Seduced by Madness: The Diane Borchardt Story

After losing his wife in a tragic car accident, a father by the name of "Ruben Borchardt" (Peter Coyote) marries a woman named "Diane Kay Borchardt" (Ann-Margaret) with the hope that she can help him raise his two children "Brook Borchardt" (Hedy Burress) and "Chuck Borchardt" (Tobey Maguire). During this time, Diane becomes pregnant and gives birth to another child they name "Regan Borchardt" (Veronica Lauren). Unfortunately, not long after giving birth to Regan, Diane becomes quite hostile to Ruben's children by his first wife and begins to despise him in the process as well. So much so that, Ruben eventually finds the love and affection he needs in the arms of another woman named "Claire Brown" (Leslie Hope). Unable to hide his love for her any longer, Ruben subsequently asks Diane for a divorce--and that's when things really begin to spiral out-of-control. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that, not only was this movie based on a true story, but it also bore a remarkable similarity to another event that happened just a few years earlier involving a married woman named Pamela Smart who likewise manipulated high school students to murder her husband as well. Interestingly enough, a good film was also produced about that incident under the title of "Murder in New Hampshire-the Pamela Smart Story" starring Helen Hunt and Hank Stratton. On a side note, I should also mention that another film titled "To Die For" starring Nicole Kidman was also somewhat related to the Pamela Smart story but was presented more as a dark comedy with little regard for historical accuracy. But I digress. In any case, what really impressed me about this particular film was the outstanding performances of Peter Coyote, Ann-Margret and, to a lesser degree Tobey Maguire, as all three totally owned their roles. Admittedly, being a two-part miniseries, the film runs a bit long (200 minutes) but, even so, I still found it worth the time spent, and I have rated it accordingly. Above average.

There was a time when these true crime mini series were blockbuster entertainment nowadays they've been reduced with lower production values horrible scripts and unknown casts and shown on lifetime if your lucky you can catch them rerunning one of the classic ones.I wouldn't consider this one a classic like the burning bed or Fatal Vision but it boasts a fabulous performance by Ann Margret playing a socialpathic school teacher who manipulates a student to murder her husband peter Coyote gives a fine performance as well as the doomed husband but this is definitely Ann Margrets film who walks away with every scene she's in! The script can't avoid obvious clichés but it still is a fascinating watch. My only complaint is the annoying stupidity of Coyotes children who were warned by their father of what his wife is capable of and about money that he hid for them but basically do nothing and even let their wicked step mother to get her claws on the money If you enjoy true crime movies you should enjoy this! It's worth it just to see Ann Margrets performance

Ann-Margaret really got a chance to strut her stuff as an actress in this riveting TV movie about a seductive temptress/schoolteacher who convinces three or her students to murder her husband by claiming he was abusive to her when actually she was the abusive one. Ann-Margaret completely loses herself in this complex and unsympathetic character whose true story is the stuff that movies of the week are made of and Ann-Margaret pulls it off beautifully and effortlessly makes Diane the woman you love to hate. Peter Coyote, an actor who has often been overshadowed by the actresses he has worked with, manages to hold his own as Diane's victimized husband, a devoted husband and father who is completely powerless over this madwoman whose universe he is unable to escape from in time. Writer Buck Henry told a similar story in less time and to greater effect in TO DIE FOR, a theatrical film which featured an amazing performance by Nicole Kidman, but Ann-Margret did Emmy worthy work as the twisted and terrible Diane Borchardt.

Extremely well-directed and acted true-life chronicle of Diane Borchardt, a Wisconsin high school teacher who charmed some of her students into carrying out the murder of her husband. Originally shown in two parts on television, the film has the production values of a theatrical feature, and Ann-Margret is nothing short of riveting in the lead. Abandoning her kittenish persona (and all traces of a sympathetic good nature), Ann-Margret is nothing short of chilling in her portrayal of Mrs. B., a cunning and calculating monster. The younger players are also very good and the film is gripping if extremely unpleasant. Difficult as an entertainment, it is still a strong achievement, which is a testament to the talents of director John Patterson and writer Carmen Culver.

I have lived less than 10 miles from Jefferson all my life,much of my family lives there. This story hit very close to home. I remember listening to the hearings on the radio. Also before all this happened I used to hang out with Shannon at the dance club Jefferson used to have. When I saw the movie I had to laugh at the ways they portrayed some of the settings because I knew what they were supposed to be and they looked nothing like the real thing. To think something like this could happen like this in such a small town is just unbelievable! I would like to see it again(I haven't seen it in years)just because the actors did such a good job portraying down to earth small town people.