June 20th, 1893 - Lizzie Borden was acquitted by a jury in Fall River, Mass. (after an hour and a half's deliberation) of murdering her father and stepmother. Between the locals and the media, the event could easily be compared to the murder trial in which the accused was O.J. Simpson.
In 1952, a little revue opened at the Royale Theatre in New York City. It was called "New Faces of 1952". It jump started the careers of most of its participants including Ronny Graham, Eartha Kitt, Robert Clary, June Carroll, Alice Ghostly, Carol Lawrence, Paul Lynde, and a writer named Mel Brooks.
Its original cast was brought together to film the show, which was released in CinemaScope, in 1954.
One of my favorite show tunes was written for the revue by Michael Brown (who later wrote children's books including the Santa Mouse series). Some know it as the "Lizzie Borden Song." Some know it as "You Can't Chop Your Poppa Up in Massachusetts." It's actual title is "Fall River Hoedown."
The house in which the murder occurred was converted into a bed & breakfast in 1996.
Today, most rooms go for $225.00 to $250.00. Or, you can rent the entire house for "just $1,500.00 per might". The highest bidder in a recent auction will get to stay in the Stepmother's bedroom on the night of August 4th. (The murders were committed around 10:30am that day.) The winner will also get two free Lizzie Borden bobble head dolls. Which you can purchase from the gift store for $25.00 each - unless you'd prefer a pair of Lizzie's Hatchet ear rings ($5.00), or a vial of brick dust from the basement ($10.00)
Sic transit gloria mundi.
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