The Preppie Murder Explained

Genre:Crime
Drama
Story:Irv Roud
Director:John Herzfeld
Starring:Danny Aiello
William Baldwin
Lara Flynn Boyle
Theme Music Composer:Chris Isaak
Simon Rogers
Country:United States
Language:English
Executive Producer:Jack Grossbart
Producer:Sydell Albert
Paul Pompian
Location:Los Angeles
New York City
Editor:Janet Bartels-Vandagriff
Cinematography:Steven Shaw
Runtime:100 minutes
Company:Jack Grossbart Productions
Network:ABC

The Preppie Murder is an American television film directed by John Herzfeld, written by Herzfeld and Irv Roud, and starring William Baldwin as Robert Chambers and Lara Flynn Boyle as Jennifer Levin. The film aired on ABC in 1989. It was based on the events of a murder committed by Robert Chambers, nicknamed the "Preppie Killer". The film co-stars Danny Aiello, Joanna Kerns, and William Devane.

Plot

The film reenacts Robert Chambers' murder of Jennifer Levin. Robert Chambers, a man who attended prep schools on a scholarship, kills Jennifer Levin, who herself was of a privileged background after they leave a trendy Manhattan bar together. When Detective Mike Sheehan arrests him, Chambers claims that he killed her in self-defense after rough sex got out of hand. In the ensuing trial, Chambers' attorney, Jack Litman, attacks Levin's personal history. Chambers eventually pleads guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter.

Cast

Production

The film was shot mostly in Los Angeles, but some exterior shots took place in New York City. Mike Sheehan, who investigated the case, served as a consultant. Jennifer Levin's parents declined involvement; her father called it "exploitative". Linda Fairstein and Jack Litman also declined involvement.[1] Director John Herzfeld wanted to tell Jennifer Levin's story and "clear a little of the mud off her".[2]

Release

The Preppie Murder aired September 24, 1989, on ABC.[2] It was released on home video in November 1993.[3]

Reception

Howard Rosenberg of the Los Angeles Times called it "vexing, powerful and heartbreaking—yet strangely enigmatic".[2] John Leonard of New York called it "pointless" and compared it negatively to Linda Wolfe's book, .[4] John J. O'Connor of The New York Times wrote that the film's denunciation of the press as exploitative was ironic, as it "merely warms up the old headlines it pretends to abhor."[5]

Further reading

Notes and References

  1. Art Imitates Death in The Preppie Murder. Kunen. James S.. People. 32. 13. September 25, 1989. February 14, 2014.
  2. News: 'Preppie Murder' Drama Pleads Case for Victims. Rosenberg. Howard. Los Angeles Times. September 23, 1989. February 24, 2014.
  3. News: Reforming In Seattle But 'Lost In Yonkers'. Cornell. Christopher. Philadelphia Inquirer. November 18, 1993. February 24, 2014.
  4. Sex, Lies, and Videotape. Leonard. John. New York. September 25, 1989. February 24, 2014. 126. 22. 38.
  5. News: TV Weekend; Death in Central Park, Lives of 80's Youth. O'Connor. John J.. The New York Times. September 22, 1989. February 24, 2014.