Fatal Vision is both a book and a television miniseries based on the book. Fatal Vision is the real-life story of Doctor Jeffrey MacDonald, who in 1979 was convicted of the murder of his pregnant wife and two small daughters. These murders had taken place in 1970 while MacDonald was a Green Beret Captain in the US Army stationed at Fort Bragg.
Book
The book Fatal Vision was written by Joe McGinniss, the author of Selling of the President 1968.
McGinniss and MacDonald made arrangements to work together shortly after the murders with the expectation, at least on MacDonald's part, that the subsequent book would show MacDonald's innocence. McGinniss had special access to MacDonald and his legal team, even living with MacDonald during the murder trial. The book covers events until MacDonald's final appeal was rejected in 1985.
Contrary to MacDonald's expectations, McGinniss' story, told in a narrative format, becomes an investigation and the investigation steadily builds a case against MacDonald. As a motive, McGinnis suggests that MacDonald killed his family in a fit of psychotic rage as a result of taking amphetamines.
Given that the book has a strong point-of-view on MacDonald's guilt, it is not surprising that McGinniss has been criticized for that point-of-view and what some perceive to be misstatements or biased presentation of the facts. He has likewise been accused of not including important evidence and information in his book.
In 1984, MacDonald sued McGinniss for breach of contract, including "journalistic distortion". (See MacDonald vs. McGinniss, CV-84-6170(WJR)(MCX)(U.S. District Court, Central District of California). Following a mistrial due to one juror's unwillingness to participate in jury discussion, the suit was settled out of court for $325,000.
Miniseries
Fatal Vision was also a 1984 television miniseries.
Cast List
- Gary Cole .... Jeffrey MacDonald, MD
- Karl Malden .... Freddy Kassab
- Eva Marie Saint .... Mildred Kassab
- Barry Newman .... Bernie Segal
- Andy Griffith .... Victor Worheide
Karl Malden was awarded an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series for his performance as MacDonald's father in-law, Freddy Kassab.
Fatal Vision was also nominated for Outstanding Drama/Comedy Special and for Outstanding Achievement in Makeup, David Greene for Outstanding Directing in a Limited Series or a Special, and John Gay for Outstanding Writing in a Limited Series or a Special.