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Audience Member

Great view. Fun to watch.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/15/23

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Audience Member

This movie was interesting,that we understand the way law can get twisted and turned awry.Montgomery made the "legendary" criminal come to life.It seemed to me,that law was not so grilling on women (in those days). In Today's law, a Female is not softened or treated any different than a gentleman. if one does the crime,then "you pay". A wonderful dramatization by a brilliant,"bewitching" talent.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/18/23

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Audience Member

"The Legend of Lizzie Borden" is so good not only in its performances, direction, and overall production, it is historically accurate. Nominated for 5 emmys including for best actress, this film won for outstanding costume design and film editing. Actress Elizabeth Montgomery known for television's "Bewitched," gives a surprisingly chilling and unforgettable performance as Lizzie Borden. The effective use of authentic speech and dress attire of the period makes the viewer feel at once he has traveled back to 1892. "The Legend of Lizzie Borden" at times appears dimly lit as if shot with oil lamps in the Borden home, giving the film a wonderful dark sinister look. As the camera closes in and focuses on Lizzie Borden's face, the film flashbacks to important scenes in Lizzie's life, sometimes contradicting courtroom testimony. An interesting fact (although she did not know it) is lead actress Elizabeth Montgomery was actually a distant cousin of Lizzie Borden herself! As cold detached Lizzie, Montgomery is subtle and unpredictable in her expressions and demeanor. The viewer can see there is something going on behind Lizzie Borden's seemingly unemotional facade, and gets a glimpse of a disturbed woman with secrets. Elizabeth Montgomery shot some key scenes in the nude (in a closed set) to show one possible theory of how Lizzie Borden could have murdered her stepmother and father without getting any blood on her. However because this was a movie made for television, it does not show nudity. The only few distractions that perhaps take away from an otherwise perfect film are spots when a few scenes fade to black, indicating where t.v. commercials were placed. Elizabeth Montgomery breathes life in her disturbing portrayal of Lizzie Borden and is convincing in a very difficult role that earned her an Emmy and Golden Globe nomination. The story and events are examined and much of the film takes place in the courtroom with actual testimony taken from the real Borden trial. The maid Bridget Sullivan (Fionnula Flanigan) and the determined prosecutor, Hosea Knowlton (Ed Flanders)are captivating. Resembling the family patriarch, Fritz Weaver gives a fascinating performance as the complex Andrew Borden. Flashbacks of Lizzie Borden as a child and her father add mystery to the story. This production follows historical accounts with accuracy and detail. "The Legend of Lizzie Borden" premiered in February of 1975 with no special effects. The film relies on it's performances and a story brilliantly recreated about the infamous hatchet murders of Fall River, Massachusetts. The haunting score from Billy Goldenberg enhances the creepy feel to the film. "The Legend of Lizzie Borden" is mesmerizing and a must see!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/26/23

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Audience Member

I love Elizabeth Montgomery.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/16/23

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Audience Member

It was a very thrilling movie. I particularly liked it because it was based off of a real murder. I think Elizabeth Montgomery did a great job playing a role completely opposite of her role on bewitched.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/21/23

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Audience Member

legend is what it is. still being talked in many regions of the country.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/03/23

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Paul Wendkos

Director

Elizabeth Montgomery

Lizzie Borden

Ed Flanders

Hosea Knowlton

Katherine Helmond

Emma Borden

Fionnula Flanagan

Bridget Sullivan

Don Porter

George Robinson

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Synopsis

In 1893, Massachusetts spinster Lizzie Borden (Elizabeth Montgomery) is accused of murdering her father and stepmother with a hatchet. A lengthy trial ensues, but the case is not as airtight as the prosecutors would like. There is no physical evidence at the scene of the crime, nor did Lizzie have any blood on her in the wake of the murders. Amid intense media scrutiny and wild speculation about her motives, Lizzie maintains her innocence to the end.

Director: Paul Wendkos
Production Co: Paramount
Rating: TV-14
Genre: History, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 8, 2018
Runtime: 1h 40m

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