The Lizzie Borden Society archive

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1. "Case Re-Opened Video"
Posted by Kat on Mar-15th-02 at 8:13 AM

I had a video tape sitting here for months from Stef that was labeled PENN STATE.
I thought I would return it to her so she could tape over a football game.
It turned out to be the Learning Channel's offering of Ed McBain's "Case Re-Opened", on the Lizzie Borden case. (c.1999)
Commentator's were:
Michael Martins (FRHS)
Arnold Brown
George Quigley
Leonard Rebello
Ed McBain
William Masterton and
Pamela Raskin
(Oh, and that lawyer that's on all these tapes, Corrigan)

I must say, the inclusion of all these diverse theories was most interesting.  It was like a short synopsis of each of their books...except Mr. Rebello's book is RESEARCH--So that was unique to hear HIS account of what he thinks precipitated the events of August 4th!

The person who had no theory, and thus acquitted himself handsomely, was Mr. Martins.  He shone head and shoulders above the rest for sheer objectivity.  He only slipped once, recounting the 2nd or 3rd hand account of the gossip that on the morning of the murders Mrs. Churchill supposedly saw something in the house that she "would never repeat, even if you tore her tongue out."  I always liked that bit of gossip myself, and so was still very happy with his showing.

The worst, I have to say, was George Quigley--though with his distinguished mein, he SEEMS so believable...maybe that's why I felt so abused.  His theory was fine (as most theories go) but his grasp of the facts was invisible.  Not there..Nada.  One thing he pronounced was that the character Dr. Handy saw outside the house "leaned to the left",,and that William Davis (his suspect) died of a "tumor to the neck and brain."  ??????  I don't know his source for that , but the "leaning to the left "bit was transposed over a view of the actual Dr. Handy transcript testimony, lending it false credibility.  Admittedly, he is not responsible for production decisions, nor editing, but all his *facts* came out like that!  I thought we were dealing with a different case altogether!  (maybe I exaggerate...)

Arnold Brown showed an interesting photo he said was believed to be Billy Borden and by T.V. video magic it was superinposed over the face of Andrew Borden and declared "A Perfect match...he could have BEEN Andrew Borden, 35 years before."  I wasn't very impressed, sorry to say.  At least Brown was on his good behavior.

The show ended with the scenario believed and written by Ed McBain (it's HIS show, after all).  Lizzie in bed with Bridget and Abby comes home early and finds them and is killed in a fit of rage by Lizzie with a candlestick in the guest room with Bridget watching.  A game of Clue, anyone?

It was an entertaining show, all 'round..if you don't mind your facts scambled and fried.
And just who is the whispering Pamela Raskin that is commentating on EVERY tape on the Borden Case?  Well, maybe she's not whispering...maybe the sound man keeps falling asleep, or my ears aren't as good as they used to be...

BUT!  Michael Martins I Salute You!  Definetly Star Material!

I think it's hysterical when they show Uncle John (Quigley) passing by Billy Borden (Pavao) in the front foyer, as if the two of THEM were involved in the same plot, somehow.  I think the director got a little confused at that point.  I like the look of the actress playing Lizzie, though the costuming budget was obviously six and a half cents (those satin nighties for the Lizzie/Bridget love fest - tacky, tacky, tacky)!  It's always nice to see the Fall River crew used as actors, and to hear Len and Martins weigh in.

That was the theory that Morse killed Abby before he ever left the house (Raskin?) and that Billy Borden killed Andrew.
Yea, it did get confusing..how could they pass each other going and coming in the front foyer if the crimes were at least 1 & 1/2 hours apart.
I LOVED the nighties, and the smirk on Bridgets face...you could just imagine her telling Abby in the past, "Oh, Missus, I would NEVER leave here...I liKE IT HERE!"  Yea, now we know why!