Wednesday, June 17, 2015

The Nutshell we didn't know existed

One of Frances Glessner Lee's Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death. Photo by Susan Marks
For those of you who know the Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death - this one may throw you. We (the filmmakers) didn't know it existed for many years. This Nutshell is featured in our forthcoming documentary film. Believe it or not, there's is a doll corpse in this one. Any guesses to where it is?

10 comments:

Richard J Foster said...

Hmmmm... so many possible options. Is it in the pile of whatever that is in the left foreground (earth, or perhaps fuel for the furnace)? Under the upturned trashcan? The barrel? It could be any (or considering the normal subject matter of the Nutshell's all) of the above. Having said that, I find myself suspicious of that brick area to the right of the furnace. It doesn't appear to be the furnace chimney, so what is it?

Susan Marks said...

Richard, you guessed everything! Ha. Your first instinct is correct!

Unknown said...

That was my second guess. The first was in the furnace itself. Where did you find this nutshell, and could there be others you don't know about right now?

leahcarter said...

Susan, I was finally able to watch "Of Dolls and Murder." I am a forensic studies student at University of Baltimore and was just at the Baltimore ME with my forensic photography class this morning. Any chance you would want to screen "Her Miniature Life of Crime" for the students at UB? Our Forensic Science Society would love a chance to offer something like this! I know that I'm dreaming big here, but it never hurts to ask. Right?

Susan Marks said...

Stan Livengood, we found one other Nutshell that has no furnishings and no dolls in it. Just to recap, because it's confusing: There were 20 created for Harvard. 18 are now at the Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. One of the original twenty was accidentally destroyed and the other is at the Bethlehem Heritage Center (And most recently in London - on loan to the Welcome Trust). In addition to the original twenty - The Rocks has two - the one pictured in this post and the other unfurnished one. They will be featured in our forthcoming documentary and yes Leahcater, I would love to screen the new film for the students at UB!!

leahcarter said...

Wonderful! How can we communicate about details? You can email me at leah.livengood@ubalt.edu. Yes, Stan is my husband. I am so excited about the prospect of this! Thank you.

leahcarter said...

I've been telling students and faculty about the possibility of a screening. Everyone is really excited and eager to make plans for it. Is there a good way to contact you to discuss arrangements? We want to make it a big event.

Susan Marks said...

Hi Leah Carter! Yes, I will email you!

leahcarter said...

I just finished the Frances Glessner Lee Homicide Investigation Seminar. It was so awesome! I also got to speak with Frances' grandchildren and great grandchildren. It was so neat to hear their memories of her. The Harvard Associates in Police Science is a wonderful group.

Susan Marks said...

Very cool that you went, Leah! I agree the HAPS is a great organization with wonderful people. Still working on the latest film and hope to connect with you when it's finished!