Roswell and Emily Gilbert were married for fifty-one years, but for the eight final years of their marriage Emily suffered from Alzheimer's disease and the bone disease osteoporosis. Often in pain, Emily begged to die. In March 1985, 75-year-old Roswell shot Emily in the head. He said it was an act of mercy, but he was tried for murder and convicted as the nation debated euthanasia.

Robert Young
as Roswell Gilbert

Frances Reid
as Emily Gilbert

Eddie Albert
as Joe Varon

Marshall Colt
as Hancock

Michael Learned
as Skipper

Alex Panas
as Dr. Fredman

Barry Hober
as Gulkin

Joe Petrullo
as Magnano

Roger Pretto
as Dr. Hidalgo

Jerry Hotchkiss
as John Klinker