There are two versions of the original mini-series and one cuts out the Jay Smith trial(DVD version). The VHS version includes the Smith murder trial and is about 90 minutes longer than the DVD. Sometimes, Amazon sells copies of the movie, on VHS, but obtaining a VCR to watch it might be a problem.
The movie is true to the book except it cuts out one important character: Rachel (Her real name is Joanne Aiken). Aiken was the only Bradfield girlfriend that did not turn on him. She testified in both of Bradfield's trials but for some reason, she does not appear in the mini-series.
The only problem with the movie is the story did not end with Jay Smith's murder conviction, in the mid-1980s. In 1990, evidence from Jack Holt's garage was discovered that led the Pa. state supreme court to overturn Smith's conviction and declare double jeopardy because the police and DA had suppressed evidence that would have probably led to a not guilty verdict, in Smith's murder trial.
The movie is truthful to the facts of the case but it left out things like the author of the book paying Holt $ 50,000.00, if Smith and Bradfield were convicted of murder.
It is an additive story and to know the whole story, one needs to read a book called "Principle Suspect" by Smith's second lawyer. There are four books about the murders and each provides a unique view of the case that make them worth reading.
The movie is true to the book except it cuts out one important character: Rachel (Her real name is Joanne Aiken). Aiken was the only Bradfield girlfriend that did not turn on him. She testified in both of Bradfield's trials but for some reason, she does not appear in the mini-series.
The only problem with the movie is the story did not end with Jay Smith's murder conviction, in the mid-1980s. In 1990, evidence from Jack Holt's garage was discovered that led the Pa. state supreme court to overturn Smith's conviction and declare double jeopardy because the police and DA had suppressed evidence that would have probably led to a not guilty verdict, in Smith's murder trial.
The movie is truthful to the facts of the case but it left out things like the author of the book paying Holt $ 50,000.00, if Smith and Bradfield were convicted of murder.
It is an additive story and to know the whole story, one needs to read a book called "Principle Suspect" by Smith's second lawyer. There are four books about the murders and each provides a unique view of the case that make them worth reading.