La leggenda di Lizzie Borden

Atmospheric, rather violent and shocking television-movie from 1975 didn't ignite a great deal of controversy upon its original airing, yet it is still quite potent and scary today (arguably, if made today, it would have to be a cable movie with a strict rating). Elizabeth Montgomery is chilling as Lizzie Borden, an unmarried 32-year old in 1890s Massachusetts, still living at home with her father, sister and stepmother, who wishes she could sleep with one eye open after claiming their house was broken into; soon afterward, her father and stepmother are axed to death in the residence, on an afternoon when only Lizzie and the family maid were present. The courtroom theatrics (including the examination of a too-clean skull) are underwhelming, yet Montgomery is riveting nonetheless, particularly in the well-staged final moments after the verdict is read. Memorably, straightforwardly played out, without a hint of camp.

This film is an excellent portrayal of the infamous Lizzie Borden Axe murders that took place in Fall River, MA. It is a "period" piece set in the 1800's and brags some very impressive performances by 2 actresses who are generally considered to be television actresses. Although, this was a made for TV movie it has many qualities to it that would certainly endear it to the silver screen. Elizabeth Montgomery puts on a very impressive performance as the main character but also Katherine Helmond is equally good as Emma Borden. This is, by far, the greatest movie performance of both of these actresses illustrious careers. The story is well put together, based on facts with some speculation toward the end of the film. As most people are quite aware, Lizzie was acquitted of the crime she was accused of but this film provides a logical conclusion and assumption as to what really did happen to Andrew Borden and his wife, something that is still speculated on today. The murders themselves were heinous and brutal and this film does not shy away from that but it does manage to avoid becoming exploitative with the subject matter as well. Definitely one of the best made for TV films in American history. If you are able to catch this film on television, and it does still air on rare occasion, be sure to watch it and if your lucky enough to obtain a copy of it, by all means do so!

I concur with the positive comments here about this well above average made for TV movie. A friend of mine recently got his hands on a video of the film, and watching it, a little over 30 years later, I still experienced the hairs on the back of my neck standing up.

Elizabeth Montgomery gives a powerful, cold and chilling performance as the legendary Lizzie Borden.

LOL, when my brothers and I watched this ABC TV movie back in 1975, they would literally freak me out by locking me in the basement of our home. Through the locked basement door, they would sing, "Lizzie Borden took an axe, gave her mother 40 whacks...." Brothers - what can I tell ya?

Who doesn't remember watching the world premiere of this made- for-television-movie on ABC back in 1975. This film stars the great Elizabeth Montgomery (who should have won an Emmy) as Lizzie Borden, accused of killing her father (and step-mother) with an axe. Liz, gives a powerful, understated, performance. What makes this film great is the way Montgomery can portray Lizzie in that subtle, cool way that is very effective. All the supporting cast including "Soap" star Katherine Helmond, are terrific (look for Gloria Stuart in a very brief appearance as a store customer watching "Lizzie" purchase an axe). This is a classic film. Get this on video, people!!

I love this movie for two reasons: a big crush on Liz Montgomery and an interest in the case of Lizzie Borden. I don't know how she got this role, but she quickly goes from a sexy witch into a very scary and unstable psychopath, a role she soon excelled in two other TV-movies. This movie is chilling as it recreates the murders and the actual Borden house's floorplans to document and terrify the audience with a pseudo-documentary feel and psychological touch of suspense. The other roles were filled with lookalike actors and forms the atmosphere that you are really there in Fall River as the murders and trial occur. Some of the historical facts of the case and some witnesses are omitted for a more clearer script and continuity. The film also seems to suggest that Lizzie could see her stepmother's dead body from the top step long before it had been discovered [the father had been discovered first and had been killed sometime after he had been noticed. The bodies were found in the reverse order that they had been killed.}. This movie does remind me a touch of Lizzie's male counterpart, Jack The Ripper, whose movie starring Michael Caine also used very speculatory data to deduce the killer. Both movies are very chilling and true to their period with very dark primal undertones. This movie is a bit more than a cult classic, it's a TV-movie that should have been released theatrically. Someone ought to get on the ball and put this out on video for more people to appreciate it.