Synopsis
Did Lizzie Borden 'take an axe' and murder her parents over 100 years ago? The past and present are about to collide at 'the most haunted house in America'.

Though she was never convicted, the town of Fall River has remained convinced their most infamous citizen was guilty; until an ambitious obituary writer becomes obsessed with making her mark by proving Lizzie innocent.

Did she or didn't she?

Excerpt follows:

FADE IN.

INT. MAPLECROFT HOUSE PORCH, FALL RIVER - DAY - PRESENT

An enclosed porch with stained glass windows. The window is closed, yet the curtain rustles as if there were a breeze.

The Victorian style house is empty of furniture - scarred wood floors gleam in the sunlight. The stained glass casts colorful reflections on the floor.

LIZBETH (V.O.)
They say there is a light you
can find and if you let it fill you,
it is unimaginable wondrous.

A dark shadow passes over the colorful reflections.

LIZBETH (V.O.)
I haven't found that light...

INT. MAPLECROFT KITCHEN/HALL - CONTINUOUS

Into the kitchen. Old-fashioned, slightly peeling wallpaper. Modern dishwasher installed among old drawers.

LIZBETH (V.O.)
...And truth be told, haven't
looked that hard. I'm too interested
in what takes place here on earth.

INT. MAPLECROFT HALL - CONTINUOUS

A corded rotary dial phone. The phone rings once.

LIZBETH (V.O.)
There's plenty of us on the other
side trying to speak to you.
You've only but to listen.

INT. MAPLECROFT BASEMENT - CONTINUOUS

Sudden turn, basement door bursts open.

LIZBETH (V.O.)
Weak as my voice may seem...
my spirit is strong and I have
something to tell.

LIZBETH (V.O.)
I haven't had the one and only
thing I ever needed or wanted...

Sinister low light from glazed barred cellar windows. Dusty pool cue holders line the walls.

LIZBETH (V.O.)
And if I can't ever be loved, I
want the truth of my story to
be told, even if there's only one
to hear it.

A faded billiard table stands alone. The basement seems small, considering the size of the whole house.

EXT. RIVERSIDE PARK, NEW YORK CITY - DAY - PRESENT

Idyllic summer day in Riverside Park. The sensual river flows by. BICYCLERS ride on the path.

GRETA , early 30s, attractive with a baby face and dark curly hair, wearing a sunhat decorated with skulls and crossbones, sits on a towel. She studies the local crimes section of the newspaper. Circles an article, makes notations. Excited when her phone rings.

GRETA
Hello, Mr. Walsh. Yes, I want
to ask you a few questions about
what happened to your son. I
know this is a very difficult time,
but I'm researching... Already sold
the story? CNN, huh? Well,
thanks for calling me back...

She closes the cel, defeated. Returns to the paper.

A pigeon flies from nearby bushes chased by another pigeon. Greta looks up from her work. Notices high-heeled black patent-leather pumps in the grass. Looks curious. A good-looking YOUNG MAN has been watching her.

YOUNG MAN
Excuse me, Miss.

GRETA
(flattered)
Yes?

YOUNG MAN
Did you forget your shoes?

Sun reflects off the patent leather.

GRETA
Do you know how they got there?

YOUNG MAN I thought they were yours.

GRETA
Too dressy, they look expensive.
No one would wear them to the
park, much less leave them.
If she could help it.

YOUNG MAN
What's your name?

GRETA
Greta. Hey wanna help me look
for more evidence?

He looks at her strangely, but is intrigued. Greta wades into the bushes, almost trips. Looks closer - it's a WOMAN'S HAND. She sees the folds of a black dress. Blond hair, streaks of mascara down the cheeks.

GRETA
Oh my God! I found her!

YOUNG MAN
(rushing up)
I'll call 911!

Excited, Greta grabs for her phone, speed dials.

GRETA
They take too long. I'll get the
local precinct.... Hello? I need to
report a body in Riverside Park...

END EXCERPT