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
Edit
It's Munnsville in upstate New York 1990. The four Ward brothers live on their family farm by themselves. The eldest Delbert smothers 64 year old brother William who had been ill for some time. Delbert is arrested for murder and he signs a confession although the brothers have questionable literacy. The prevailing theory is that it's a mercy killing. However, other wilder theories are explored. Although they are recluses, their neighbors rally to their defense. It's an intriguing true crime story. A narrator is needed to put all the information in a concise fashion. This is mostly interviews with the locals and some of them do mumble. The story may be intriguing but the filmmakers do not make more to highlight it. They are able to get all the interviews but it's not organized into an easy narrative. On the other hand, they get the sense of the place and the people.