The People vs. Jean Harris (TV 1981)

A re-enactment of the trial of the mistress of the Scarsdale Diet Doctor for his March 1980 murder, with excerpts from the transcripts of the proceedings serving as the script.

Director:

George Schaefer

Writer:

George Lefferts

Stars:

Ellen Burstyn, Martin Balsam, Richard Dysart

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 2 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Ellen Burstyn	...	Jean Harris
Martin Balsam	...	Joel Aurnou
Richard Dysart	...	Judge Russell R. Leggett
Peter Coyote	...	George Bolen
Priscilla Morrill	...	Juanita Edwards
Al Ruscio	...	Siciliano
Milton Selzer	...	Dr. Roth
Alan Manson	...	Dr. Ryan
Sarah Marshall	...	Suzanne van der Vreken
Alvin Ing	...	Dr. Roh
Lesley Woods
Sari Price
Christopher Curry
Millie Slavin	...	Narrator

Storyline

A re-enactment of the trial of the mistress of the Scarsdale Diet Doctor for his March 1980 murder, with excerpts from the transcripts of the proceedings serving as the script.

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Plot Keywords:

courtroom | lover | lawyer | murder trial | docudrama | 

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Genres:

Crime | Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 May 1981 (USA)

Also Known As:

Hystérical justice

Company Credits

Production Co:

PKO Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

147 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This drama was based on transcripts from Jean Harris' criminal trial. It was notable in being broadcast less than 3 months after the end of the actual trial.

User Reviews

A Great Performance by Ellen!

Okay, I was expecting a little more from this film. I haven't seen Mrs. Harris with Annette Bening. Of course, I believe Ellen Burstyn gives a brilliant complex performance as Mrs. Jean Harris who shot her lover of 14 years, Dr. Herman Tarmhower nicknamed the Scarsdale Diet Doctor. Ellen brings Jean's character to life making her complex, complicated, strong, vulnerable, weak, emotional, and completely real to the audience. You understand her and you wonder why she went to prison. Of course, Dr. Tarmhower or Hi as he was called by her had another mistress, a divorced Lynn Triforest who never testified at the trial. Mrs. Harris was a beautiful, intelligent woman who wanted Hi's company, companionship, rather than force him to marry her. She made the trips from Virginia and often drove up to see him and not the other way around. Somehow they were together for many years, the thought of a break-up was just unbearable for Jean who loved Hi completely with faults and all. She was his cerebral companion as well as lover but Hi needed more. Maybe she just didn't live up to his expectations in the bedroom, who knows since he has been gone for 27 years? Mrs. Harris was not a stupid woman only when it came to love and the Scarsdale Diet Doctor. There is no man worthy enough to kill yourself for in this world. Mrs. Harris felt insecure, unattractive, and inadequate only because her partner, Hi, made her feel that way. This case raises a lot of points about relationships including selfishness and possessiveness on both sides. I believe Ellen deserved an Emmy. I felt the courtroom version was both too long because it never left the courtroom.