Lizzie Borden Took an Ax

Hello, Patty.

Incredible wordstoday, Reverend.

Thank you very much.

It's a beautiful day.

Oh, it's hot.

Did you see the new carriage the Andersons have?

Father prefers we walk.

Mr. Borden, how is everything?

Fine, fine, fine.

Your daughters are looking lovely.

Lovely?

If they're so lovely, why don't I have many grandchildren by now?

Are we having the mutton again for lunch today?

You don't have to eat it.

I do worry it's making us all sick.

You will eat what's put in front of you, or you won't eat at all.

May I please be excused?

No, Lizzie, you may not.

Excuse me, Father.

I've asked younot to make noise while I'm in this room.

Pardon me.

What are youdoing here, Sousa?

Don't you ever come to my house.

I need to pay my men.

You can't cheat us, Mr. Borden. We've had enough.

You get paid for the work that you do, not a penny more.

You're not gonna get away with this.

Mrs. Borden, the church is always short of funds.

My father thinks he can forbid me from going.

What will he do? Lock you in your room?

Believe me, he would if he could.

How is Emma doing?

I love my sister, but she likes to hide her head in the sand.

I've always wanted more,

more than she's wanted.

I just wish I had the freedom

to live the life I've always imagined.

Nothing wrong with dreaming, Lizzie. Hmm.

It's difficult to dream in that place.

Sometimes, Alice,

I have a feeling that something terrible is going to happen there.

What do you mean?

Well, my father has so many enemies.

There have been so many arguments and disputes.

I fear someone might try to hurt him.

Miss Borden, your mother said that

we aren't to extend any more credit to you without her permission.

Oh.

Well, how embarrassing.

I suppose I'll have to pay the old-fashioned way.

That would be fine.

Thank you.

All ready, Miss Borden.

Wonderful.

I'll have Bridget come by and pick it up.

Of course.

I hope you enjoy your party.

Thank you.

Father?

What are you doing?

Father's upset.

Did you steal a mirror from the dress shop?

The owner said you took a mirror from her store.

That's ridiculous.

Why do you lie to me, Lizzie?

I don't lie to you.

You lie to everyone.

So what did father do?

He paid, of course.

Could we have a moment, please?

It was an accident.

The mirror must have fallen into the dress box.

Don't think you're going to that party tonight.

Of course, I'm going.

Who will be your escort?

I am perfectly capable of walking there on my own.

I don't need an escort.

I will not have you traipsing about Fall River all alone at night.

You will not go unaccompanied.

Oh, Father.

I do love you so.

But I'm not that little girl anymore.

No, no, no. The answer is no.

Lizzie! Alice.

Took you long enough.

Stanley Jefferies.

Lizzie Borden. Are you actually here?

Think of me as a figment of your imagination.

Lizzie, I don't know much about you.

I've seen you at church, but never had the chance to speak.

Aren't you a Sunday school teacher?

Only on Sundays.

- Lizzie. - Nance.

Lizzie Borden.

Come on, I have some peoplel want you to meet.

Lizzie? Wake up. You're wanted downstairs.

Lizzie,

there has, uh...

There's been a robbery.

Mrs. Borden's gold watch and chain were taken

and, uh, $20 in cash.

The watch that my mother gave me before she died.

That's terrible.

Do you have any idea what might have happened?

Of course not.

Marshall.

Um...

As I was saying, Mr. Borden, there seems to be no sign of forced entry.

And since your maid saw or heard no one enter,

well, I'm inclined to think that...

Yes?

Perhaps there's another possible explanation.

Well, Marshall Fleet, I want to thank you for your help,

and if we hear anything more about the situation,

you'll be the first to know.

What do you have to sayfor yourself, Lizzie?

Honestly, Father, what are you thinking?

We don't see how anybody else could have gotten in.

Oh, is that so?

How can she steal from her own family?

I did not steal those items from the house, Father.

Nor would I ever think to do so.

Don't walk away from me, Lizzie.

Let her go. Why bother with her anymore?

You let me deal with my daughter in my own way, please.

You let her accuse meof stealing?

In our house?

She's the thief.

The one stealing from you and me and Emma.

She's bleeding you dry.

It's her family coming to you for loans and handouts.

You bought them that beautiful house on the hill,

while Emma and I are prisoners in this horrible place.

You are blessed to havea roof over your head.

I have prayed for you.I protected you. I have paid for your fines.

And you have tested and shamed me as a parent and a Christian.

Have you never felt grateful in your life?

You don't want me to become anything, do you?

You just want me to stay here forever

with you.

No, that's... That's...

Preposterous. That's preposterous. That's...

It looks handsome on you.

I remember the day you gave it to me.

You'll find someone.

Someone smart enough to see you for who you are.

To marry?

What if I don't want to get married?

You want to grow old alone?

A spinster?

That's not what I meant.

Never mind.

Lizzie?

I'm leaving for Fairhaven.

My friend Greta had a baby, so I'm going to make myself useful.

I shouldn't bemore than a day or two.

Yes, you should stay a few days.

Lizzie, are you all right?

Perfectly.

Bridget, you've got to get these windows clean before it gets too hot.

Yes, ma'am.

Hello?

Morning. Morning.

Bridget?

Since when do we lock the dead bolt?

Was the door locked?

No, no, Bridget,

I just like to knock on my own front door for a bit.

Beg your pardon, Mr. Borden.

Where is Mrs. Borden?

I'm not sure. Perhaps...

Mother went out.

She did?

She received a note from a sick friend.

She must have gone out to see her.

Oh.

Father?

Lizzie?

Lizzie, that's enough.

Are you all right?

Yes.

Why are you sweating so?

It's hot.

I'm glad you're home.

Father?

What?

Are you going to take a nap?

Yes.

Hello, Patty. Hello.

How are you? Fine, thank you.

Miss Lizzie?

Is something the matter?

Father is dead. Someone came in and killed him.

Help!

Help!

Dr. Bowen, help!