Based on the book “Memories, Memories, from Vilna to New York, by Lily Mazur Margules”

Writer: Jennifer Grace Cook
Director: Nadia Tass
Producers: Jason Gurvitz, Deborah Del Prete

Casting Director: Ferne Cassel
Director of Photography: David Parker
Cast: TBD

 

Lily describes dehumanization in Kaiserwald Concentration Camp (2 min)

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Lily describes Death March from a labor camp (1 min)

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Lily Mazur Margules Full Oral History (59 minutes)

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LOGLINE:

When a Holocaust survivor’s Nazi tormentor suddenly appears before her in the summer of 1969, she must find the strength to confront her terrifying past so that she can live and love fully in the present. 

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SYNOPSIS:

It's the Summer of 1969, and LILY and EDDIE MARGULES live a normal suburban life. Productive work, have a nice home.

Middle-class routines, daily life, a kiss goodbye each morning. Then at night, newspaper, dinner, perhaps they make love. Eddie

is affectionate and serenades her with songs he's heard on his drive home. But despite his attentiveness and the seeming

American Dream, Lily is detached. He desperately wants children; she's ambivalent. The number the Nazis tattooed on Lily's

forearm, 25 years prior, is a constant reminder of her traumatic past. It is this past that keeps her from living fully in the

present.

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One day, Lily admits to her doctor that despite Eddie's desire for children, she's not interested in receiving fertility treatments,

and she's even used birth control. She's 44, and the chance of a baby is slim; besides, she may have been a victim of Nazi

sterilization.

 

Days later, when Lily learns she's pregnant, HERMANN, a Nazi guard, appears in her kitchen, threatening her life. Despite

seeming so real, Lily realizes Hermann is just her imagination, a reminder of the years of violent imprisonment. Lily calls her

younger sister, RACHEL, who alongside Lily survived four Nazi Concentration Camps. Rachel encourages her to talk to Eddie.

But Lily is so traumatized by the Nazi's appearance; she instead hides her pregnancy and her terrifying hallucinations.

With Hermann's appearance, the violent deaths of her family and friends begin to haunt her, forcing Lily to re-experience all

she and Rachel endured during the war. The memories are debilitating and cause Lily to doubt her ability to love the child she

carries and question her sanity.

 

After an explosive vision of Hermann, Lily has a very public breakdown. She's then forced to tell Eddie what's happening. They

have difficulty communicating and realize that neither knows what the other endured during the war. Eddie also has a

traumatic past, he fought with the Partisans and had to kill with his bare hands, but he refuses to talk about it and insists Lily

do the same.

 

Rachel comes to visit, bringing her husband and two children. Rachel thrives in motherhood. While Lily is uncomfortable with

the children, Eddie loves the chaos that comes with a family.

 

Rachel reveals that Lily was a great piano player, something Lily has hidden from Eddie. He's embarrassed that he didn't know,

and Lily sees they are growing apart. Rachel realizes Lily is dangerously detached from her life.

Eddie suggests a therapist, but Lily becomes angry and rejects the offer. Rachel expresses fond memories of their childhood,

but Lily doesn't understand how Rachel can get past the terror of the camps. Lily admits to Rachel that she's pregnant, and

Rachel is thrilled but shocked to hear that she hasn't told Eddie.

 

Rachel and Lily share beautiful memories of their mother, GUTA, father, DAVID, and AUNT SONIA. The fond memories spur a

happier time for Lily and Eddie. But another vivid hallucination causes Lily to reject Eddie's affection, deepening the divide

between them. Eddie gives Lily an ultimatum and says they should separate.

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In a desperate state, Lily plans to abort her baby. Discovering her plans, Rachel tells Eddie she's afraid Lily's going to hurt

herself. Lily finally admits to Eddie that she's pregnant. At first joyous, he realizes that Lily doesn't want the baby. He's

devastated and sees his marriage is over.

With Rachel's help, Lily recalls the beauty and safety of their childhood. A vision of Guta reminds Lily that despite the darkness,

there is always good. Lily then recalls her father's request as the Nazis took him away. He said, "We are good people, tell the

world we are good."

 

Lily then finds the strength to confront Hermann and vows to honor her parents' wishes to live a life of good. Hermann's power

diminishes, and by remembering the good, Lily can control his presence. Now able to give herself wholly to Eddie and the baby

she carries, Lily and Eddie reconcile. They begin a new chapter, creating happy memories, both better able to navigate their

pasts. Lily commits to honor her family's story reaffirming their legacy of joy and love.

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