Swimming Upstream

While he was growing up, Morris Bird III (Matt Czuchy) faced obstacles most young people only read about. His mother died of cancer when he was five and gossip has reached him that his father Morris Bird II (Michael Moriarty) assisted his wife's death to spare her pain. Although his father was cleared of any crime by an official inquiry, young Morris is still knotted with doubts about his father's innocence or guilt.



Morris Bird II is a failing real estate salesman and brooding alcoholic. Uncertain if Morris III is his child or the product of his late wife's infidelity, he shuns the boy and takes his daughter Sandra's (Kelly Rutherford) devotion for granted. Unaware that his losing both his children's affections, he seeks comfort in a boozy oblivion.



Despite his troubled history, young Morris is filled with hopes for his future. He's fallen in love with a bubbly classmate, Julie (Elizabeth Hamois), his best friend Teddy (Ben Savage) provides light-hearted support, his grades are good and his English lit teacher Mrs. Goldfarb has lavish praise for his creative writing efforts. His soccer coach (Ron Dean), his link to athletic glory, is close to letting him start in the important game against the rival high school. In short, his rustic Rhode Island world is looking rosy.



The day of the big game arrives. The score is tied. The coach gives Morris the nod to send him into the game. Just as he kicks the winning goal, his future turns blood red. Waking up in a hospital room, Morris faces the doctors and his fate.