"The Fall River Tragedy" stars Agnes Moorehead as the infamous Lizzie Borden in an episode that reenacts the juicier bits of the Borden trial of 1893.
As the episode opens, Lizzie Borden invites a reporter into her home to discuss her life, her notoriety, and the events of her famous trial. We only hear Lizzie tell her side of the story, the reporter is not heard. Scenes from the trial unfold as Lizzie recounts her experiences to her silent visitor.
"The Fall River Tragedy" was written by Gil Doud and produced/directed Elliot Lewis. Joseph Kearns played the prosecuter William H. Moody. Also appearing were Peggy Webber , Herb Butterfield, Rolfe Sedan, Stuffy Singer, and William Wright . This episode aired on January 14, 1952.
. Download suspense_1952.01.14_Fall River Tragedy.mp3
A few years later, Suspense presented another episode based on the Borden murders called, "Goodbye, Miss Lizzie Borden." Instead of a reenactment of the courtroom drama, this episode "imagined" what might occur if the Borden sisters were caught unaware by a reporter. What did the two sisters really know about the murders...and about each other?
"Goodbye, Miss Lizzie Borden" was written by Lillian de la Torre and produced/directed by Antony Ellis. Irene Tedrow, Paula Winslowe, and Virginia Gregg starred. Also appearing were Helen Kleeb, Leonard Weinrib, and Dick Beals . This episode aired on October 4, 1955.
. Download suspense_1955.10.04_Goodbye Miss Lizzie Borden.mp3
A few months later, de la Torre's story was also presented on the television show Alfred Hitchcock Presents under the title, "The Older Sister." Joan Lorring, Carmen Matthews, and Polly Rowles starred. This episode aired on January 22, 1956
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(Image of the Borden home as it appeared in the late 1800's from Wikipedia. Today, it is a bed & breakfast/museum. For more information, visit their website.)
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