil's work.
If you leave so much
as one bite of your food...
God will tell me--
...And you will be punished
And sent to the bowels of hell!
Mommy!
Oh, mom. Sorry.
We were just goofing around.
He was trying
to get the twins to eat.
Oh, kids, what did I tell you?
I just, um...
Oh, mother. Um...
Don't be mad.
It's not their fault.
They didn't properly understand.
They will.
Mom?
You okay?
I just wanted to come
say goodnight.
How was your first day?
It wasn't so bad, was it?
Mommy, we don't like it here.
It's not nice.
Carrie, stop.
No. Cathy and christopher
are mean.
We wanna go home.
With you, mama.
We want you.
I'm sorry, darlings,
It's just, for now,
You have to listen to
your older brother and sister,
Like they're parents.
No!
Take us out of here. Now!
Corrine!
Stop that child from screaming
right now.
Ow! Get away from me!
Get! Get off!
Stop yelling!
They're only five.
Take off your blouse
and show them
How bad behavior is
dealt with in this house.
You can do whatever
you want to me,
But you can't be
cruel to my children,
Or we'll leave tonight,
And you'll never see them,
or me, ever again.
Go!
Now take off your blouse.
Do it!
Take a good long look, children,
At what happens
when you disobey me.
18 lashes,
For every year she used
her wicked charms
On my husband!
And 20 more
For every year she lived in sin
with your father.
A marriage that was an abomination
In the eyes of the lord,
With four children
Spawned by the devil!
Evil...
From the moment
you were conceived.
Evil!
I make the rules
in this house.
I do!
And I execute the punishment.
[door creaks]
Figured since I couldn't
get you a real garden,
That you could build
a garden in the attic.
What about
grandmother?
Won't she punish us?
She's claustrophobic.
She'll never climb the stairs.
You should take it easy. Mom.
It's okay.
It's just a willow switching.
My pride hurts
worse than my back.
But why?
Why did grandmother say
those things about daddy?
About us?
When I was little,
I turned to my father for love.
We did everything
together.
Sailing and horseback-riding,
Even hunting.
That only made my mother
more jealous.
And she took every
opportunity she could
To torment me and shame me,
And she succeeded.
Over the years,
My father became more
and more busy with work,
And I became
More withdrawn and lonely.
And into all this came
my father's half-brother.
His mother had recently died
and my family took him in.
He was only
a few years older than me.
He was so handsome
and so kind, and, uh...
So full of life.
My father treated him
like he was his own son,
And I'd never met
anyone like him.
You're talking about dad?
We tried to keep
our feelings secret,
Even from each other.
I mean, we were
related by blood.
He was my half-uncle.
And when we eloped,
My family flew into a rage
and my father disinherited me,
And my mother said
That my children would be
born with hooved feet
And forked tails.
She was wrong.
God didn't punish me,
not with you.
You are perfect.
You have to believe it,
no matter what anyone says.
I hope you can understand
That love doesn't always come
when you want it.
Sometimes it just happens,
against your will.
I don't care what you did, mom,
or do.
I'll always love you.
Why did grandmother
let you come back?
Because she's been
waiting 20 years
To say
"I told you so."
Trust me, cathy,
I'm as much a captive
of this place as you are.
Hey, Cor'.
That's a great...
It's a snail.
I can't wait to show it
to mama when she comes.
If she comes.
She's only missed
a few days.
A week.
I've made a calendar.
You gonna help out
with the garden or what?
We need water.
Watch where you're going!
Why are you
in such a hurry?
Sorry, I-I just had to
get some more water
For christopher
before the paint dries.
The paint?
We're building a garden,
In the attic,
So the twins won't be so scared.
Was this your mother's idea?
Hope you didn't inherit
her artistic abilities.
The only real talent
corrine ever had was...
For the opposite sex.
I'm a dancer, actually.
Ballet.
And christopher's
a really good artist.
He can paint anything.
Has he ever painted you?
Has he asked you to pose for him
With your clothes off?
Come on, girl!
Spill out the truth!
I want to know what kind of
wickedness you're up to!
Nothing.
Nothing?
Why are you trembling?
Because you keep accusing us
of doing all these bad things,
And I don't even know
what you're talking about.
You don't know
what I'm talking about.
Ask your brother!
He'll know.
By the time they're born,
The male of the species
They know all about wickedness...
Evil.
Right. Now, make sure
that you take all of your toys.
Check under the beds.
Make sure.
I don't want
any trace of you here.
Why don't you take this?
Why does this table
look polished?
The room can't look
like it's just been dusted!
The maids are gonna be here
in less than an hour.
Alright, never mind.
I'll take care of it.
Uh--
Here are some real flowers
for your fake garden.
Just go.
"See Jane run.
Run, Jane, run."
Now you try.
No!
We've already read it
a kazillion times.
If you guys play nicely tonight,
We can go on the roof
tomorrow morning.
I don't wanna go on the roof.
Mom!
We missed you so much!
I'm sorry I've kept you
waiting so long, darlings,
But here's some games,
And the paints
you asked for, cathy.
Where have you been?
I wanted to come earlier, but...
I've had to spend every moment
with my father.
You have no idea
how hard it's been on me.
Today, I finally
Just had a chance
to go sailing on the lake.
You went sailing?
You got some great
color, mom.
Can you stay for
the twins' bedtime?
Yeah! Stay! Stay!
I have a movie date
with an old friend.
She keeps asking me out
But I would much rather
be with you guys!
Then why aren't you downstairs
telling your father about us?
Well, cathy, I have to time it
very carefully.
I only just got back.
It's been a month!
And I'm sick of being in here.
The twins need
fresh air and sunshine.
I want to go sailing!
Stop picking on mom, Cathy.
I just want to know when.
When are you going to tell
your father about us?
When do we get to leave?
Like I said,
My father has just
finally accepted me back.
Then why can't he accept us?
Are we so terrible,
or stupid, or ugly,
That he wouldn't want to meet
his own grandchildren?
I can't.
I can't tell him
about you, ever.
My father forgave me
on one condition--
That I didn't have any children
with your father.
You know what?
I'll cancel my movie date,
And I'll stay here
with you and the twins.
It's okay, mom.
You go.
We'll be fine here.
He could go any day now.
That's how heart disease works.
A blood clot could break free
And find its way
to his lungs or heart,
Snuff him out like a candle.
With our luck,
grandfather will never die.
We'll be stuck up here forever.
What's few more weeks?
A month, even?
Pretty soon,
We're gonna be worth millions.
Mom already acts like she is.
Have you noticed
How she's always in a new outfit?
She's a foxworth.
She has to fit in around here.
Cory's a cheater!
I thought you guys were
playing hide-and-seek.
We were!
But I called and called
and he won't come out.
Cory!
Where are you?
Christopher.
Over here.
It's gonna be okay.
We just need to get him
warmed up.
Cathy?
I miss mama so much.
Pretend I'm your mom.
I love you so much.
That's what makes
a real mother.
Our first christmas without dad.
Remember how
he used to take us sledding
Behind the flanagans'?
He was always
running alongside us,
Making sure the twins were safe.
One christmas
up here won't matter.
And we can make our own
presents for the twins.
Say it's from santa.
We could make something
for grandmother, too.
She does bring us
food every day.
She got us that plant.
She might even let us out.
Hurry, cathy!
She's gonna be here.
Careful.
I don't want it to rip.
Christopher, can I have the card?
It has to be perfect.
Grandmother?
Cathy! Cathy!
Wake up. Santa came!
This gift is not from santa.
It's for cory and carrie
to play pretend house,
Just like I did.
And all the doors and windows
really work
And the locks.
I knew that color
would look perfect on you.
You look just like your father
when I first met him.
You think so?
I got this
sent from paris.
It's hand-embroidered.
Don't you like it?
Yes.
I just don't know
where I'd wear it.
Well, I know
it's not a perfect christmas,
But I still have
one more trick up my sleeve.
A window to the outside world.
My father gave it to me.
But that's not all.
Bart, Mr. Winslow,
he says that my father
Has an even bigger
surprise for me.
Who's Mr. Winslow?
He's my father's attorney.
He says it's only a matter
Of drawing up
the new paperwork, but...
I'm gonna inherit everything.
I knew you could do it, mom.
He's throwing me a party tonight,
With champagne and a live orchestra
And anyone who's anyone--
-...In virginia.
-Can we come?
Please?
We'll hide somewhere
and we'll be quiet,
And no one will hear us
or see us, I swear.
I think it's too risky.
I mean, after putting
in all this time...
We haven't seen
other people in so long.
It's the only thing
I really want.
Don't you care if I'm happy?
Cathy, quit it.
You think she's happy
Knowing her kids
are locked up in an attic?
It's okay, Christopher.
You can come.
You can both come.
After the twins are asleep.
I feel like, for the first time
since your father died,
Things are finally
looking up for us.
This is where I used to hide and
watch my parents' parties.
Just remember your promise, okay?
Be quiet as mice.
And after dinner,
Go straight back
to our room.
Yes.
The house hasn't been
so lively in years.
And all this because of you.
That's what worries me.
I hope I don't disappoint anyone.
Oh, no, miss foxworth,
you're as lovely as ever.
Thank you, sarah.
That dress...
Most women would be
too modest to wear it.
I know you don't
approve of this party,
But try to have fun,
For father's sake.
Your father's well-being
is my only concern.
It's the one thing we share.
Merry christmas.
Corrine, this is all too gorgeous.
I wanted something simpler,
But my father insisted.
Well, I always told him,
"spare the rod,
And spoil the child."
Mother, please.
Well, she certainly
doesn't look spoiled.
God, I can't even imagine
Being invited to a party like this.
You won't have to.
Someday, it's gonna be our party.
John, I told sarah specifically
To serve the aged bourbon.
I always keep
A few extra bottles
handy up here.
I know how
Mr. Foxworth enjoys it.
Oh, never mind.
It'll just make him
fall asleep before dinner.
And john...
Get rid of sarah.
Tonight?
But, ma'am, it's dead cold out,
And there are no more trains.
Well, then
that will show the servants
What happens
when they don't do as I say.
Father!
Merry christmas.
It's so beautiful.
I don't deserve that.
It belonged to my mother.
Passed on
from her own mother.
And this...
Is just the beginning.
It's so beautiful.
Ah.
Maybe someday you'll have
a daughter of your own
That you can
pass it on to.
Come on, over here.
You're missing
all the fun, mr. Winslow.
Come on, corrine.
Just five minutes alone.
You know I hate big parties.
I can't, bart.
Everyone's waiting for me.
You must have a secret.
What?
You're beautiful, smart...
Pretty soon, you'll be one of
The richest women in Virginia.
That's the least of your charm.
How are you so perfect?
Well, I'm far from perfect.
Just ask my mother.
Ah, what does
your mother know?
I have to go back and be
the dutiful daughter, remember?
I can't wait to start
our lives together...
Just the two of us.
Did you hear that?
He said "just the two of us"?
Well, she's about to inherit millions.
A lot of guys are gonna be after her.
We should go back
up to the room.
You coming?
No. No, not yet.
I'm gonna explore the house.
We can't do that, not tonight.
I just want to see
this famous "swan bed"
Everybody's talking about.
Nobody's talking
about my bed.
Where's Christopher?
Where is Christopher?
I don't know.
He went to look around.
Do you know what would happen
If anyone found out about you?
Just when everything
is coming together for me?
Mom, we were quiet.
No one heard us, I swear.
Just for that, you will never
come out of this room.
Not for any reason!
How can you say that?
You can't keep us
locked in here forever.
If you ever do that again,
I will whip you!
And cathy, too!
Morning.
What's the matter?
Should I tell santa
to take back all your presents?
Go play.
I'm sorry about last night.
I didn't mean it,
about the whippings.
Any of it.
I just-- I was scared
that you would get caught
And we would lose everything.
I would never do anything
to hurt you.
You have to believe me.
What about bart winslow?
We saw you together.
Are you with him?
Well, I-I told you,
he's my father's attorney,
And he's helping us.
You should be glad
that we've become so close.
This is all a mistake.
What?
Coming here.
Look what it's done to you.
To me.
Let's leave, right now.
Start over somewhere else,
without my father's money.
No amount of money is worth
Having my own children
not love me.
Just know that, if we leave,
We can never come back.
Of course, I love you, mom.
...A rugged design.
A sturdy,
lightweight steel frame...
...On all four wheels.
And hydraulic brakes.
It has
a fully automatic transmission,
And it's equipped with
aluminum-frame...
Hey.
What are you doing up here?
Sorry. I just...
I just realized
we've been here an entire year.
What is that?
It's nothing.
Why do you want to
look at that?
At those women?
Just drop it.
When men and women
love each other,
They have feelings
In their hearts
as well as their bodies.
See, at your age,
it's natural
That your body
would start changing.
I don't want my body to change.
Well, you don't have any choice.
It's nature's way of
making you into a woman.
You don't want to be a child
your whole life, do you?
What about Christopher?
Well, he'll have to start shaving,
And there's other things
that he'll have to learn.
Like what?
Kissing?
You know, I'll explain it all
to you one day.
But in the meantime,
I brought you all
some new clothes.
And I brought this
specially for you.
You know, you're lucky.
At your age, I had no one
to come to with these questions.
What're you doing?
You look so, uh...
Ah.
I knew I'd catch you
sooner or later.
We weren't doing anything.
You think you look so pretty
In your new young curves
And your long, golden hair.
How many times
have you allowed your brother
To use you?
Use?
What do you mean?
I walked in on cathy by accident.
We haven't done anything wrong.
Your sister is almost naked.
And she allowed you
to look upon her body!
Sit down, girl.
What're you doing?
I am going to cut off
your precious hair
Down to the scalp.
Maybe then you won't
feel so much pride
When you look
in the mirror.
You're not gonna cut
one strand of cathy's hair.
Oh?
Alright, then.
Have it your way.
Her hair...
Or the four of you
don't eat for a week.
But the twins...
They didn't do anything.
I think it'll be your brother
Who will cut off
your precious hair.
Or none of you will eat at all.
I'm still hungry.
Me too.
I want a sandwich now.
We just need to ration
what we have.
Until mom comes back.
You guys can have my crackers.
How could she do this to us?
I don't know.
No!
We're innocent.
She can't control us.
We can't let her.
The twins don't look good.
I can check the mouse
traps in the attic.
I think it's tar.
It's not coming out.
I tried everything
From the chemistry kit
mom gave me.
You'll have to use the scissors.
It wasn't your fault.
All you did
was look at me.
I try so hard
not to think about girls.
I just wish to god
you weren't so...
Close.
Then you do think of me?
You think I'm pretty?
Yeah. Uh...
You're pretty, but...
Brothers don't think
of their sisters that way.
No way.
I need a dance partner
to do this next move.
I said I don't dance.
Gimme that.
You jerk!
This is my favorite one.
It's not my fault you outgrew it.
You're outgrowing a lot of things.
When are we gonna outgrow things?
No! I don't want to go outside!
You guys need fresh air
and sunshine.
It's for your own good.
No!
Let them go, chris.
They're never gonna grow.
Not in this attic.
Cathy...
We're getting out of here.
Cathy, come on!
Where do you think mom is?
I don't know.
It's been over a month.
She's never been gone that long.
Why didn't she tell us
where she was going?
Wherever she is,
I'm sure she's thinking of us.
Do you still trust her?
I don't even know
what I feel anymore.
I mean, I want
to trust her,
I do, but...
If something happened to her...
What would happen to us?
She's so beautiful.
Cathy, careful.
We should get back,
Before the twins wake up.
He's trapped!
Do something!
Don't let him die!
I want him to be my pet.
Cory, just don't touch him.
You're mean!
You won't let Cory have anything.
I'm gonna call him Mickey.
Careful, be gentle.
Don't worry.
I'm gonna take good care of you.
I promise.
Sweeties!
I'm sorry I was gone so long,
But I have wonderful news!
Is it grandfather?
Is he dead?
Oh, cathy, don't be so morbid.
Do you remember I told you
about my father's attorney?
Bart winslow.
Well, we've grown closer
over the past year,
And we got married.
What?
When did this happen?
A few months ago.
That's why I was gone so long.
We just got back from
our honeymoon in europe.
Well, I thought about you
the whole time.
I even got you
these beautiful presents.
This is a boat
and it's called a gondola.
You were wrong to go away.
To stay away for so long.
I don't care why.
Try to be happy for me.
I loved your father,
but he's gone.
I need someone to love,
And someone to love me.
When you're older,
you'll understand.
We are older, mom!
Look at us.
I'm not a kid anymore!
And cathy, does she even
look like a little girl?
I know
you're gonna love bart.
I got you
this magnifying glass.
It's an antique.
You said we would be up here
for one night,
Then a few days, a month--
It's been more than
two years, mom!
You think your presents
are gonna make up
For what we've lost?
What we're losing?
You have no right
to talk to me like that.
You agreed to stay here
until my father died.
I said that I would
Take care of you, and I have.
You have food
and books and toys,
And a tv set!
If you can't have pity for us,
think of the twins.
Mom...
They don't even know
who you are anymore.
I'm their mother.
I'm the only person
who truly loves them.
All along,
I've only done the best I could.
You haven't even
Told bart about us.
Have you?
He doesn't even know we exist.
I never could get anything
past you, could I, cathy?
Are these donuts?
They're from your mother.
I wouldn't eat 'em,
if I were you.
They're not good for your health.
We could escape, you know.
We could go down
the roof again.
With the twins.
I know they were scared before,
But if we just explained it...
And we can time it out
with the train.
Don't you think I know that?
Then why are we still here?
All the money in the world
Is not worth this.
You still believe mom?
What choice do I have?
Besides...
Where the hell are we supposed
to go from here?
Step away from the window, boy.
My name's not "boy."
It's Christopher.
What did you say?
I said my name is Christopher.
The same as my father's.
Take off your shirt, boy.
I will whip your sister
and both the twins
If you don't take off your shirt.
Now!
Cathy, go to the attic.
-Don't touch him!
-Go!
Cathy...
Now.
Take off your shirt.
I was so scared.
I kept thinking,
If something happened to you...
Don't worry, Cath'.
I'm right here.
I'm right here.
I know what we did was wrong,
But I don't care.
Felt good, didn't it?
And romantic?
What is the meaning of this?
Nothing.
You were right
about us all along.
We are the devil's spawn.
"when someone
wants to do wrong,
"it's never god
who's tempting him...
"for god never wants
to do wrong
"and never tempts
anyone else to do it.
"temptation is the pull
Of man's own evil thoughts
and wishes."
Can you ever forgive us?
Only the lord can
forgive you, boy.
Prayer is the key
to your salvation.
No.
This is our key.
This is the master key.
It should work on all the doors,
Even the front one.
I wish we could
run away tonight.
Well, we need money.
Lots of it.
So when we escape,
We can go
wherever we want.
We can steal...
From the house.
If grandmother catches us,
she'll whip us.
She probably keeps track
of every single penny.
But not mom.
Dad always said
She was careless
with money.
Cathy, you find anything?
You didn't tell me
there was all this stuff.
Last time I was here,
there wasn't this much stuff.
How do I look?
You look ridiculous.
Now, uh...
Take that stuff off
and start looking for cash.
We can't take too much
or she might notice.
Cathy, what's the matter?
Are you deaf?
$30.
That'll barely get us
to the next county.
We need a thousand.
A-at least.
That'll take weeks.
We need to leave now.
No, not till we have enough
to get away from here.
Cory?
Didn't I give you
my extra donut
If you'd sit still?
It's mickey.
He doesn't like
the hammering noises.
What are they doing?
They're putting up a fence.
Alright, you go in without me.
I need to check outside.
No. What if something
happens to you?
I have to make sure
we can get out.
I love you,
christopher doll.
I love you, too.
Bart, you're just careless.
You can't find your own wallet.
It's not me, it's the maids.
I swear I left it
in my black trousers.
And I think they've been
stealing from us.
The other day,
I was missing $5.
Before that, it was 10.
$5, $10--
what's the difference?
You left me alone
at our own dinner party?
It's not exactly a party,
Having to sit across
from your mother.
I'm sorry. You know
I want to move out of here, too,
As soon as possible.
Let's take a trip.
Babe, I can't.
You know how busy
work is right now.
What about a mini-vacation?
I know a certain swan bed
that has a vacancy.
As a matter of fact,
I had the sweetest dream
earlier there today.
Really?
Yeah. A beautiful
young blonde girl
Snuck into the room,
kissed me.
Right on the lips.
She reminded me of you,
But younger, more innocent.
Wow. That must've been a dream.
Why don't we go stay
in a hotel?
That way, you don't have to see
my mother's face in the morning.
How could you be so careless?
I'm sorry.
He was asleep.
I was curious.
You kissed that man!
And he wasn't asleep,
he saw you!
Mom can't know
we passed through a locked door!
We don't have enough money yet.
You think you're the only one
frustrated?
Christopher! Stop!
You're hurting me.
It's okay.
You didn't mean it.
We'll go to Florida.
Sarasota...
Where all
the circus people live.
Yeah.
We can star in a freak show.
We can pretend
this never happened.
We can make sure that
it never happens again.
The thing is...
I want to feel
this way about you.
I love you.
I don't know if I can
ever love anyone else.
Cory doesn't feel so good.
He's been vomiting for hours.
I think it might be food poisoning.
He needs to go to the hospital.
Why are you just standing there?
Don't you care
what happens to him?
Have you forgotten
that you're his mother?
You.
It's always you.
Cathy, stop!
You think
you can do anything you want
And people will believe you.
They'll learn the truth someday.
When your husband learns
You have four children
locked away in an attic,
See how "perfect"
he thinks you really are.
And your father, too.
You won't inherit
one damned penny,
And I'll be glad!
The girl is right, Corrine.
That child should go
to the hospital.
I drove cory to the hospital.
How is he?
Cory had pneumonia.
The doctors did
all they could, but...
It was too late.
Will there be a funeral?
He's already been buried.
I'm sorry.
Carrie?
Cathy.
Just let her be.
We need to run away.
Or else we're all
gonna die like cory.
Do we have enough money?
We'll go tonight.
Take everything we can.
Money, jewelry.
Everything.
She's not coming back.
Is she?
She's dead to us now.
When do we tell her?
After breakfast.
I don't want her
getting scared.
More than she has to be.
So we just walk right
out the front door?
We wait till dinner,
When all the servants and family
Are in the kitchen
or dining room.
So carrie and I will
go to the fence
And you'll go to the shed
So you can turn off
the electricity?
Then we catch up
by the lake
And head to the depot
for the evening train.
And by the time
grandmother comes in
With our breakfast
tomorrow,
We'll be halfway to Florida.
I was thinking,
I can sell my ring.
It's okay.
It's what
dad would've wanted.
You're keeping that ring.
Forever.
I'm telling you,
I did hear someone.
Must be those mice.
They make an awful racket.
You can hear them
all the way up in the attic.
Mrs. Foxworth carries
enough poison up there
To kill a german army of 'em.
Do you think miss corrine
will sell the place?
I doubt she'll be
making any hasty decisions.
Hasty? It's been
seven months
Since Mr. Foxworth died.
Well, never mind that.
All you maids will be
losing your job soon enough
If you don't
mind the silver.
Carrie, you gotta
eat something.
You have to be strong,
for later.
No. Don't feel well.
I have to
take care of mickey.
Where'd you get that?
I saved it for cory,
For when he came back
from the hospital.
Cathy, we need to
leave right now.
It's mickey.
Carrie gave him
one of cory's donuts
And he just started
whimpering all of a sudden--
No. No.
That can't be right.
What?
The powdered sugar on the donuts,
I think there was poison in it.
That's why we're sick.
Are you saying that
our grandmother
Tried to kill us?
You have a key.
Now give it to me.
No.
Give it to me this instant!
Seed of the devil!
Give me that!
You're never gonna
leave this room!
You're gonna hit me?
You're gonna whip me?
Come on!
Come on. Do it.
Beautiful, prideful.
And weak!
Just like your mother.
That's not true.
You were never
meant to be born.
You're a stain
on the foxworth name!
On the name of the lord himself.
Now, if you give me that key,
I may show you a little mercy.
Christopher...
Come on!
Christopher...
Let go!
Cathy, go to the attic!
No! Give me that!
Come back here!
Come back here!
Carrie, please!
Cathy!
Why did you do that?
Don't close the door.
I need for the door to be open!
No. Not the door.
Don't turn off the light.
Open the door!
Turn on the light!
What are you doing?
No! No! Open the door!
No!
What are you doing?
Like you said,
God sees everything.
He'll punish you
for what you did to us.
To cory.
It wasn't me!
It was your mother
who poisoned you, not me!
It doesn't
matter anymore.
[grandmother sobbing]
Where are you going?
Don't go!
Don't leave me!
Help! Help!
Help!
Cathy, we have to go.
Be right there.
Are you okay?
Come on.
I'll cut the electricity
and meet you at the lake.
No! No!
We're not going without you.
Hurry!
We have to make this train.
Stop!
Stop, if you know
what's good for you!
Please...
We're corrine's children.
My god.
Go.
Before I'm sent after you!
I'll cut the power
on the fence.
Go!
We never have to see
that place again, cath.
It's all over.
And for the first time
in a long time,
We felt alive,
Free.
We had everything ahead of us.
But someday,
we'd see mom again.
And we'd look her
straight in the eye,
The children she once loved,
And all our shame
and hopelessness
Would become hers.