Of Dolls and Murder

Before the advent of forensic science, DNA analysis, and shows like CSI, there existed a unique collection of miniature crime scenes called the Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death. These intricate dioramas were crafted in the 1930s and 1940s by Frances Glessner Lee, a grandmother with a passion for solving crimes. Her aim was to aid homicide detectives in sharpening their investigative abilities. These eerie dollhouses offer a glimpse into a dystopian and unsettling aspect of domestic life, featuring doll figures that represent real murder victims or scenarios that merely appear to be homicides. Despite the progress in forensic technology, the Nutshells continue to serve as a training tool for detectives today. The documentary “Of Dolls and Murder” delves into these dioramas, the visionary woman behind them, and their connection to contemporary forensic practices. Narrated by the legendary filmmaker and true crime enthusiast John Waters, the film examines everything from the iconic CSI series to the Body Farm and the interests of crime-focused college students, all within the miniature world of significant murders.