American Experience: Murder at Harvard

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Overview

This taut film noir offers viewers an interesting look into the state of forensic criminology back in 1950 while also subtly offering some sharp social commentary. The grim Boston-set tale begins as blonde tart Vivian Hedron goes to cheap bar and seduces Henry Shanway so she can swipe his car. She then speeds away to a remote beach to meet her lover James Harkley, one of the monied Boston Harkleys who is also very married. Just after Hedron tells him she is carrying his child, he shoots her, takes off clothes ...
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DVD (Black & White / Letterbox)
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More About This Product

Overview

This taut film noir offers viewers an interesting look into the state of forensic criminology back in 1950 while also subtly offering some sharp social commentary. The grim Boston-set tale begins as blonde tart Vivian Hedron goes to cheap bar and seduces Henry Shanway so she can swipe his car. She then speeds away to a remote beach to meet her lover James Harkley, one of the monied Boston Harkleys who is also very married. Just after Hedron tells him she is carrying his child, he shoots her, takes off clothes After that, he throws her naked corpse into the ocean and Shanway's car into a local marsh. Time passes and Hedron's skeleton finally washes up on the beach. Lieutenant detective Morales is assigned the case. To learn the girl's identity, Morales enlists the aid of a medical expert from Harvard. They later discover that she was pregnant while searching the sand around her body and finding bones from the fetus. The police also dredge the swamp and find Shanway's car. Though he reported it stolen, he still becomes the prime suspect. Fortunately, the medical evidence does not support Shanway's guilt and Morales continues the investigation. Harkley has his own problems for Hedron's greedy landlady discovered Harkley's phone number in her late tenants apartment and has also stole the murder weapon. Armed with this proof, she begins blackmailing Harkley. Eventually, Harkley decides to kill the troublesome woman but finds both the detective and his wife Grace Harkley waiting for him. He escapes, but by this time it is too late and it is not long before justice is served.
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Special Features

Closed Caption; Original trailer
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Product Details

  • Release Date: 8/12/2003
  • UPC: 841887001533
  • Original Release: 2003

    • Rating:

  • Source: Pbs (Direct)
  • Region Code: 1
  • Aspect Ratio: Alternate Wide Screen (1.78:1)
  • Presentation: Black & White / Letterbox
  • Sound: Dolby Surround
  • Language: English
  • Time: 60:00
  • Format: DVD

Cast & Crew

Technical Credits
Eric Stange Director, Producer, Teleplay
Melissa Banta Producer, Teleplay
Boyd Estus Cinematographer
Amy Geller Producer
John Kusiak Score Composer
Peter Rhodes Editor
Simon Schama Producer, Teleplay
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Scene Index

Side #1 --
1. Introduction [4:53]
2. Three Men [5:14]
3. Versions of the Past [4:42]
4. Brahmins and Immigrants [6:44]
5. Littlefield's Suspicions [7:16]
6. History and Fiction [3:24]
7. The Trial [9:32]
8. Dead Certainties [11:31]
9. Credits [1:47]
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Menu

Side #1 --
   Play Movie
   Scene Selections
   Play Original Program Trailer
   PBS Online
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