Ep 5. The Von Bulow Affair

Dominick Dunne's Power, Privilege and Justice, Vol. 1 season 1 episode 5, titled "The Von Bulow Affair," delves into one of the most captivating trials in modern American history. The episode narrates a scandalous tale of a wealthy socialite charged with the attempted murder of her husband.

The episode opens with a glimpse into the lifestyle of socialites and their opulent existence, which is a prime context for the story that unfolds. The centerpiece of the episode is Claus von Bulow, a wealthy Danish aristocrat who married Sunny, an American heiress in 1966, who then subsequently lapsed into a coma in December 1980.

The show takes the viewers back to 1982 when the American heiress, Martha "Sunny" von Bulow, was found unresponsive in her bedroom at Clarendon Court, their opulent mansion in Newport, Rhode Island. The episode examines the events leading up to the discovery of Sunny's unconscious body and her rushed treatment by emergency medical personnel.

The episode explores the trial of Claus von Bulow, who was accused of trying to murder his wife by injecting her with insulin, which resulted in her irreversible coma. The defense argued that Sunny's diabetes caused the coma, and her comatose state was prolonged by medical care gone wrong and by the powerful sedatives she was prescribed, instead of von Bulow's actions.

The episode further examines the life and cases of the famed lead prosecutor, Alan Dershowitz, who rose to national acclaim after taking up von Bulow's appeal. The show uses court transcripts and video clips from the trial to showcase the legal arguments during the various stages of the trial.

What makes the episode compelling is the real-life drama that unfolded throughout the case, including allegations concerning von Bulow's mistress Alexandra Isles and the questionable fortune surrounding the case. The show also highlights the role of Dominick Dunne, who was a close friend of the Von Bulows, as he takes a back seat from the social scene and aims to expose the truth of the situation to the public via Vanity Fair magazine.

"The Von Bulow Affair" is a gripping account of a scandal that exemplifies the lives and exploits of the wealthy and powerful, as it peels back the layers of a sordid story and provides frontline access to one of the most notorious attempted murder cases of the 20th century. The episode expertly captures the glimpse of the dark side of inherited wealth and privilege, showcasing how the wealthy and influential can act with impunity while getting away with some gruesome acts. The episode paints an engaging and comprehensive picture of the affair, from the legal disputes to the complex relationships between the involved parties.

Overall, the episode provides an excellent blend of real-life drama and legal arguments. It's a perfect fit for anyone interested in true crime and the criminal justice system.