Netflix’s The Devil on Trial documentary examines the first murder trial in the United States to use the devil made me do it as a defense. The demonic possession trial took place in 1981, and although it’s been re-imagined for multiple films, many of the people with firsthand knowledge of the case have never been interviewed as a part of a documentary until now.
Teenager Arne Cheyenne Johnson claimed to have been controlled by demonic forces when he brutally murdered his landlord, Alan Bono. Johnson’s case had a link to Ed and Lorraine Warren, the paranormal investigators whose work was the basis for The Conjuring and who examined the original Amityville haunting. In the end, the jury didn’t accept the demonic possession defense, and Arne Cheyenne Johnson was convicted of first-degree manslaughter.
The Devil on Trial, which just debuted a motion poster, is set to air on...
Teenager Arne Cheyenne Johnson claimed to have been controlled by demonic forces when he brutally murdered his landlord, Alan Bono. Johnson’s case had a link to Ed and Lorraine Warren, the paranormal investigators whose work was the basis for The Conjuring and who examined the original Amityville haunting. In the end, the jury didn’t accept the demonic possession defense, and Arne Cheyenne Johnson was convicted of first-degree manslaughter.
The Devil on Trial, which just debuted a motion poster, is set to air on...
- 9/21/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
The chilling story behind Los Angeles’ “Hillside Strangler” killings is told tonight on REELZChannel’s Murder Made Me Famous. The Hillside Strangler later became known as the Hillside Stranglers after it emerged Two cousins were behind the murder of ten women during the winter of 1977-1978. Many of the women’s bodies were found dumped on the Hollywood Hills, hence the name given to the case. The killers emerged as Kenneth Bianchi and Angelo Buono, who worked together kidnapping then raping, torturing and murdering the women. Their victims aged from just 12 to 28 years old. Their names were Yolanda Washington, Judy...read more...
- 4/29/2017
- by Julian Cheatle
- Monsters and Critics
London – Producers Hamish McAlpine (Funny Games), Colin Vaines (Coriolanus) and Carole Siller (The Hillside Strangler) have joined forces under start-up production banner Broadstairs Films. The trio will collaborate to develop and produce joint projects. Photos: 11 British Actors Invading Hollywood's 'It List' Splitting their time between the U.K. and L.A., the partners will be at the American Film Market to cement relationships with both agencies and sales companies. Joining forces unites the trio's areas of expertise under one banner, they say. The new venture also allows all three partners to continue developing their own independent slates with
read more...
read more...
- 10/29/2013
- by Stuart Kemp
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A reign of terror that lasted only four months left 15 women and girls dead ranging in age from 12 to 28, according to Biography.com. Originally dubbed "The Hillside Strangler" by the media, it was realized that there were two men committing these crimes. "Twisted" told the story of the two men's killing spree from late 1977 into early 1978.
Angelo Buono, Jr. and Kenneth Bianchi were charged with abducting, raping and killing their victims, with Bianchi arrested in Washington. Bianchi tried to plead insanity, insisting he had dissociative identity disorder. This slowed down the trial process tremendously, though it was eventually determined that he was faking the condition. Ultimately, both men were sentenced to life in prison, where Buono died in 2002.
The episode featured an eerie recording of Bianchi describing the capture of one of their victims, the 28-year-old actress Jane King. It was a very matter-of-fact statement about the decision to abduct a woman despite her pleas,...
Angelo Buono, Jr. and Kenneth Bianchi were charged with abducting, raping and killing their victims, with Bianchi arrested in Washington. Bianchi tried to plead insanity, insisting he had dissociative identity disorder. This slowed down the trial process tremendously, though it was eventually determined that he was faking the condition. Ultimately, both men were sentenced to life in prison, where Buono died in 2002.
The episode featured an eerie recording of Bianchi describing the capture of one of their victims, the 28-year-old actress Jane King. It was a very matter-of-fact statement about the decision to abduct a woman despite her pleas,...
- 10/17/2012
- by Jason Hughes
- Huffington Post
A reign of terror that lasted only four months left 15 women and girls dead ranging in age from 12 to 28, according to Biography.com. Originally dubbed "The Hillside Strangler" by the media, it was realized that there were two men committing these crimes. "Twisted" told the story of the two men's killing spree from late 1977 into early 1978.
Angelo Buono, Jr. and Kenneth Bianchi were charged with abducting, raping and killing their victims, with Bianchi arrested in Washington. Bianchi tried to plead insanity, insisting he had dissociative identity disorder. This slowed down the trial process tremendously, though it was eventually determined that he was faking the condition. Ultimately, both men were sentenced to life in prison, where Buono died in 2002.
The episode featured an eerie recording of Bianchi describing the capture of one of their victims, the 28-year-old actress Jane King. It was a very matter-of-fact statement about the decision to abduct a woman despite her pleas,...
Angelo Buono, Jr. and Kenneth Bianchi were charged with abducting, raping and killing their victims, with Bianchi arrested in Washington. Bianchi tried to plead insanity, insisting he had dissociative identity disorder. This slowed down the trial process tremendously, though it was eventually determined that he was faking the condition. Ultimately, both men were sentenced to life in prison, where Buono died in 2002.
The episode featured an eerie recording of Bianchi describing the capture of one of their victims, the 28-year-old actress Jane King. It was a very matter-of-fact statement about the decision to abduct a woman despite her pleas,...
- 10/17/2012
- by Jason Hughes
- Aol TV.
Written and directed by Chris Fisher, based on the novel by Thomas Berger
Featuring: Samuel L. Jackson, Luke Wilson, Leslie Bibb, Peyton List, Tracie Thoms, Muse Watson
The opening scene of Meeting Evil promises something the rest of the film can’t quite deliver: a genuine sense of dread.
Protagonist John Felton (Luke Wilson) drives through a nearly vacant, dilapidated neighborhood that’s been gutted by the housing crisis. As the sun beats down on his face, he sees empty houses and people moving out. Eventually, we discover that John himself is a recently fired real estate agent; business has been terrible, and his own house is about to be foreclosed on.
Unsurprisingly, John’s lack of success is straining his marriage to Joanie (Leslie Bibb). When Joanie and their children’s attempts to cheer John up backfire and they get in a fight, she takes the kids out for a walk.
Featuring: Samuel L. Jackson, Luke Wilson, Leslie Bibb, Peyton List, Tracie Thoms, Muse Watson
The opening scene of Meeting Evil promises something the rest of the film can’t quite deliver: a genuine sense of dread.
Protagonist John Felton (Luke Wilson) drives through a nearly vacant, dilapidated neighborhood that’s been gutted by the housing crisis. As the sun beats down on his face, he sees empty houses and people moving out. Eventually, we discover that John himself is a recently fired real estate agent; business has been terrible, and his own house is about to be foreclosed on.
Unsurprisingly, John’s lack of success is straining his marriage to Joanie (Leslie Bibb). When Joanie and their children’s attempts to cheer John up backfire and they get in a fight, she takes the kids out for a walk.
- 8/8/2012
- by Dan Coyle aka Deadpool
- Planet Fury
The folks behind the British horror flick Inbred have been in touch to let us know that the film has secured a sales agent in Darclight Films, who are the horror-arm of Arclight Films, whose horror-filled catalogue includes Wolf Creek, Wolf Creek 2, Bait 3D, The Loved Ones, Grave Encounters, Storm Warning, Lake Mungo, Bereavement, The Hillside Strangler and many more.
Says executive producer Yazid Benfeghoul:
They totally share our ambitions for Inbred and they are going to make sure that it gets seen by as many people in as many countries as is possible!
Inbred will be screening at the Efm ( the European Film Market) in Berlin in February with heavy promotion – so here’s hoping the film scores a distribution deal very soon. In the mean time check out this new poster and images from the film that we’ve also been sent:...
Says executive producer Yazid Benfeghoul:
They totally share our ambitions for Inbred and they are going to make sure that it gets seen by as many people in as many countries as is possible!
Inbred will be screening at the Efm ( the European Film Market) in Berlin in February with heavy promotion – so here’s hoping the film scores a distribution deal very soon. In the mean time check out this new poster and images from the film that we’ve also been sent:...
- 1/25/2012
- by Phil
- Nerdly
On October 11, Palisades Tartan is re-release a handful of films under new titles. We received a look at the art for Root of Evil , which hit U.S. shores under the title Acacia a few years back. Other films getting the re-title/new art treatment include: Blood Curse (formerly Bad Blood ), The Hillside Stranglings (formerly The Hillside Strangler ) and The Slit-Mouthed Woman (formerly Carved ). The title change is a curious one. Some are reverting back to their original monikers while others are deviating from them.
- 9/30/2011
- shocktillyoudrop.com
There's a veritable boatload of Asian horror coming our way from our friends over at Palisades/Tartan, and we have all the stringy long-haired details for you right here!
From the Press Release
Haunted houses, evil spirits, creepy ghosts, psycho killers and possessed trees – this Halloween Palisades Tartan has it all! In an effort to introduce a new audience to some of its best horror titles, Palisades Tartan will be releasing Blood Curse (formerly Bad Blood), The Hillside Stranglings Unrated (formerly The Hillside Strangler), Root Of Evil (formerly Acacia) and The Slit-mouthed Woman (formerly Carved) with revamped key art and special low prices. So if you haven’t completed your DVD horror collection yet, make sure you check out these grizzly tales on October 11.
“Lingers Long After The Last Frame Has Played.”
Twitch
Blood Curse
Unrated, 2006, Portuguese, 97 min,
Palisades Tartan Extreme
After inheriting a home in the countryside, a family...
From the Press Release
Haunted houses, evil spirits, creepy ghosts, psycho killers and possessed trees – this Halloween Palisades Tartan has it all! In an effort to introduce a new audience to some of its best horror titles, Palisades Tartan will be releasing Blood Curse (formerly Bad Blood), The Hillside Stranglings Unrated (formerly The Hillside Strangler), Root Of Evil (formerly Acacia) and The Slit-mouthed Woman (formerly Carved) with revamped key art and special low prices. So if you haven’t completed your DVD horror collection yet, make sure you check out these grizzly tales on October 11.
“Lingers Long After The Last Frame Has Played.”
Twitch
Blood Curse
Unrated, 2006, Portuguese, 97 min,
Palisades Tartan Extreme
After inheriting a home in the countryside, a family...
- 9/26/2011
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
This Canadian made for television production aired back in May 2010 under the title Dear Mr. Gacy and has been re-titled and distributed on DVD for a UK release. The Last Victim continues in same vein as other low budget serial killer thrillers from the past few years, this time, focusing on ‘killer clown’ John Wayne Gacy.
Serial killers and their macabre stories fascinate audiences. We’ve had a string of flicks on modern subjects such as The Hillside Strangler, Ted Bundy, Richard Ramirez and Eileen Wuornos. Funnily enough the producer of Monster is behind this very picture.
The Last Victim is given a great deal of lift by actor William Forsythe. He’s the reason, perhaps the only one, for seeing this film. Gacy presented here is a rather camp, overly friendly and highly delusional figure. He won’t admit he’s done anything wrong at all and believes himself...
Serial killers and their macabre stories fascinate audiences. We’ve had a string of flicks on modern subjects such as The Hillside Strangler, Ted Bundy, Richard Ramirez and Eileen Wuornos. Funnily enough the producer of Monster is behind this very picture.
The Last Victim is given a great deal of lift by actor William Forsythe. He’s the reason, perhaps the only one, for seeing this film. Gacy presented here is a rather camp, overly friendly and highly delusional figure. He won’t admit he’s done anything wrong at all and believes himself...
- 3/2/2011
- by Martyn Conterio
- FilmShaft.com
Mti Home Video has acquired five new horror-thrillers for release over the next year. Those acquired at the American Film Market 2010 include:
Closed For The Season
Director: Jay Woelfel (Ghost Lake)
Acquisition from Artist View Entertainment
Genre: Horror
Synopsis: Trapped in a forgotten amusement park, a young girl finds herself terrorized by the living memories of the park. She must break free from the park′s grasp before she becomes its next victim. Starring: Aimee Brooks (The Hillside Strangler, Critters 3), Damian Maffei (Ghost Lake), William Waters and Joe Unger (A Nightmare on Elm Street)
The Undying
Director: Steven Peros (Footprints)
Acquisition from Circus Road Films
Genre: Supernatural Thriller
Synopsis: The Undying stars Deadwood’s Robin Weigert as a doctor who becomes obsessed with the ghost of a Civil War soldier dwelling in her new home, and contrives to have his spirit live again in the body of a violent...
Closed For The Season
Director: Jay Woelfel (Ghost Lake)
Acquisition from Artist View Entertainment
Genre: Horror
Synopsis: Trapped in a forgotten amusement park, a young girl finds herself terrorized by the living memories of the park. She must break free from the park′s grasp before she becomes its next victim. Starring: Aimee Brooks (The Hillside Strangler, Critters 3), Damian Maffei (Ghost Lake), William Waters and Joe Unger (A Nightmare on Elm Street)
The Undying
Director: Steven Peros (Footprints)
Acquisition from Circus Road Films
Genre: Supernatural Thriller
Synopsis: The Undying stars Deadwood’s Robin Weigert as a doctor who becomes obsessed with the ghost of a Civil War soldier dwelling in her new home, and contrives to have his spirit live again in the body of a violent...
- 11/15/2010
- by Dave
- FamousMonsters of Filmland
Our reps at Mti Home Video have informed us that the company has acquired five new horror-thrillers for release over the next year. Those acquired at the American Film Market include... Closed For The Season Director: Jay Woelfel (Ghost Lake) Acquisition from Artist View Entertainment Genre: Horror Synopsis: Trapped in a forgotten amusement park, a young girl finds herself terrorized by the living memories of the park. She must break free from the park′s grasp before she becomes its next victim. Starring: Aimee Brooks (The Hillside Strangler, Critters 3), Damian Maffei (Ghost Lake), William Waters and Joe Unger (A Nightmare on Elm Street) The Undying Director: Steven Peros (Footprints) Acquisition from Circus Road Films Genre: Supernatural Thriller...
- 11/5/2010
- shocktillyoudrop.com
Starring the late great David Carradine in one of his last film roles as "Principle Hoskins", Dentention is a new haunted school indie from Children of the Corn III director, James Hickox and writers Stephen L. Johnston (The Hillside Strangler), John Stienfield and Michael Muscal.
Synopsis:
A group of high school students are sent to detention for unexplained reasons.
There, the teenagers find themselves abandoned and locked in their classroom after their detention teacher leaves and then mysteriously disappears.
With night slowly approaching, a thunder storm builds outside. The heavy rain and lightening causes a massive power failure throwing the school in total darkness. Strange, haunting images of ghosts begin to appear in the school. The kids manage to break out of the classroom only to find that the the building has taken on a life of it's own, keeping them trapped inside.
The film also stars Thomas Calabro, Alexa Jago,...
Synopsis:
A group of high school students are sent to detention for unexplained reasons.
There, the teenagers find themselves abandoned and locked in their classroom after their detention teacher leaves and then mysteriously disappears.
With night slowly approaching, a thunder storm builds outside. The heavy rain and lightening causes a massive power failure throwing the school in total darkness. Strange, haunting images of ghosts begin to appear in the school. The kids manage to break out of the classroom only to find that the the building has taken on a life of it's own, keeping them trapped inside.
The film also stars Thomas Calabro, Alexa Jago,...
- 10/12/2009
- QuietEarth.us
The impending end of "The Shield" marks a new beginning for Shawn Ryan at FX. In his first post-"Shield" project at the cable network that gave him his big break, Ryan has teamed with "Ocean's Eleven" writer Ted Griffin for a comedic private eye one-hour that has been fast-tracked by FX.
Another Ryan collaboration, a cop drama with author James Ellroy, created strong interest from several networks before landing at A&E. Titled "The Lead Sheet," it chronicles the hunt for the infamous Hillside Strangler in 1970s Los Angeles.
In a return to his comedy roots, Ryan has signed on to pen "Millionaires Club," a comedy for Fox, with "Semi-Pro" helmer Kent Alterman attached to direct.
It has been a whirlwind of activity at Ryan's MiddKid Prods., which has sold four projects in the past few weeks, including the drama "Confessions of a Contractor" at CBS.
The shows have been developed under Ryan's overall deal with 20th Century Fox TV, that he inked in September, when he also launched Midd Kid and tapped Marney Hochman Nash to run it. The two broadcast projects are being produced by 20th TV, while the cable projects are done through its Fox21 unit.
"I'm striving to stretch myself as a writer and producer," said Ryan, noting that his background as a writer-showrunner has helped set MiddKid apart.
"There are a lot ot producing entities out there populated by nonwriting producers," he said. "We strive to be very writer-friendly and writer-centric."
The idea for the FX project came from Griffin, a "Shield" fan who penned an episode of the gritty cop drama and also will write the new project.
Ryan mentioned it to FX topper Landgraf in a chance hallway meeting.
"I could see his eyes brightening up," Ryan said. "It was a lucky break because that's an arena he wanted to mine next."
For Landgraf, there was more than chance involved in getting back in business with Ryan.
"When you have Shawn's hit and critically acclaimed show go through seven years and change the shape of ad-supported television, it's meaningful to do another series with him," he said.
Coming off "Shield," Ryan said the one thing he knew he didn't want to do was another cop show.
That is, until he met Ellroy, whose pitch for "Sheet" left him "spellbound."
The Hillside Strangler was the media's nickname for a prolific serial killer who tortured, raped and killed young women in 1977-78 in the hills above Los Angeles. Cousins Kenneth Bianchi and Angelo Buono were convicted of the crimes.
"Sheet" follows three police officers and two DAs as they investigate the killer, with each episode of the crime procedural starting with a tip leading to a violent crime that may or may not be related to the Strangler.
A&E's head of drama Tana Nugent Jamieson said she never had to fight so much to land a project as she did for "Sheet."
"Cop procedurals do well for us, but there is an additional layer of this being a period drama that adds richness to it," she said.
In addition to writing, Ellroy will exec produce "Sheet" with his manager Joel Gotler and Ryan.
One thing Ryan planned to do after the end of "Shield" was to take a crack at a comedy.
The single-camera "Club," which has received a premium script commitment from Fox, revolves around a ragtag group of wannabe millionaires who keep coming up with ill-fated plots to get rich.
Ryan got his start in comedy, winning a national college comedy playwriting award and landing an internship with TriStar TV, where he was able to observe the writers on the NBC comedy "My Two Dads."
He penned comedy and drama spec scripts and scored a couple of blind script commitments for comedy projects but his first full-time job on "Nash Bridges" steered him toward the one-hour genre where he made his mark with "Shield."
However, Ryan said, " 'The Shield' is a much bleaker and darker show than I am as a person."
Leaving his drama comfort zone is a big risk. "It puts me back at square one with everything to prove," he said.
Based on Richard Murphy's book, "Confessions of a Contractor" is a "soapy, funny and smart" look at the world of building contractors, Ryan said. Murphy is adapting his book for CBS, which has given the project a put pilot commitment.
After having a steady job on "Shield" for seven years, Ryan admitted that the future is "a little scary."
"But it also infuses you with a real enthusiasm for television, with real hope of what's possible," he said.
Ryan, who also exec produces CBS' David Mamet-created "The Unit," is repped by Endeavor, manager Larry Shuman and attorney Michael Gendler.
Another Ryan collaboration, a cop drama with author James Ellroy, created strong interest from several networks before landing at A&E. Titled "The Lead Sheet," it chronicles the hunt for the infamous Hillside Strangler in 1970s Los Angeles.
In a return to his comedy roots, Ryan has signed on to pen "Millionaires Club," a comedy for Fox, with "Semi-Pro" helmer Kent Alterman attached to direct.
It has been a whirlwind of activity at Ryan's MiddKid Prods., which has sold four projects in the past few weeks, including the drama "Confessions of a Contractor" at CBS.
The shows have been developed under Ryan's overall deal with 20th Century Fox TV, that he inked in September, when he also launched Midd Kid and tapped Marney Hochman Nash to run it. The two broadcast projects are being produced by 20th TV, while the cable projects are done through its Fox21 unit.
"I'm striving to stretch myself as a writer and producer," said Ryan, noting that his background as a writer-showrunner has helped set MiddKid apart.
"There are a lot ot producing entities out there populated by nonwriting producers," he said. "We strive to be very writer-friendly and writer-centric."
The idea for the FX project came from Griffin, a "Shield" fan who penned an episode of the gritty cop drama and also will write the new project.
Ryan mentioned it to FX topper Landgraf in a chance hallway meeting.
"I could see his eyes brightening up," Ryan said. "It was a lucky break because that's an arena he wanted to mine next."
For Landgraf, there was more than chance involved in getting back in business with Ryan.
"When you have Shawn's hit and critically acclaimed show go through seven years and change the shape of ad-supported television, it's meaningful to do another series with him," he said.
Coming off "Shield," Ryan said the one thing he knew he didn't want to do was another cop show.
That is, until he met Ellroy, whose pitch for "Sheet" left him "spellbound."
The Hillside Strangler was the media's nickname for a prolific serial killer who tortured, raped and killed young women in 1977-78 in the hills above Los Angeles. Cousins Kenneth Bianchi and Angelo Buono were convicted of the crimes.
"Sheet" follows three police officers and two DAs as they investigate the killer, with each episode of the crime procedural starting with a tip leading to a violent crime that may or may not be related to the Strangler.
A&E's head of drama Tana Nugent Jamieson said she never had to fight so much to land a project as she did for "Sheet."
"Cop procedurals do well for us, but there is an additional layer of this being a period drama that adds richness to it," she said.
In addition to writing, Ellroy will exec produce "Sheet" with his manager Joel Gotler and Ryan.
One thing Ryan planned to do after the end of "Shield" was to take a crack at a comedy.
The single-camera "Club," which has received a premium script commitment from Fox, revolves around a ragtag group of wannabe millionaires who keep coming up with ill-fated plots to get rich.
Ryan got his start in comedy, winning a national college comedy playwriting award and landing an internship with TriStar TV, where he was able to observe the writers on the NBC comedy "My Two Dads."
He penned comedy and drama spec scripts and scored a couple of blind script commitments for comedy projects but his first full-time job on "Nash Bridges" steered him toward the one-hour genre where he made his mark with "Shield."
However, Ryan said, " 'The Shield' is a much bleaker and darker show than I am as a person."
Leaving his drama comfort zone is a big risk. "It puts me back at square one with everything to prove," he said.
Based on Richard Murphy's book, "Confessions of a Contractor" is a "soapy, funny and smart" look at the world of building contractors, Ryan said. Murphy is adapting his book for CBS, which has given the project a put pilot commitment.
After having a steady job on "Shield" for seven years, Ryan admitted that the future is "a little scary."
"But it also infuses you with a real enthusiasm for television, with real hope of what's possible," he said.
Ryan, who also exec produces CBS' David Mamet-created "The Unit," is repped by Endeavor, manager Larry Shuman and attorney Michael Gendler.
- 8/7/2008
- by By Nellie Andreeva
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.