Anybody else think Flossie got beat up by her husband? It was never shown, but definitely implied. What really clinched it for me was when she was on the witness stand during the trial, particularly how defensive she was during cross-examination and outright lying about what she knew was the truth. If anything, her demeanor must have increased jury support for Francine.
shareI just talked about this on another thread, as someone asked about Berlin Mickey's dad.
The book never mentions that Flossie was ever struck by Berlin. The says Flossie 'ruled the roost' and indulged the men including Mickey and her other sons. Their misdeeds were 'treated with indulgence'.
It does mention Berlin being 'sour' and slapping Francine's kids for small misdeeds.
"I'd say this cloud is Cumulo Nimbus."
"Didn't he discover America?"
"Penfold, shush."
If Flossie "ruled the roost", this certainly wasn't depicted in the movie. She appeared more submissive, as if she believed the man was always right and that wifebeating was a normal part of married life. That is why I first thought she had been abused in the past or had been around abusive situations prior to this and it was better to leave well enough alone.
share[deleted]
I clearly saw their depictions of their characters as 'old school' or traditional: the husband "ruled" the household; the wife, willfully submitting, respectfully.. you get the idea.
Naturally the two would defend opposite on the murder witness stand. It's called Tunnel Vision. When the chips are down, they shall defend their babies no matter what. And 'Mickey' was obviously their prized son. Written accounts and character expressions during the court scenes clearly stated this.
No way in hades was Flossie going to throw her own under any bus, even if spousal abuse was adamant.
Peanutlee33