The Murder of Mary Phagan
The Murder of Mary Phagan

The Murder of Mary Phagan

1988TV ShowEnded1 SeasonEnglish

In early-twentieth-century Atlanta, the murder of a young girl prompts strong reactions from the community and ultimately leads to the arrest of a man who could actually be innocent.

Read Reviews

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Director: William LuersGenres: Drama, History, Crime

Plot Summary

This made-for-television film recounts the sensational 1913 murder of a young factory worker in Atlanta, Mary Phagan, and the subsequent trial of the factory's superintendent, Leo Frank. The film meticulously portrays the events leading up to the murder, the intense public scrutiny, and the flawed legal proceedings that ultimately led to Frank's conviction and lynching.

Critical Reception

The Murder of Mary Phagan was widely praised for its compelling storytelling, strong performances, and faithful depiction of a controversial historical event. Critics lauded its in-depth examination of the era's societal prejudices and the miscarriage of justice. The film garnered significant attention and was considered a significant television event upon its release.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its historical accuracy and dramatic impact.
  • Commended for strong performances, particularly from Jack Lemmon.
  • Noted for its sensitive handling of a complex and tragic historical event.

Google audience: Audience reception data for this specific television film is not readily available through standard Google user reviews.

Fun Fact

The film was based on the true story of Leo Frank, a Jewish factory manager who was convicted of the murder of 13-year-old Mary Phagan in 1913, a case that became a major flashpoint for anti-Semitism in the American South.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review