The Legend Of Lizzie Borden (1975)

In August 1892 in the town of Fall River, Massachusetts, a spinster (Elizabeth Montgomery) is the prime suspect in the brutal hatchet murders of her father (Fritz Weaver) and stepmother (Helen Craig). Directed by Paul Wendkos (THE MEPHISTO WALTZ), this film faithfully follows the facts in the telling of the notorious Lizzie Borden murders though the movie takes the tack that she was guilty although she was, in fact, acquitted for the killings which were never solved. Elizabeth Montgomery gives a splendid performance, always keeping us in doubt of her guilt or innocence but with just enough suspicion to tip the hat. The European theatrical cut (which I've not seen) is slightly longer by four minutes and more graphic in Montgomery's nude scene. Montgomery's excellent work aside, the film itself is a solid courtroom drama. The large supporting cast includes Fionnula Flanagan, Katherine Helmond, Ed Flanders, Don Porter, Bonnie Bartlett, Gail Kobe, Gloria Stuart and John Beal.