The People vs. Jean Harris
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| 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 Harris is a 1981 American legal drama television film directed and produced by George Schaefer. The screenplay, written by George Lefferts, is based on a transcript of the trial of Jean Harris, who was convicted of murdering her ex-lover Herman Tarnower. The film stars Ellen Burstyn as Harris, with Martin Balsam, Richard Dysart, and Peter Coyote in supporting roles.
The People vs. Jean Harris originally aired in two parts on NBC on May 7 and 8, 1981. For her performance, Burstyn was nominated for her first Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award.
- Ellen Burstyn as Jean Harris
- Martin Balsam as Joel Aurnou
- Richard Dysart as Russell R. Leggett
- Peter Coyote as George Bolen
- Priscilla Morrill as Juanita Edwards
- Al Ruscio as Siciliano
- Milton Selzer as Dr. Roth
- Alan Manson as Dr. Ryan
- Alvin Ing as Dr. Roh
- Sarah Marshall as Suzanne van der Vreken
Production
Producer Paul Klein, who founded PKO Television, based The People vs. Jean Harris on the actual transcripts from the trial of Jean Harris. He presented the concept to NBC four days before Mrs. Harris was found guilty, on February 24, 1981.[1]
Principal photography began 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]