ABC MONDAY NIGHT MOVIE: GREGORY K: A PLACE TO BE (AKA SWITCHING PARENTS) (TV)
Summary
A television film based on a true story about a young boy who brings a legal case against his parents to divest them of their parental rights over him.
At the Lake County Boy’s Ranch in Altoona, Florida in 1991, a twelve year-old boy named Gregory Kingsley arrives and glumly observes his surroundings. Gregory insists on being called “Shawn,” explaining that he hates his name, as it is his father’s name. He recounts the events of his life to the counselor at the Ranch: in 1988, Gregory, along with his father, “Ralph” Gregory Kingsley, and stepmother Francesca, visits his siblings in Stover, Missouri. They reside with a clergyman, Reverend Dodge, who has legally adopted Gregory’s brothers, Zachary and Jeremiah. Reverend Dodge is surprised that Ralph wishes to take the boys back immediately. Ralph explains that he only recently returned to the state and immediately sought out a court order to regain custody of his children after his ex-wife Rachel apparently abandoned the children and moved to Florida. The Reverend recommends waiting a few days in order to acclimate the boys to their new lives, but Ralph insists on taking them immediately. The boys leave with Ralph but are unhappy with the situation, and seem standoffish with Gregory. Ralph snaps at the boys when they speculate that he is an alcoholic, warning them not to test his patience.
Four months later, Jeremiah has to be hospitalized for a series of injuries. The doctors are suspicious as to the nature of these injuries and request that Jeremiah be kept overnight so that they can be investigated, implying that they believe Ralph has abused him. Gregory attests that this is not the case, claiming that Jeremiah injured himself while they were playing together. An official from social services speaks to the family, claiming that she is responding to a hotline she received claiming that the children were being abused. Ralph and Gregory vehemently deny such accusations, and Ralph invites the official to visit the home in order to observe them herself. Ralph is forced to leave Jeremiah overnight or he will be placed in protective custody, but this incident convinces him that he must move the family to Florida so that Rachel can help care for the children again. They make the move to Orlando, Florida in 1989, and Jeremiah and Zachary are reunited with Rachel. Ralph has Gregory wait by the car, as he claims that Rachel does not wish to see him. He moves towards her anyway and makes eye contact with her, but they do not interact. Rachel blames Ralph’s lack of support for her decision to place Jeremiah and Zachary in foster care, but Ralph denies any wrongdoing and says they will have to cooperate to raise their children. Ralph says that he wishes to keep Gregory but Rachel demands that she be permitted to see him. Ralph denies her request and Gregory bursts into tears.
Soon Rachel receives a police report that Gregory was beaten by Ralph and rushes to pick him up at the police station. There they share an emotional reunion and she promises not to allow him to go back to Ralph. However, living with Rachel proves to be difficult due to her propensity for partying and drinking, as well as her dire financial situation. This results in him and his brothers being sent to foster care for nearly a year. Rachel works out an agreement to regain custody of the boys, but this only lasts for two months. By 1990, Rachel has earned her GED and promises to get a better job and begin her life anew, claiming that she will never again send Gregory into foster care. However, she quickly becomes impatient with the boys, particularly after they reveal that Gregory intends to change his name to “Shawn.” Gregory is visited by Jordan McLean of Health and Rehabilitative Services, who asks to see Rachel. He says he is responding to a hotline call, and Rachel admits that she is contemplating putting her children up for adoption, as she cannot afford the rent on her apartment. Gregory feels betrayed by Rachel’s decision to give him up and confronts her about breaking her promise.
Rachel chafes under the various paperwork and classes required by the state and feels that if she had enough money she would be able to properly provide for her children; she was abused by Ralph and blames this for her inability to properly care for her children. Zachary is to stay with Rachel, and Gregory is upset that he will not be the one to stay; Rachel explains that Zachary is the youngest and is not emotionally ready for separation. In the present, Gregory remains at the Boys’ Ranch for eight months and is visited by Jordan, who says that Rachel wishes to speak with him. Gregory refuses, angry that Rachel has not come to visit him so far. Jordan explains that Rachel has moved back to Missouri. Gregory runs off and tears up his photograph of himself and his mother. George Russ, an attorney, receives a tour of the Boys’ Ranch’s facilities and has a brief encounter with Gregory on the way. George finds himself haunted by Gregory’s expression, reminding him of his own childhood with his alcoholic father. He and his wife Elizabeth contact the Boys’ Ranch and take Gregory out for lunch; Gregory continues to insist on being called “Shawn.” Gregory discovers that George and Elizabeth have eight children of their own, and seems to like them. George asks Gregory if he would like to come live with them, and Gregory says that he would.
Jordan tells the Russes that their care for Gregory would be essentially a “waystation,” and that it is in his best interests to be reunited with his family. However, they have come to care for Gregory and wish to help him, especially given the tenuous legal situation regarding Rachel’s parental rights. They ask how Gregory feels about his mother and Jordan believes he is too “impressionable” to make informed decisions about his own life. They try not to get Gregory’s hopes up unnecessarily. Gregory comes to stay over at the Russ household and meets their children. They are surprised when Gregory refers to Elizabeth as “mom” and seems quite attached to the family. The other Russ children are initially somewhat wary of Gregory’s presence, but quickly warm up to him. Meanwhile Marie Esteban, a social worker, conducts a home study of Rachel’s life and finds that she has gotten married to a man named James Sharp, intending to finalize her divorce from Ralph. She is informed that her parental rights are in danger of being terminated, but she insists that she gave up her children in order to ensure their safety, and feels that she will soon be in a position to properly provide for them. She realizes that Gregory is still angry at her but feels that he will be able to forgive her for what she has done.
Gregory is set up in the Russ’s guest room, although he already considers himself part of the family. Some of the Russ children chide him for being a “suck-up” and warn him not to overstep his boundaries. He awakens the next morning and feels frightened when the other children are not there, although Elizabeth explains that they are at church practicing for a Christmas play. Elizabeth intuits that Gregory is worried about being abandoned again and assures him that this is not the case. Marie is unable to convince her superiors that Rachel is making an earnest effort to change her ways and is advised to terminate her case. George announces that the HRS is refusing to allow Zachary and Jeremiah to return to Rachel and has begun procedures to terminate Rachel’s parental rights, making it more likely that Gregory will be officially adopted by the Russes. This news meets with approval from the rest of the family and especially from Gregory himself.
Rachel discovers that a judge in Florida intends to give Ralph visitation rights and possibly custody of her children, and seeks out Marie for help. She believes she can use this as an opportunity to return all three children to Rachel. George solemnly informs Gregory of this news and says the state has halted its parental rights termination procedures. He flatly refuses to live with Ralph or Rachel again in light of the abuses he has suffered from both parents. George believes that Gregory has a valid legal argument to contest these proceedings and advises him to seek out legal representation in order to do so; George cannot do it himself since his connection to Gregory presents a conflict of interest. He refers him to an associate, Jerri Blair, but tells Gregory that he will have to meet with her without his assistance. He tells Jerri about what life was like with both of his parents and she informs him of the potential perils of his proposed legal action. She is satisfied that he understands the risks and agrees to represent him, hoping to reach a legal agreement of some sort without going to trial.
Ralph and Rachel appear in a Florida court, where a judge arbitrates their case and awards custody of Jeremiah to Rachel. He announces that Gregory’s case will be decided six months from then. Ralph is incensed at this verdict, especially when the judge asks for a report on his alcoholism; Ralph leaves, threatening to sue. Jordan arranges a meeting between Rachel and the Russes, who tell her about her affinity for Gregory. Rachel believes that Gregory’s wish to be adopted is merely temporary, although Jordan and the Russes do not agree. She does not believe that Gregory has made up his mind about where he wishes to live, and states that she knows what is best for him; she becomes furious and storms out of the meeting. Rachel visits Ralph and tells him about her meeting. They believe that they can change Gregory’s mind if given the opportunity to meet with him. Ralph calls George and demands to see Gregory, and George arranges a meeting at the Boys’ Ranch. Gregory begs George not to let Ralph and Rachel see him, but George says he has no choice.
They await the meeting with Rachel and Ralph, but they do not arrive. Instead, they call Gregory on the phone and argue with him until Gregory tells them that he does not want to live with them, preferring to live with the Russes. Gregory, accompanied by Jerri, officially files his complaint to terminate Ralph and Rachel’s parental rights, although the legality of this action is dubious. Jerri tells Gregory that he could become the first child in the United States to sue his own parents in this manner. She warns him that he may have to meet with Ralph and Rachel in order to avoid making it seem as though George and Elizabeth are keeping him against his will. Ralph decides not to contest the adoption, coming to believe that Gregory will be better off with the Russes. They move forward with their adoption procedure despite Jordan warning them that it will present further legal difficulties; George believes that the HRS is doing more harm than good by constantly shuffling Gregory around in foster care. George proposes running both cases in tandem in order to resolve the matter once and for all.
Rachel visits with Gregory and attempts to make conversation with him, although he is visibly uncomfortable with her presence. Her attempts to connect with him emotionally prove to be fruitless. Gregory’s case goes to court, and the judge permits him to present his case as if he were an adult. The case attracts a great deal of media attention. Rachel and James argue, resulting in a domestic dispute which Jeremiah reports to the police. Jerri and George intend use a recording of the call as evidence, and George brings forward reports of Ralph’s abusive behavior, including a file on a teenage daughter he had from a previous marriage who may have also been abused by him. Jerri and George meet with Ralph as he officially gives his consent for Gregory to be adopted. George talks to Gregory and says that he understands what he is going through owing to his own history with an abusive father. He says that Gregory will never truly be at peace until he can forgive Ralph; Gregory says that he cannot do so, but George says he will in time.
The trial begins and Rachel is called to the stand, rejecting Jerri’s attempts to discuss her alcoholism, drug problems, and neglect of her children. Jerri is able to use inconsistencies to call her validity into question. Her own lawyer makes her out to be a self-sacrificing woman who did everything she was asked to do in order to secure parenting rights over her children. Rachel’s friends are questioned on the stand by Jerri, and they testify that Rachel took advantage of their kindness and was constantly running out of money, also noting abusive behavior on her part towards Gregory. Rachel’s lawyer tries to call their credibility into question, particularly that of Rachel’s sister-in-law. During this cross-examination Elizabeth becomes emotional and runs out of the courtroom, and George follows. She tells him that she has changed her mind about testifying, suddenly feeling sympathy for Rachel. Gregory emerges to check on Elizabeth and tells her that Rachel is deliberately trying to garner sympathy from others in order to get what she wants, and that she is incapable of doing the right thing regardless of her good intentions. Elizabeth takes the stand and is cross-examined by Rachel’s lawyer; she testifies that Rachel loves her children but is unable to properly demonstrate that love or provide for their well-being.
Gregory worries that he will be sent back to live with his mother. George takes the stand and testifies to his love for Gregory and respect for his wishes. Gregory himself is called to the stand by Jerri and states that he doesn’t love Rachel as a mother, although he does feel sympathy for her. He states that he is not pressing his legal claim in order to attack Rachel specifically, but because he feels that it is in his own best interest. During the cross-examination Rachel’s lawyer gets Gregory to admit that at one time he felt so strongly about staying with Rachel that he was willing to ignore her financial situation, but that he no longer feels that way about her. George and Rachel’s lawyer make closing statements, and the judge, while sympathizing with Rachel, believes that she has not been truthful with the court on several salient points and moves to terminate her parental rights immediately, making Gregory officially a part of the Russ family. Program ends abruptly. Includes commercials.
Also includes an “ABC News Brief” with Chris Wallace.
Details
- NETWORK: ABC
- DATE: February 8, 1993 9:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 1:55:01
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: B:28888
- GENRE: Drama
- SUBJECT HEADING: TV - Drama
- SERIES RUN: ABC - TV, 1993
- COMMERCIALS:
- TV – Commercials – Acura automobiles
- TV – Commercials – Advil sinus medicine
- TV – Commercials – Aquafresh toothpaste
- TV – Commercials – Caress bar soap
- TV – Commercials – Century 21 real estate
- TV – Commercials – Cheer laundry detergent
- TV – Commercials – Crest toothbrushes
- TV – Commercials – Degree antiperspirant
- TV – Commercials – Denorex shampoo
- TV – Commercials – Dirt Devil vacuum cleaners
- TV – Commercials – FDS deodorant
- TV – Commercials – Finesse conditioner
- TV – Commercials – First Interstate banks
- TV – Commercials – Ford automobiles
- TV – Commercials – Hershey’s chocolate
- TV – Commercials – Ivory dishwashing detergent
- TV – Commercials – Maybelline cosmetics
- TV – Commercials – Nissan automobiles
- TV – Commercials – Oreo cookies
- TV – Commercials – People magazine
- TV – Commercials – Philadelphia cream cheese
- TV – Commercials – Red Lobster restaurants
- TV – Commercials – Secret antiperspirant
- TV – Commercials – Sine-Aid pain relief
- TV – Commercials – Slim-Fast diet shakes
- TV – Commercials – Sprint phone service
- TV – Commercials – Sure antiperspirant
- TV – Commercials – Visine eye drops
- TV – Commercials – “Army of Darkness” motion picture
- TV – Promos – “20/20”
- TV – Promos – “Civil Wars”
- TV – Promos – “Dick Tracy”
- TV – Promos – “Full House”
- TV – Promos – “Good Morning America”
- TV – Promos – “Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper”
- TV – Promos – “Home Improvement”
- TV – Promos – “Jack’s Place”
- TV – Promos – “Matlock”
- TV – Promos – “Michael Jackson Talks to Oprah”
- TV – Promos – “Ordeal in the Arctic”
- TV – Promos – “Roseanne”
- TV – Promos – “The Jackie Thomas Show”
- TV – Promos – “The Wonder Years”
CREDITS
- Michael Jaffe … Executive Producer
- Howard Braunstein … Executive Producer
- Linda Otto … Producer, Director
- Christine Sacani … Associate Producer
- John Danylkiw … Associate Producer
- Sharon Elizabeth Doyle … Writer
- James McVay … Music by
- Bill Smitrovich … Cast, George Russ
- Kathleen York … Cast, Rachel Kingsley
- Robert Joy … Cast, Ralph Kingsley
- Kristin Griffith … Cast, Elizabeth Russ
- Joyce Reehling … Cast, Jerri Blair
- Geoffrey Bowes … Cast, Jordan McLean
- Joseph Gordon-Levitt … Cast, Gregory Kingsley
- Janet Bailey … Cast, Jane Carey
- Elizabeth Berman … Cast, Francesca
- Brett Halsey … Cast, Judge Thomas S. Kirk
- Kathleen Laskey … Cast, Renee
- Maria Ricossa … Cast, Marie Esteban
- Don Allison … Cast, Mr. Shaeffer
- Melissa Bell … Cast, Andee
- Marcia Bennett … Cast, Alice Dodge
- William Colgate … Cast, Jim Sharp
- Brian Cook … Cast, Zachary Kingsley
- Michael Caruana … Cast, Doctor
- Daniel DeSanto … Cast, Jeremiah Kingsley
- Thomas Hauff … Cast, Court Clerk
- François Klanfer … Cast, Reverend Dodge
- Godric Latimer … Cast, Russ Child #2
- Alex Laurier … Cast, Restaurant Host
- Seirge LeBlanc … Cast, Russ Child #3
- Sarah Anne Levy … Cast, Social Worker
- Graham McPherson … Cast, Social Services Supervisor
- Dave Nichols … Cast, Abe Dunn
- Dave Pearson … Cast, Russ Child #5
- Toby Proctor … Cast, Russ Child #1
- Gail Webster … Cast, Theresa
- Mark Wilson … Cast, Court Clerk
- Karen Woolridge … Cast, Betty
- Jamie Rainey … Cast
- For "ABC News Brief"
- Chris Wallace … Anchor