Tree of Hands (released in the US as Innocent Victim) is a 1989 British psychological
drama film directed by Giles Foster and starring Helen Shaver, Lauren Bacall, Malcolm Stoddard and Peter Firth. It is based on the 1984 novel The Tree of Hands by Ruth Rendell.
Contents
Plot
Benet Archdale (Helen Shaver), a London-based best-selling author who has just written a controversial novel, lives alone with her young son. Benet's mother, Marsha (Lauren Bacall), visiting from the United States, is a manic-depressive who has psychotic episodes. When Benet's young son dies, Marsha kidnaps a local child to serve as a substitute. Benet believes she should return the child but upon investigation she finds out that the child has been severely abused by his parents. After the child's disappearance, the parents are charged with the murder.
Cast
Helen Shaver as Benet Archdale
Lauren Bacall as Marsha Archdale
Malcolm Stoddard as Ian Raeburn
Peter Firth as Terence
Paul McGann as Barry
Kate Hardie as Carol
Tony Haygarth as Kostas
Phyllida Law as Julia
David Schofield as Detective Inspector
Amanda Dickinson as Molly
Fiona McAlpine as Neighbour
Julie Jupp as Neighbour's Daughter
Sean Blowers as Detective
Allan Mitchell as Consultant
Simon Prebble as Newscaster
Barnaby Brown as Jason
Charles Pountney as James