The People vs. Jean Harrisis a 1981 Americancourtroom dramatelevision filmdirected and produced byGeorge Schaefer.The screenplay, written byGeorge Lefferts,is based on a transcript of the trial ofJean Harris,who was convicted of murdering her ex-loverHerman Tarnower.The film starsEllen Burstynas Harris, withMartin Balsam,Richard Dysart,andPeter Coyotein supporting roles.
| The People vs. Jean Harris | |
|---|---|
| Written by | George Lefferts |
| Directed by | George Schaefer |
| Starring | |
| Narrated by | Millie Slavin |
| Composer | Brad Fiedel |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| Production | |
| Executive producer | Paul Klein |
| Producer | George Schaefer |
| Editors |
|
| Running time | 147 minutes |
| Production company | PKO Television |
| Original release | |
| Network | NBC |
| Release | May 7– May 8, 1981 |
The People vs. Jean Harrisoriginally aired in two parts onNBCon May 7 and 8, 1981. For her performance, Burstyn was nominated for her firstPrimetime Emmy Awardand aGolden Globe Award.
Cast
edit- Ellen BurstynasJean Harris
- Martin Balsamas Joel Aurnou
- Richard Dysartas Russell R. Leggett
- Peter Coyoteas George Bolen
- Priscilla Morrillas Juanita Edwards
- Al Ruscioas Siciliano
- Milton Selzeras Dr. Roth
- Alan Manson as Dr. Ryan
- Alvin Ingas Dr. Roh
- Sarah Marshallas Suzanne van der Vreken
Production
editProducer Paul Klein, who founded PKO Television, basedThe People vs. Jean Harrison the actualtranscriptsfrom the trial ofJean Harris.He presented the concept toNBCfour days before Mrs. Harris was found guilty, on February 24, 1981.[1]
Principal photographybegan on March 20, 1981, meaning that the entire process, including casting and creating the 360-page screenplay from 10,000 pages of transcript, took less than eight weeks. The film was shot and set entirely in the courtroom.[1]
Reception
editCritical response
editJohn J. O'ConnorofThe New York Timespraised Ellen Burstyn's portrayal of Harris, calling it "a thoroughly absorbing, incredibly modulated performance." He also wrote, "Within the context of the script written by George Lefferts and of the scrupulously unflashy direction by George Schaefer, the verdict of guilty is not only understandable but inevitable."[2]
Portrayal of Jean Harris
editAfter watching the first televised segment of the film, Harris was reported by people who have seen her to be unhappy with Burstyn's portrayal of her. Harris was said to have felt that although the actress represented her sympathetically, it was also a portrayal that lacked the sharp edges and brisk exchanges of her eight days as a witness.[3]
Prosecutor George Bolen said, "I don't think the Mrs. Harris at the trial was the Mrs. Harris portrayed on television", and an assistant district attorney said, "Mrs. Harris was very proud, cocky, even snobbish. If she was as Ellen Burstyn portrayed her, things might have turned out differently."[3]In addition, Bolen felt that "The People vs. Jean Harriswas an accurate but sometimes boring portrayal of the trial "and" Mrs. Harris was portrayed a certain way in the media with certain insights into her character. "[4]
Accolades
edit| Year | Award | Category | Nominee(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or a Special | Ellen Burstyn | Nominated | [5] |
| Outstanding Achievement in Technical Direction and Electronic Camerawork | George Falardeau, Royden Holm, Reed Howard, and O. Tamburri | Nominated | |||
| 1982 | Golden Globe Awards | Best Actress in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television | Ellen Burstyn | Nominated | [6] |
References
edit- ^abSchwartz, Tony (May 2, 1981)."TV NOTEBOOK; DRAMA BASED ON THE JEAN HARRIS TRIAL".The New York Times.Archivedfrom the original on January 25, 2018.RetrievedOctober 13,2023.
- ^O'Connor, John J. (May 7, 1981)."TV: THE MURDER TRIAL OF JEAN HARRIS IS DRAMATIZED".The New York Times.Archivedfrom the original on May 24, 2015.RetrievedOctober 13,2023.
- ^abFeron, James (May 9, 1981)."PORTRAYAL ON TV REPORTEDLY DISPLEASES JEAN HARRIS".The New York Times.Archivedfrom the original on July 18, 2020.RetrievedOctober 13,2023.
- ^Berlage, Randall V. (May 9, 1981)."'The People vs. Jean Harris' was an accurate but... "United Press International.Archivedfrom the original on July 17, 2020.RetrievedOctober 13,2023.
- ^"The People vs. Jean Harris".Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.RetrievedOctober 13,2023.
- ^"The People Vs. Jean Harris".Golden Globe Awards.RetrievedOctober 13,2023.