This is not a comedy .It is a story of abuse and betrayal. Let me first say I have lived in Maine for 35 years. I am very familiar with the Farmington Mane area and the faltering ag and wood based economy there. The old traditions of farming, wood cutting, and shoe shops is almost defunct. Dairy farming is in rapid decline.In the winter farmers cut wood.The papermills and small wood articles mfg. are closing at a rapid rate. Milk prices are very low and big volume dairy is not feasible for most.The University at Farmington and tourism are big local factors.Scenic lots that outsiders see as dream vacation spots are prized by developers. Everything is against the family sized unit in all these areas.
The young man in this doc was always promised the family farm would be his. He quit school early and was his father's helper and almost his slave. The father died and the other name on the deed was of course his wifes. She wanted to sellout the farm, but gave her son time to setup some purchase financing. She had had enuf of farm life and small town life in Farmington. She was a trained nurse and wanted out.
He did not get the financing and the farm was sold. The buildings were knocked down and the land subdivided. In a rage the son shot at his mother several times and hit her once. Evidently he was egged on by his girlfriend at the time. The son was arrested and charged, but the mother would not testify against him. I guess he served some time on a lesser charge. I used to see him on work release at a local farm and at the local livestock auction. I have no idea what he does now. He seemed a decent guy.
Promises made.Promises not carried out. Bad family dynamics set in a dying world of Maine ag. It's a very sad story.
