This documentary by Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky details the murder trial of Delbert Ward. Delbert was a member of a family of four elderly brothers, working as semi-literate farmers ...
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Title: Brother's Keeper (1992)
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10 wins & 3 nominations.
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Cast
| Cast overview: | |||
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Delbert Ward | ... |
Himself
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Roscoe Ward | ... |
Himself
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Lyman Ward | ... |
Himself
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Walt Geisler | ... |
Himself - Ward Supporter
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Ken Elmer | ... |
Himself - Neighbor
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John Teeple | ... |
Himself - Neighbor
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Dave Goff | ... |
Himself - Cousin
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Joseph F. Loszynski | ... |
Himself - Bureau of Criminal Investigation, New York State Police
(as Captain Joseph F. Loszynski)
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Harry Thurston | ... |
Himself - Friend
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Ralph A. Cognetti | ... |
Himself - Defense Attorney
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Maynard A. Cosnett | ... |
Himself - Bureau of Criminal Investigation, New York State Police
(as Investigator Maynard A. Cosnett)
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John W. Graham | ... |
Himself - Bureau of Criminal Investigation, New York State Police
(as Investigator John W. Graham)
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Robert J. Killough | ... |
Himself - Bureau of Criminal Investigation, New York State Police
(as Investigator Robert J. Killough)
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Donald F. Cerio | ... |
Himself - Madison County District Attorney
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Storyline
This documentary by Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky details the murder trial of Delbert Ward. Delbert was a member of a family of four elderly brothers, working as semi-literate farmers and living together in isolation from the rest of society until William's death. A police investigation and Medical Examiner's autopsy suggested that Bill may not have died from natural causes and Delbert was arrested on charges of Second-Degree Murder. Under questioning by police, Delbert appears to have waived his rights and signed a confession, but this film suggests that he may not have been competent to do so. The film explores possible motives for the crime, from 'mercy-killing' (Bill was ill at the time) to progressively more bizarre hypotheses. It also shows how residents of the rural community of Munnsville, NY rallied to the support of one of their own residents (previously considered a social outcast), against what they felt were intrusive 'big-city' police and District Attorney tactics. Written by Tad Dibbern <DIBBERN_D@a1.mscf.upenn.edu>
Plot Keywords:
murder | murder trial | trial | title based on the bible | two word title |Parents Guide:
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Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
9 September 1992 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Fylakas tou adelfou mou See more »Box Office
Gross:
$1,305,915 (USA)Company Credits
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Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
MonoColor:
Color
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This well made documentary involving the murder trial of an illiterate farmer in upstate New York is about as well made as they come. Delbert Ward, a simple farmer who could hardly read, is accused of killing his brother, Bill, in his sleep. Motives for the crime ranged from 'mercy killing' (his brother was sick at the time) to even the suggestion of a sex crime (the brothers shared the same bed all their lives and never had girlfriends). Delbert signed a confession but claims the police made him sign and agree to certain things that weren't true just so he can go home. When the charges were made the whole town of Munnsville, NY, came to Delberts side to defend him and even got money together to release him on bail. This film is an interesting look into the lives of simple people being confronted with 'big city' police and attorney tactics. Even after winning some awards from big film festivals no one bought the film so the filmmakers self-distributed the movie themselves, taking it from theater to theater. It is now one of the most successful self-distributed films of all time. It now has distribution and is well praised. Good Stuff!