*note: The synopsis is a bare-bones outline and does not convey the humor and pathos of the film.

BRENDA, a 48 year devout Catholic Irish American woman prays with her rosaries asking for the Lord's help with her fears. Later, Brenda and her daughters LESLIE age 16, RITA age 14, and 20 year old son CHRIS, prepare the Thanksgiving dinner discussing why Leslie is so shy about inviting her new boyfriend to the house. We meet Brenda's husband, 50 year old MICHAEL, an abusive, bigoted, alcoholic; a corrupt politician running for Mayor.

45 year old UNCLE FRANK his wife 43 year old MARYLIN who is studying for a Ph.D. in Archeology, 16 year old son FRANK JR. and 20 year old daughter LINDA arrive. Frank and his son join Michael and Chris in the den watching football. Michael still distrusts his son for using drugs several years before, and is highly critical and judgmental of him. Michael is also critical of his idealistic Viet Nam vet younger brother, Sean, with whom he hasn't spoken in three years.

When Leslie's boyfriend shows up unexpectedly, the family is shocked to discover that he's a British Nazi punk skinhead, provoking a confrontation between Leslie and her father. Leslie defiantly leaves with Peter. Upset over Leslie, Brenda confides in sister in-law Marylin that Michael's sister MOLLY is also seeing a strange guy, HARRY, who has cerebral palsy. Though not confined to a wheel chair. Michael has named Harry "Spastic,"making Molly so angry that she has refused to speak to Brenda and Michael for six months. Marylin wants to know if Molly has accepted her invitation for Thanksgiving and if she is still seeing Harry. Brenda informs her that she had invited Molly, and she is marrying Harry against Michael's wishes.

MOLLY, a liberated 35 year old woman, arrives with her boyfriend, 37 year old HARRY, a handsome scholar and a political activist on behalf of disabled causes, who uses his wit to blunt Michael's bigotry.

68 year old Dublin native UNCLE LIAM and his voluptuous 25 year old bride AUNT PAULA arrive. Michael frustrates the women by dismissing Aunt Paula's warning Uncle Liam not to drink anymore since he's driving.

SEAN, 42 year old Vietnam veteran, and CASSANDRA his 35 year old African American arrive shocking Brenda and Michael, who refuses to shake hands with the black woman. Cassandra shares with Molly that this kind of thing happens in black families as well.

Sean is set upon by a progressively drunk Michael. As the kids leave to go to the mall, and a drunk Uncle Liam and Aunt Paula leave to go to visit an Irish pub, Michael continues to antagonize Sean and it takes Frank's best efforts to restrain Sean from leaving.

Brenda clashes with Molly, Marylin and Cassandra, finally breaking down, revealing her secret confusion about her life. She apologizes to Cassandra for her rudeness.

Sean weeps as for the first time he shares with Frank, Molly, and Harry his feelings about his Viet Nam experience. He announces his plans to marry Cassandra who saved his life, and happily Molly thinks they should have a double wedding. Marylin announces her plans to leave Frank, infuriating Molly, but winning Brenda's cautious sympathy.

Michael finally pushes Sean too far, and they brawl. Sean angrily prepares to leave only to be shocked into staying by the news of Uncle Liam and Aunt Paula's death in a car crash. Michael is crushed by his feelings of guilt as Frank and his son go downtown to identify the bodies. He freaks out when he overhears his daughter Leslie's remark upon hearing the news, "Fuck Uncle Liam, he was a drunk like our father " Confronting her in his bedroom, Leslie lashes out at her father, and storms out.

Michael arrives in the living room where the grieving family is gathered and announces his intention to go into detox. Sean is the first to congratulate him when Leslie arrives with a suitcase to say good bye, she's leaving. In his attempt to stop his daughter from leaving, Michael slaps Brenda, and the whole family departs. Only Chris stays behind. We discover that when Chris did drugs and went into detox, his father stood by him, and now the son reciprocates by standing up for his dad when everyone else has turned their backs on him.

Seven months later a sober Michael appears uninvited at Sean/ Cassandra, and Harry/Molly's wedding, seeking Brenda's forgiveness which she's unable to give. Hurting, Michael surprises Sean with a request, "May the brother dance with the lovely bride." Encouraged by Cassandra's radiant smile, Sean tells Michael, "I suppose a brother is entitled."

The film ends with a crane shot of Michael dancing with his brother's black bride symbolizing his willingness to change.                                            

          ...Jon Stevens

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