The Lizzie Borden Society archive

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1. "The Practice"
Posted by kashesan on May-6th-02 at 8:42 AM

How embarrassing. That episode of The Practice that has an ax murder and the defense is the suspect thought she was Lizzie in a prior life. My friend told me to watch it, and I managed about ten minutes before I wanted to throw up. Prime time TV...

There really are people who think they were Lizzie in a prior life, or are possessed by Lizzie.  I heard Michael Martins of the FRHS in an interview say he gets people dressed as Lizzie and of that mindset coming to the museum.  I didn't see The Practice (I don't watch it).  Sounds like I didn't miss anything.

I had heard about that, too.  I think Bob G. mentioned that, also.
I asked Stef what would happen if TWO real Lizzie's met at the FRHS, each believing they were *IT*...?  Would they fight like cats-n-dogs, or go get a cup of coffee together?
Would it shatter their dream?

"When Lizzie Met Ally" was shown on a local TV channel Sunday. I tuned in after it started, not knowing the plot (I just think the Ally Show is funnier than MAD magazine at times). Good emotive acting (but I'm no expert). The comic book version of 'The Practice'?

As in real life "Lizzie" was not guilty - again. A close acquaintance did the deed (I hope I won't spoil it for you).

Letter in Knowlton Papers, pg. 99, #HK097, [Dictated], from Knowlton to Pillsbury:

"HOSEA M. KNOWLTON.   ARTHUR E. PERRY.
COUNCELLORS AT LAW.
38 NORTH WATER STREET
NEW BEDFORD, MASS., November 22, 1892

Hon. A. E. Pillsbury,
Attorney General.
Dear Sir:-  I see no need of account for accessory.  If she did not do the killing, but only instigated some one else to, it can hardly be said that she was not so far present as to make her principal, for she was certainly in the house, and in hearing of both murders.

It had occurred to me, however, since I saw you, that the jury should be instructed* as to the principles of law relating to principal and accessory;  and, if you see no objection, I propose to state to them the law upon that subject.

I have already written you about Jennings, and you have probably seen him before this time.

Yours Truly,

H. M. Knowlton"

--* probably grand jury
--so maybe this helped them get the indictment....

More elaboration from Knowlton, pg. 118, letter to Pillsbury, dated Dec.3, 1892, #HK114:

"...I then told them* what the law was in relation to principals and accessories, following the line of the Knapp case, but warning them that while I gave them this law I did not want them to infer anything in relation to our views as to the case, but only to put before them the law bearing upon all possible aspects."...

--*grand jury


(Message last edited May-6th-02  11:18 PM.)

Yes, without giving anything away, the story that started on an episode of "Ally" and continued on "The Practice" was fairly well-acted and compelling, I thought.  If you'd gotten past the first ten minutes and hung around to find out what had REALLY happened, you might have enjoyed it.  I loved the fictional establishment in Fall River the TV legal team referred to: "The Lizzie Borden Historical Society."

Ahem...in a way, that's US, isn't it?

The defendant was played by the noted stage and screen actress Donna Murphy, by the way. 

I can never get past ten minutes of anything prime time...Who is this Ally McBeal? Ally Oop?

This talk of Knowlton is about charging Lizzie as an accessory. She either knew beforehand (hired it done to become a 'self-made heiress'), or knew who did it and refused to tell.

I believe it is the latter case; Lizzie KNEW. I believe that telling would have caused a greater scandal for the living. Telling would cause the murderer to be disinherited, so there had to be something that kept her mouth shut. Maybe Christian charity?