A Lenda de Lizzie Borden

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!!

"the Legend of Lizzie Borden" is possibly one of the best TV movies ever made! I DO NOT say this lightly! The filmakers have taken such care to recreate the tone and atmosphere of New England in the 1890s.It puts theatrical productions to shame!From the flawless photography,authentic props and scenery,masterful costume and hairstyles,and the documentary feel of the cool,muted visual design of the film.The viewer gets a rare look into the case of Lizzie Borden from both HER viewpoint and the viewpoint of the legend itself! The case story is by now well known (however legally"unsolved") Lizzie Borden is accused of a brutal double-murder of her father and step-mother.The trial and legal proceedings are taken (almost exactly) from the transcripts of 1893.The filmakers have introduced one of the theories of how Lizzie could have committed the murders without actually bringing it out in the courtroom(which it never was) This is done quite effectively through use of flashbacks and "daydreaming" and would not have been possible without the performance of Elizabeth Montgomery.She is alternatingly cold,fierce,manipulative,and above all believable as Lizzie ( the real Lizzie was heavier,shorter and not very pretty) Miss Montgomery makes one realize that there really WAS some magic behind that "witch twitch" we all knew from TV.

I remember the controversy when the film aired originally, but it wasn't until years later that I saw it. When I did see it, I was amazed by the high quality of it. This movie is much better than the majority of theatrical releases being made today. Elizabeth Montgomery gives a wonderful performance, and the script is intelligent, rich with subtext, and explores many themes (feminism, incest, murder trials as media events) which are still relevant.

The 1970s were a great time for made-for-TV movies, and this film is a shining example of that excellence. Today's filmmakers could learn a lot from this terrific production.

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!