I have seen this on French TV under the title "L'Amant Diabolique" ( Diabolical Lover ). I should dearly love to find it on DVD to hear it in English as what I saw was a version dubbed into French with very poor sound quality ( very muffled ) and I might also add that the picture quality was very average, not sharp enough. On the plus side the soundtrack was absolutely brilliant - not any tune in particular - but the general musical accompaniment to the various events unfolding in the film was most impressive - also the use of the daughter to narrate the story was also something I found very effective and emotion-distilling in this particular instance. As to the actors, James Wilder, a kind of male equivalent of Tracey Nelson, gives you the herb-jeebies at the best of times. I had already seen him in "A Perfect Marriage " and "Face Value" where he plays very unpleasant characters indeed - rather like Maxwell Caulfield - and he always seems to come across as a psychotic schizophrenic. As to the story itself, I don't know whether it is true or fictional but I fail to understand why any woman in sane state of mind would go on living with a dangerous psychotic like Scott. But there again, I am not a woman and women have ways of behaving that are totally illogical to men. If the guy presents a real threat to you and/or your child, you don't ask a thousand questions, you just get up and go. It's the instinct of self-preservation that should dominate - in this film this would appear not to be the case as the lady goes on supporting the violence from Scott and forgiving him - I am at loss to understand this as it doesn't seem plausible. But all this makes for excellent entertainment and I found the actors' performances magnificent. Only, sound and vision quality need to be improved to enable this film to have the strong emotional impact that it should have on the spectator.
19 Reviews
Sinister atmosphere - sound and picture quality below par
nicholas.rhodes26 April 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Attractive sophisticated level headed woman marries jerk.
yenlo15 June 1999
This movie recently aired on The Lifetime Channel. An attractive woman has a married life full of everything(or nearly everything) one would think a woman would want. She divorces her husband and father of her two daughters meets and marries Jerk First Class. One thing leads to another and Mr.Wonderful eventually murders her. I started watching this film and didn't expect to stay with it for more than a few minutes but kept watching it until the end. I came away with the same feeling as with The Stepfather films and 1984's First Born which starred Teri Garr. Where do women find these guys and why do they fall for them? Unlike The Stepfather trilogy and First Born this film was based on a true story which makes it all the more sadder. The acting is actually quite good. The story doesn't drag and keeps the viewer interested even though the outcome because of the title i.e. "Our Mothers Murder" is certain. Somehow however it becomes hard to have sympathy for the main character i.e. Ann Scripps Douglas because of her decision to get involved with this guy who begins using her for a punching bag not long after they wed. The film makes reference to the strong bond between the mother and her two adult daughters. Although one doesn't seem to learn anything from her mothers experience as she snags a boyfriend who pummels her a few times. The movie is worth watching whether you feel sympathy for the abused wife and her two daughters or not.
Well done docu-drama about murder of publishing heiress Anne Scripps Douglas
PudgyPandaMan7 November 2008
I thought this was a well done movie for a made for TV movie. I think the cast all did a good job.
James Wilder as the diabolical boyfriend/husband Scott gives me the creeps. Roxanne Hart as the heiress made me feel so sorry for her character. There are times when she talks and is crying and her voice quivers and it is so believable. How any woman puts up with such abuse is so hard to understand. The daughters were a good contrast to each other - Holly Marie Combs as the strong sister Alex and Sarah Chalke as the lush, weak sister prone to her mother's poor choice in men.
The way that man shamed and humiliated that woman was unbelievable. Its hard to believe her daughters couldn't have done more to intervene. Hopefully, domestic abuse laws in NY have changed to have more automatic, severe penalties for abusers. The thing that I don't get is that the movie states several times that court favors attempted reconciliation. Why in the world - in the 1990's- would the court encourage a woman to go back to her abuser. This wasn't the 1950's, when abuse was swept under the rug, and people turned a blind eye.
I think this movie reveals an important truth - that violence is an equal-opportunity evil; it inflicts the wealthy as well as the poor. People tend to think violence is an inner-city or working-class problem, but it doesn't discriminate. While they may not make up the majority, wealthy killers aren't hard to find in prison. In the graveyard, wealthy victims are even easier to find.
James Wilder as the diabolical boyfriend/husband Scott gives me the creeps. Roxanne Hart as the heiress made me feel so sorry for her character. There are times when she talks and is crying and her voice quivers and it is so believable. How any woman puts up with such abuse is so hard to understand. The daughters were a good contrast to each other - Holly Marie Combs as the strong sister Alex and Sarah Chalke as the lush, weak sister prone to her mother's poor choice in men.
The way that man shamed and humiliated that woman was unbelievable. Its hard to believe her daughters couldn't have done more to intervene. Hopefully, domestic abuse laws in NY have changed to have more automatic, severe penalties for abusers. The thing that I don't get is that the movie states several times that court favors attempted reconciliation. Why in the world - in the 1990's- would the court encourage a woman to go back to her abuser. This wasn't the 1950's, when abuse was swept under the rug, and people turned a blind eye.
I think this movie reveals an important truth - that violence is an equal-opportunity evil; it inflicts the wealthy as well as the poor. People tend to think violence is an inner-city or working-class problem, but it doesn't discriminate. While they may not make up the majority, wealthy killers aren't hard to find in prison. In the graveyard, wealthy victims are even easier to find.
Great Thriller
kristie4811 May 2002
Wow! This movie was really good. The only thing that made me mad was the fact that there were commercials in the movie when I saw it on t.v., but other than that I found the movie to be good. At some points in the movie i was totally creeped out and at others I was laughing and at the end I was in tears. This movie makes me want to stand up and cheer! Everyone in this movie did a great job, I found everyone to be very believable and fun to watch. It was entertaining and I would highly recommed this movie to anyone who has wanted to see different type of good movies. 9 out of 10. GREAT!!!!!!!
GREAT MOVIE
Nancy-4019 September 1999
this movie was wonderful, i don't know if it was based on a true story but it could have been, this woman falls in love with a younger man and he turns out to be abusive and he finds ways to make it so he will always be in this womans life and he torments her. Holly Marie Combs plays an excellent role as the daughter who stands up for her mother to this man. It ends very sad though.
Can't watch
butrusninorta1 February 2021
Based on the true story of Anne Scripps Douglas
MarieGabrielle25 March 2006
This film is excellent. Roxanne Hart does an excellent job portraying Ms. Scripps, who was actually murdered by her husband in the mid 90's.
Holly Marie Combs and Sarah Chalke portray Alex and Annie Morrel, Anne's daughters. The Scripps family-(Just think of publishing, NY and their estate in Bronxville, NY) is an old money establishment, and James Wilder portrays Scott Douglas, Anne's new suitor, who eventually marries the unsuspecting Scripps.
Apparently, she did not realize the extent of his capacity for abuse and violence. Perhaps it started as verbal abuse. Douglas seems to resent Anne's life of privilege, though she is a loving mother and wife. He embarrasses her in front of friends, degrades her, and spends his days drinking, while living in her mansion.
The performances in this film are very good, particularly Roxanne Hart, who is simply a wealthy,lonely woman, marries a younger man, and becomes the victim. She is sympathetic yet believable. Holly Marie Combs is also excellent, as the daughter who fights back, and sees the predicament her mother is in.
This is a decent film which realistically portrays the covert world of spousal abuse. Watch it and you will be interested in learning the true story.
Holly Marie Combs and Sarah Chalke portray Alex and Annie Morrel, Anne's daughters. The Scripps family-(Just think of publishing, NY and their estate in Bronxville, NY) is an old money establishment, and James Wilder portrays Scott Douglas, Anne's new suitor, who eventually marries the unsuspecting Scripps.
Apparently, she did not realize the extent of his capacity for abuse and violence. Perhaps it started as verbal abuse. Douglas seems to resent Anne's life of privilege, though she is a loving mother and wife. He embarrasses her in front of friends, degrades her, and spends his days drinking, while living in her mansion.
The performances in this film are very good, particularly Roxanne Hart, who is simply a wealthy,lonely woman, marries a younger man, and becomes the victim. She is sympathetic yet believable. Holly Marie Combs is also excellent, as the daughter who fights back, and sees the predicament her mother is in.
This is a decent film which realistically portrays the covert world of spousal abuse. Watch it and you will be interested in learning the true story.
Our Mothers Murder is a fitting case study about the affects of domestic violence
kerryanneo16 March 2005
This movie appeared to me to be sending the message loud and clear - THIS IS WHAT CAN HAPPEN WHEN YOU BECOME INVOLVED IN AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP AND DO NOT LISTEN TO YOUR SUPPORTERS. The fact that this movie is based on a true story removes any need for me to be critical of it. The producers did themselves justice by focusing on the daughters role in what happened. It should at the very least make any victim think about the pain the family and friends go through when they see a 'loved one' in an abusive relationship. I loved the film and all three main actors Holly, Sarah and Roxie were just great.
I have to give the film 10 out of 10 - the whole cast and crew appeared to do more than 'really try;' they portrayed a story easily believable and is all too real. They didn't go for any fancy twists or turns - they just did it! I found myself feeling sorry for the loss of Roxie to all who knew her. Domestic Abuse/Violence is a hot issue for discussion and this film is a great training resource too!
I have to give the film 10 out of 10 - the whole cast and crew appeared to do more than 'really try;' they portrayed a story easily believable and is all too real. They didn't go for any fancy twists or turns - they just did it! I found myself feeling sorry for the loss of Roxie to all who knew her. Domestic Abuse/Violence is a hot issue for discussion and this film is a great training resource too!
Wonderfully, sad tale.
Quirkystarburns26 December 2004
I was doing research on famous domestic abuse cases and came across this movie. Aside from being slightly dramatized in true Hollywood fashion I thought it did a great job portraying the abuse from several points of view. It was honest and candid in a way that most abuse movies aren't. Anne's sense of inability to leave her abusive relationship was depicted quite well, and her daughter's sense of futility to help her was heartbreaking and very well done. The situation was portrayed very realistically and I was rather amazed at the way the actors were able to truly tap into those intense emotions. Holly Marie Combs in particular was just spectacular.This movie was great. It's definitely up in the caliber of "The Burning Bed."
A lesson to be learned.
Acemickey200213 August 2002
This movie really touched my heart. I know so many women who have been abused and they believe men change, and they don't. This is one of those situations that will never go away and women need to realize that. I cried almost all the way through the movie cause it was just sad the way Scott treated her. I think if I were Anne's daughter, I would have killed him. Because deep inside, little by little, he was killing her before he actually did. Women, if you are being abused, please, watch this movie and learn, or you too, will wind up dead.
Very Well Done. Very Tragic.
mc-2123030 May 2020
I watched this movie last night for the first time since it aired on Lifetime many years ago.
"Our Mother's Murder" was an extremely well acted, tragic take if the life and heartbreaking death of Anne Scripps Douglas.
The acting was superb.
I highly recommend this movie to anyone who wants to see a top notch true story thriller.
"Our Mother's Murder" was an extremely well acted, tragic take if the life and heartbreaking death of Anne Scripps Douglas.
The acting was superb.
I highly recommend this movie to anyone who wants to see a top notch true story thriller.
wonderful
caylaj_8828 November 2001
This was one of the best movies I've ever seen even though it was really depressing especially because it was a true story. It's so sad how Anne just wanted the best for her daughter Victoria (Tori), so she was afraid to leave Scott! In the past she hasn't ever been hurt by anyone or anything so emotionally and physically so she doesn't know what to do. Holly Marie Combs is my favorite actress and does a very good job portraying Anne's protective daughter Alex. Everyone who hasn't seen this movie, it's definitely worth a look.
Anne should have known better!
willbost20039 July 2005
Anne had every chance in the world to leave this bum. He smashed her face in several times; humiliated her in front of her family and friends; and fell for this jerk's constant begging and crying that he would change.
No offense but this would not have been tolerated by a African American woman. She would have killed this dope after all of these events. If she really loved the little girl Tori, she would have put her in a better environment with the older daughters on a permanent basis and never went back to this animal.
The movie was sad and well played. I admired the daughter Alex's toughness. Her sister was weak like the mom and let men punch her around too. Remember the scene when the police came and the weak sister and mom let the police leave without arresting the guy. No way they should have let that happen. However, this is a true indication of how abused women (and men in some cases) never make the tough decision to get out before someone gets killed. If they punch you once they are likely to do it again. Most do not change. I hope this is the lesson abused people took from this film. Nice movie but sad.
No offense but this would not have been tolerated by a African American woman. She would have killed this dope after all of these events. If she really loved the little girl Tori, she would have put her in a better environment with the older daughters on a permanent basis and never went back to this animal.
The movie was sad and well played. I admired the daughter Alex's toughness. Her sister was weak like the mom and let men punch her around too. Remember the scene when the police came and the weak sister and mom let the police leave without arresting the guy. No way they should have let that happen. However, this is a true indication of how abused women (and men in some cases) never make the tough decision to get out before someone gets killed. If they punch you once they are likely to do it again. Most do not change. I hope this is the lesson abused people took from this film. Nice movie but sad.
This move was so good. I cried at even the happier scenes, because it was just that GOOD. SPOILERS !!!
806Generosa8608 May 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Spoilers and a message from a woman who was there. (Escaped & I am better off for it, as my two beautiful daughters) I knew better. Life is too short NOT to be:
>Happy
>Healthy
>To be able to live a HAPPY HEALTHY LONG life til' GOD calls us home. So do NOT let any man or anyone rob you of that ladies. (and men) Get out, and stay out, move if you're having to, life is too short not to.
-
Hi all.
First? This movie made me tear up, or cry even at the happier scenes, not just sad ending.
GREAT film. Beautiful talented quite convincing Roxanne Hart starred in it. 1 of Lifetime LMN BEST movies. I have watch em' all mostly in 1990s. It was a time when you're able to really sink your teeth into it,and not stop watching, like mid to late 2000s. You're able to turn from the newer ones at anytime,and not even really miss. This is what LMN used to be like, true to life films, or real true stories, like this very good but(sad ending)movie,so good, never ever going to NOT watch it. I hope to order it, to keep as a collector's item. Her daughter loved her clearly, so very VERY much. Both were great in it. I did cry a few times, when i was seeing HOLLY MARIE COMBS(from Charmed hit show) few other movies, Texas(murder movie she was in as well)the Texas Cadet Murder i think.)I like her, and realistically playing her daughter the tall blonde, what's her name SARAH CHALKE(good actress!)I loved her in Roseanne as second becky too.) Both daughters clearly loved their mother, Anne Scripps, a Bronxville loving mother, rich $$$ had cash, a good life, she set up for herself, but just fell for a much younger guy played by good actor JAMES WILDER, as Scott Douglas. I wish she didn't marry him. I know the views nationwide, agree "Only if" she knew, but even though the signs are there for some of us women albeit middle age lovely intelligent lady like her, or young lady under 30s... Sometimes, we still foolishly "ignore" our own view of the BRIGHT RED FLAGS, in front of us, from a phone call,to in person with a guy, there are ALWAYS SIGNS women. I love this movie. May she continue to RIP for a while now, while living through the lovely happy memories(and there were many)of those who care about her, truly loved her, as it is clear, NO ONE loved her, more, than her sweet girls, her daughters." I would watch this over and over at times, over today's boring silly, cheesy lackluster, boring LMN movies. GREAT FILM. A real tear-jerker.
NOTE: I wish the daughter as we seen did not leave that night. I'm thinking she would have lived, because SCOTT the drunk. Abuser, would've most likely never killed her so brutally with a hammer like he did, if she stayed home.
I get chills, knowing that her daughter was at first NOT going to go out. I love this film, and well done by literally EACH actor/actress in it.
-
Hi all.
First? This movie made me tear up, or cry even at the happier scenes, not just sad ending.
GREAT film. Beautiful talented quite convincing Roxanne Hart starred in it. 1 of Lifetime LMN BEST movies. I have watch em' all mostly in 1990s. It was a time when you're able to really sink your teeth into it,and not stop watching, like mid to late 2000s. You're able to turn from the newer ones at anytime,and not even really miss. This is what LMN used to be like, true to life films, or real true stories, like this very good but(sad ending)movie,so good, never ever going to NOT watch it. I hope to order it, to keep as a collector's item. Her daughter loved her clearly, so very VERY much. Both were great in it. I did cry a few times, when i was seeing HOLLY MARIE COMBS(from Charmed hit show) few other movies, Texas(murder movie she was in as well)the Texas Cadet Murder i think.)I like her, and realistically playing her daughter the tall blonde, what's her name SARAH CHALKE(good actress!)I loved her in Roseanne as second becky too.) Both daughters clearly loved their mother, Anne Scripps, a Bronxville loving mother, rich $$$ had cash, a good life, she set up for herself, but just fell for a much younger guy played by good actor JAMES WILDER, as Scott Douglas. I wish she didn't marry him. I know the views nationwide, agree "Only if" she knew, but even though the signs are there for some of us women albeit middle age lovely intelligent lady like her, or young lady under 30s... Sometimes, we still foolishly "ignore" our own view of the BRIGHT RED FLAGS, in front of us, from a phone call,to in person with a guy, there are ALWAYS SIGNS women. I love this movie. May she continue to RIP for a while now, while living through the lovely happy memories(and there were many)of those who care about her, truly loved her, as it is clear, NO ONE loved her, more, than her sweet girls, her daughters." I would watch this over and over at times, over today's boring silly, cheesy lackluster, boring LMN movies. GREAT FILM. A real tear-jerker.
NOTE: I wish the daughter as we seen did not leave that night. I'm thinking she would have lived, because SCOTT the drunk. Abuser, would've most likely never killed her so brutally with a hammer like he did, if she stayed home.
I get chills, knowing that her daughter was at first NOT going to go out. I love this film, and well done by literally EACH actor/actress in it.
Tragic but very memorable TV movie
taralynhuber22 June 2021
The Scripps family had a lot of tragedy including the one daughter jumping off the same bridge as Toris Father in 2018. Sadly Victoria Scripps has been living a sad drug addicted life. This movie is a tale of Domestic abuse and what you shouldn't do. Which is stay. Don't stay. Leave. All the money in the world and these people weren't happy at all.
Holly Marie Combs, Roxanne Hart. NEVER ignore signs, ladies...
taylor851924 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Our mother's murder is a well-made sensational tv movie, about a very lovely middle-aged mom,
with her entire life, ahead of her. Not even old yet. (That's 65+ up)She had cash to just move. I sure would have. He wouldn't have found her, no way.
Pushed her out the car? Beating her? Threw drinks at her? Sad. Alex was so protective of her mom. I wish her mom listened." BEST movie on LMN & Betty Broderick. Both are incredible movies & truth." I was blessed to order last week a copy on DVD. Clear quality i have from DVDTreasures site,if you're wanting to know. Came in the mail within only 3 days. Continue RIP Anne. Completely avoidable, only "if..."
Pushed her out the car? Beating her? Threw drinks at her? Sad. Alex was so protective of her mom. I wish her mom listened." BEST movie on LMN & Betty Broderick. Both are incredible movies & truth." I was blessed to order last week a copy on DVD. Clear quality i have from DVDTreasures site,if you're wanting to know. Came in the mail within only 3 days. Continue RIP Anne. Completely avoidable, only "if..."
A USA movie based on an actual murder.
VENEZIADOGE27 April 2000
This is a USA Original Pictures movie based upon the murder of the Scripps heiress by her abusive controlling husband. The daughters of the mother play a large role in the movie and narrate it at times. It follows a typical and predictable progression, partly based upon its semi-factually based premise. The movie is definitely watchable, but is obviously a made-for-TV movie and is reminiscent of previous USA Original movies.
The theme of the intruding con-man who works his way in until its too late to remove him appears here. Unlike the many other similar movies with this plot, this one is unique since it does have some basis in reality.
The theme of the intruding con-man who works his way in until its too late to remove him appears here. Unlike the many other similar movies with this plot, this one is unique since it does have some basis in reality.
Documentary as it should be
realreel25 March 2002
"My Mother's Murder" is a video documentary made by Charles Stuart, whose 74 year-old mother, Emily "Cissy" Stuart, was murdered in 1989. It remains the only homicide case unsolved by the Princeton, NJ police department. The film, shot in a "what-I-did-for-my-summer-vacation" style, is as honest and balanced a portrait of human anguish as ever made. Somehow, miraculously, Stuart is able to walk the tightrope between the subjective and the objective... revealing his own feelings and questions amid a series of events that he captures, flawlessly, through the crystal eye of his camera. The film is further proof (along with "Living Dolls," "A Long Night's Journey into Day," "Southern Comfort," "Small Town Ecstasy," "Blue Vinyl," "Lalee's Kin," etc.) that HBO is at the forefront of documentary production. I can't recommend it enough. As a diehard Errol Morris and Joe Berlinger fan, I was pleased to see that it's still possible for an "average" person with an important story to see it aired on national TV.
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