The tragic murder of John Lennon by Mark David Chapman in in New York City on December 8, 1980 once more goes under the microscope in a new documentary series that re-examines the circumstances of the former Beatle’s shocking death.
When is John Lennon: Murder Without a Trial being released in Australia?
John Lennon: Murder Without a Trial is now streaming in Australia exclusively on Apple TV+.
John Lennon: Murder Without a Trial
What is John Lennon: Murder Without a Trial about?
As the official synopsis tersely notes: “For the first time, key figures from John Lennon’s life and death — including friends, doctors and investigators — share personal memories and reveal what happened on the night of his killing.”
What that means is a forensic examination of the murder and trial, and a wealth of historical material that contextualises Lennon’s shocking death and the public reaction to it.
The cast of John Lennon: Murder Without a Trial
With the notable exception of Yoko Ono (and look, fair enough), the three-part series talks to an impressive number of eye witnesses, including staff at the Dakota building where Lennon lived, plus the law enforcement and legal professionals involved in the subsequent case. Archival material of Chapman, including previously unreleased interview recordings, are included, along with contemporary appearances by Paul McCartney. The whole thing is narrated by Kiefer Sutherland.
John Lennon: Murder Without a Trial trailer
What the critics are saying about John Lennon: Murder Without a Trial?
This one is getting very mixed reviews, with critics noting that while the level of detail is exhaustive, we’re not really learning anything new with this one. A dalliance with conspiratorial theories regarding Chapman’s motives is getting particularly bad notes. Still, if your a fan of The Beatles in general and/or John Lennon in particular, you already know you’re going to want to check this one out regardless of the critical consensus.
