Before forensics, DNA, and CSI we had dollhouses – an
unimaginable collection of miniature crime scenes, known as the Nutshell
Studies of Unexplained Death. Created in the 1930s and 1940s by a
crime-fighting grandmother, Frances Glessner Lee created the Nutshells
to help homicide detectives hone their investigative skills. These
surreal dollhouses reveal a dystopic and disturbing slice of domestic
life with doll corpses representing actual murder victims, or perhaps
something that just looks like murder. Despite all the advances in
forensics, the Nutshells are still used today to train detectives.
Documentary film,
Of Dolls and Murder, explores the dioramas, the woman
who created them, and their relationship to modern day forensics. From
the iconic CSI television show to the Body Farm and criminally minded
college students, legendary filmmaker and true crime aficionado, John
Waters narrates the tiny world of big time murder.
The DVD includes extended version of
Of Dolls & Murder as well as extra features!
Eco-friendly packaging.
Own the mystery. Or give the gift a murder.
This stainless steel necklace was designed by Suzy Greenberg with a
Nutshell Study photo by Susan Marks, and poster design by Adam Tow.
The pendant is coated in resin and includes a 24 inch ball chain.
All proceeds go towards offsetting the cost of making independent film, Of Dolls and Murder!
Inspired by a collection of dollhouse crime scenes known as
“The Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death,” Cynthia von Buhler
recreates the story of her grandfather’s prohibition-era murder with a
dollhouse replica of his speakeasy club and bakery.
This documentary film goes inside Cynthia’s world of miniature murder
and steps back in time through her off-broadway immersive play. With
these investigative techniques she attempts to unravel the curious
mystery surrounding her grandfather’s death.
Inside the Speakeasy Dollhouse DVD includes the documentary film
(Running time 17:38) and special PDF files of Cynthia von Buhler's
graphic novel "Speakeasy Dollhouse, The Bloody Beginning" and an
Evidence Booklet Playbill.
