TV Show spotlight
Daisy de Melker
The infamous poisoner, Daisy Louisa de Melker (née Hancorn-Smith) was born on 1 July 1886 near Grahamstown. Daisy was charged with the murder of her two previous husbands and her son. Her trial began in October 1932 before Judge Greenberg in Johannesburg. Daisy was not found guilty of the murder of her two previous husbands, but she was found guilty of the murder of her son. On 30 December 1932, Daisy was hanged in Pretoria Central Prison, without ever pleading guilty or showing any remorse. Daisy was the second woman in South Africa to be hanged.
Insights
Plot Summary
This drama-documentary explores the life of Daisy de Melker, a nurse who confessed to murdering her husband and son in 1937. It delves into her troubled past, her volatile relationships, and the shocking crimes that led to her conviction.
Critical Reception
The film was a low-budget production that received limited critical attention upon its release. It is often noted for its historical subject matter and the portrayal of a notorious South African crime.
What Reviewers Say
A straightforward dramatization of a notorious case.
Offers a glimpse into the psychology of a confessed serial killer.
Lacks the polish of higher-budgeted crime dramas but remains compelling.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce due to the film's limited release. Those available often mention the grim subject matter and the historical interest of the De Melker case.
Fun Fact
Daisy de Melker was the first woman in South Africa to be convicted of murder through evidence of poison.
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