Oct 2024: Murder in a Nutshell: The Frances Glessner Lee Story documentary screening

We are still hammering out the details but we've set a date, Oct 19, 2024. for a screening of Murder in a Nutshell: The Frances Glessner Lee Story documentary film. We are so excited to finally share this documentary with you! 

Editing Murder in a Nutshell: The Frances Glessner Lee Story documentary

We spent a very productive session this past week working on the fine cut of Murder in a Nutshell: The Frances Glessner Lee Story documentary. I love how this is coming together. 

One the left side of the monitor is the interior of the Glessner House Museum and on the right is a photo of Frances Glessner (R) with her dog and Violetta Scharff (L), Frances' paid companion. 

Someone recently asked me if the Glessner House was haunted. We filmed there twice and spent a day researching their files, so I had plenty of opportunity to be scared but nothing scary happened. The energy in the museum seemed light. 

However, many people do say it is haunted. What about you? Have you been there? Did you experience anything paranormal? 

While filming Of Dolls & Murder we did experience quite a few unexplained events, like camera and car batteries dying when they were fully charged/new. Strange. I've also had my computer battery drain on another filming project at a Polish museum. 

Murder in a Nutshell: The Frances Glessner Lee Story Documentary update

 

We are working hard on the fine cut edit for Murder in a Nutshell: The Frances Glessner Lee Story. Currently we are re-editing the section on the unfinished Nutshells. I took this photo of one of the unfinished Nutshells at the Rocks Estate. Someone found it at antique shop and recognized that it was a Nutshell and donated it to the Rocks. Unfortunately, I do believe it burned up in the horrible fire a few years ago. Luckily we got photos and footage of it when we did. 

I just heard from my contact from the Rocks - it did not burn up! 

I wonder what Frances Glessner Lee had it store for this one? 

Reminds me of something from David Lynch 

1966 Mattel Baby Secret Doll Commercial

Adorably terrifying. 

All dolls have secrets apparently - some more than others. 

Anyone know what this one was going on about? 

Celebrating Frances Glessner Lee's Birthday March 25, 2024

What a great way to celebrate the anniversary of Frances Glessner Lee's Birthday in her hometown of Chicago, Illinois in her childhood home, the Glessner House

The Patron Saint of Forensic Science 

Frances Glessner as a child

Frances Glessner Lee making dollhouse crime scenes

Glessner House Museum

Frances Glessner Lee's Childhood Home

Frances Glessner Lee and the Nutshell Studies New Documentary

Exciting news! My filmmaking partners on Of Dolls & Murder and I are back at it - created a brand new cut of Murder in a Nutshell. I keep saying, "We're not the same people we were when we started this film project. We're not the same filmmakers we were. We're better." 

But I wouldn't be me if I wasn't lamenting something. Over the years, I've never been able to track down any footage or audio recordings of Frances Glessner Lee. I know it's out there somewhere. 

Someone who knew her told me that she had a soft spoken voice. Interesting. 

Frances wasn't always associated with miniature crime scenes...

Horrifying and Questionable Vintage Valentines

People who appreciate Of Dolls & Murder also appreciate horrifying and questionable vintage Valentines. Enjoy! 

Also, your filmmaking pals, Susan Marks, John Dehn and Matt Ehling are in the throes re-editing the Of Dolls & Murder follow up film, Murder in a Nutshells: The Frances Glessner Lee Story. It's really happening.

Happy Valentines! Hope it's creepy.