Seduced by Madness: The Diane Borchardt Story

Ann-Margret deserves an academy award for her performance as a manic step-mother who is concerned only with her own needs and desires. Her mood swings from normalcy to manic anger, her manipulation of her teen-age accomplices, her horrible treatment of her husband, and her favoritism for her own daughter over her two step-children...all very realistic portrayals of a manic woman obsessed with having everything her way. It was hard to watch this movie during the scenes leading up to Ruben Borchardt's murder, but they were enlightening. This movie is a must see for anyone who has known a manic person like Diane Borchardt. The post-murder investigation by the two relentless detectives was heartening, all the way up to the convictions of those involved. The classic scene comes at the end when Diane Borchardt is being processed for prison: her only concern is that her husband had a chance to "repent" before he died.

Kudos to the writers and actors who made this movie so realistic!

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.

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.

As Diana Borchardt, a sociopath and schoolteacher who tires of her husband and wants out; this is a very interesting study of what some people are capable of.

Peter Coyote is sympathetic as the victim, Ruben Borchardt; as she calls him "Rube the boob"; she is an emasculating, narcissistic woman, (not schizophrenic as a previous review intimates).

The fact that this was based on a true story makes this all the more relevant, here was a well-liked teacher, popular with the students, capable of unbelievable manipulation, malice and murder.

The murder of Ruben is carried out by several students, who believe Borchardt is being physically abused by her husband (She was not, but concocted this story to acquire life insurance benefits). Tobey McGuire in particular is rather sympathetic as Ruben Borchardt's young son.

Borchardt apparently even visited her in-laws for Easter, knowing that their son was just brutally murdered, to cover up her role in the homicide. The students were pawns, part of her intent to control.

Indeed, no one even benefited from Ruben's death. The house was tied up in debt, and Diana Borchardt never paid the students what she had promised. She thereby perpetuated the psychological theory that there are some sociopaths who subconsciously want to be apprehended for their crimes. 8/10.

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.