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Mesmerized (film)
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Wikipedia article
'Mesmerized' (also known as 'Shocked' and 'My Letter to George') is a 1986 drama film directed by Michael Laughlin and starring Jodie Foster, John Lithgow and Michael Murphy.Ed. Scott Murray, 'Australia on the Small Screen 19701995', Oxford Uni Press, 1996 p107
Loosely based upon the Pimlico mystery, the film was a co-production between Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and United States with RKO Pictures. The film was titled 'Mesmerized' during production and upon release in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. It was released in the US in 1986 as 'My Letter to George', and elsewhere as 'Shocked'.
Plot
An orphaned 18-year-old New Zealand girl marries a much older wealthy businessman. Strains soon develop between them, at great emotional and physical toll on them and those around them, from family and servants, to business and trade associates and clientele.
She proceeds to cultivate a game with him in which she reads to him and also hypnotizes him. While he is under hypnosis she feeds him chloroform, thus gradually poisoning him. He finally dies and she is arrested and accused of poisoning him. Although chloroform is found in his stomach, there is no proof that she was involved, so she is acquitted. She then leaves New Zealand with his brother George, whom she loves.
The film ends by stating that her story was "based on a real character, crime and trial" and that it was assumed that they had emigrated to America to begin a new life. She was 19 years old.
Cast
* Jodie Foster Victoria
* John Lithgow Oliver Thompson
* Michael Murphy Wilson
* Dan Shor George
* Harry Andrews Old Thompson
* Philip Holder Dr. Finch
* Beryl Te Wiata Mrs. Simmons
* Reg Evans Mr. Simmons
* Jonathan Hardy Burley
* Don Selwyn Joseph
* Derek Hardwick Longwood
* George Spoors Lawyer
* Bob Gould Judge
* Jonathan Elsom Public Prosecutor
* Norman Fairley Bailiff
References
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