Serial killers, there’s no doubt that it’s a subject that fascinates us as a society. The evidence can be found in the popularity of movies and books chronicling the exploits of these real life monsters. Said fascination has even served as inspiration for the creation of fictional serial killers for the printed page and the big screen, who have taken their place in popular culture right beside their real life counter parts. But truth is, if you’ll pardon the cliché, stranger than fiction.
One such person, who has spent time shedding light on the truths behind some of these historical homicidal maniacs, is author and filmmaker John Borowski. To date Borowski has made four documentary films about real life serial killers: Serial Killer Culture, Carl Panzram: The Spirit of Hatred and Vengeance, Albert Fish: In Sin He Found Salvation and my personal favorite of the bunch, H.H. Holmes: America’s First Serial Killer.
Additionally he has written three books on the subject: The Strange Case of Dr. H.H. Holmes, Albert Fish: In His Own Words and The Ed Gein File.
Borowski’s most recent doc, Serial Killer Culture, examines the various reasons why artists, musicians and collectors are are equally fascinated and influenced by serial killers. It’s a subject with a wide scope and due to the popularity of his film, Serial Killer Culture TV is aimed at continuing on where the documentary left off. Borowski explained to me that “Serial Killer Culture TV is an episodic TV show which features intimate interviews with those involved in the serial killer culture community.”
Season 1 Episode List
KURTEN’S HEAD –
Ripley’s Believe It or Not explains how the mummified head of serial killer Peter Kurten came into their possession.
Cast: Edward Meyer, V.P. Exhibits and Archives, Ripley Entertianment, Inc., Kurten’s Voice: Christopher Lehman
GACY’S BRAIN –
Dr. Helen Morrison discusses studying John Wayne Gacy and has his brain in a jar.
Cast: Dr. Helen Morrison, John Wayne Gacy: Jim Sorfleet
Crew: Rick Gawel
HYAENA GALLERY –
Hyaena Gallery owner Bill Shafer discusses selling serial killer artwork and letters.
Cast: Bill Shafer, Lou Rusconi, Clint Carney
JONESTOWN SURVIVOR –
Jonestown Survivor Laura Johnston Kohl discusses surviving the Jonestown Massacre, and San Diego State University discusses their Jonestown exhibit.
Cast: Robert Ray, Laura Johnston Cole
MURDER AUCTION –
Everyday is serial killer culture for MurderAuction.com owner William Harder who accepts calls from serial killers and also visits them in prisons.
Cast: William Harder
MERLE ALLIN AND THE MURDER JUNKIES –
Merle Allin explains how he came to write to serial killers and shows off his collection of true crime artifacts.
Cast: Merle Allin
Each episode will also feature the narration of voice actor and voice over artist, Ed Gilliland.
Six episodes may only arouse some viewers’ appetites without bedding it back down, but fear not, because there will be more episodes coming in the future. I was assured of that much when Borowski wrote to me and said, “I have more episodes in the can for the future episodes and seasons.”
John Borowski’s Serial Killer Culture TV will begin streaming on Amazon and will also be available for purchase on DVD, March 1st. If you cant’ wait to feed your need for serial killer fare, his other movies and books are also available for purchase at Amazon right now. For more information about John Borowski and his films, please visit his website and IMDB page.
