Product Description

Erik Larson’s bestselling book The Devil in the White City introduced America to one of the most horrific but little-known episodes in our nation’s criminal history. When the shocking exploits of the mysterious Dr. H. H. Holmes became known, U.S. tabloids dubbed him the American Jack the Ripper. H.H. HOLMES: AMERICA’S FIRST SERIAL KILLER is the first film to tell the entire true story of this grisly episode. H.H. HOLMES: AMERICA’S FIRST SERIAL KILLER focuses on Holmes’ entire life of crime and villainy, from childhood to his death sentence and ultimate execution. Original photographs and newspaper reports of the period create a chilling authenticity, while actor Tony Jay (Time Bandits, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast) provides spooky, insightful narration to enliven the proceedings.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #44449 in DVD
• Released on: 2004-10-19
• Rating: Unrated
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Black & White, Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, Full Screen, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 64 minutes

Customer Reviews

great read but better dvd.
if you view the dvd then you should first read "depraved" by harold schechter. it gives more detail and will make the dvd more intense and alot
more interesting for those who are interested in true crime.

Devil in the White City - H.H. Holmes - America's First Serial Killer
I read the book The Devil in the White City and loved the book so much I was looking for more. This is a great documentary.

Chicago's Very Own
I first became interested in the life of serial killer H.H. Holmes ten years ago when I read "Depraved" by Harold Schechter. He was an incredibly complex man who perfected the art of manipulation and deception and his lust for blood far surpassed that of his English rival Jack The Ripper. This documentary by John Borowski is a must have for those who are fascinated by and would like to learn more about the now infamous "Torture Doctor". I also highly recommend this movie for fans of "Devil In The White City" as it provides invaluable insight into the man who had just as much drive and ambition to destroy as the architects of Chicago's World's Fair had to create.

This film examines the life of Holmes from the start of his life as an abused and tormented child straight through his college years where he pursued his interest in anatomy to his life as a ruthless killer. John Borowski pays fine attention to every detail to make this film seem as real as possible and to help expose the madness that was Holmes' world. His passion for film making as well as the film's subject is apparent from the opening sequence. The narration by the late, great Tony Jay is haunting and the interviews with the before mention Harold Schechter and other experts in the fields of criminology and forensics are compelling and well produced.

All in all, this is a wonderful documentary about a murderous mastermind who held America in a state of shock and fear in the late 1800's. The story of Holmes' life is well presented, the direction is superb, and this film makes a great addition to a serial killer "fan's" collection (as well as a great stocking stuffer for the kiddies come December!)

An awesome piece of independent film making.