DVD Review: The Mystery of Lord Lucan

Featuring two complete, star-studded programs, The Mystery of Lord Lucan makes its DVD debut on April 28, 2015 from Acorn, an RLJ Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: RLJE) brand. In the early hours of November 8, 1974, the 7th Earl of Lucan disappeared without a trace. What investigators subsequently found shocked the public: the body of his children’s nanny, Sandra, bludgeoned to death in the basement. These two exciting dramas explore the crime and its aftermath. The two-part ITV drama Lucan (Dec. 2013) is based on the book by John Pearson, adapted by acclaimed Oscar®-nominated writer Jeff Pope (Philomena), and stars Rory Kinnear (Skyfall, The Imitation Game, Penny Dreadful), Catherine McCormack (Braveheart), Paul Freeman (Raiders of the Lost Ark), Christopher Eccleston (Doctor Who, Shallow Grave, The Leftovers), and Michael Gambon (Harry Potter, Fortitude). The 1994 fictitious reimagining The Trial of Lord Lucan stars Julian Wadham (The Iron Lady), Lynsey Baxter (The French Lieutenant’s Woman) and Anthony Head (Buffy the Vampire Slayer). This DVD 2-disc set features two complete programs ($39.99, AcornOnline.com). Both versions are also available to stream any time at Acorn.TV, RLJ Entertainment’s digital subscription channel and the first British TV focused streaming service.

On a cold night in 1974, the nanny for a privileged London family was brutally murdered. Even more shocking was the prime suspect: John Bingham, the 7th Earl of Lucan, who suddenly vanished into thin air. Decades later, the scandalous true story of Lord Lucan remains among Britain’s most baffling unsolved mysteries. Did he really murder his children’s nanny? Is he still alive somewhere? Did his personal unraveling prove too threatening to his posh, private world?

In Lucan, Rory Kinnear stars as the desperate aristocrat with a gambling problem and a bitter, crumbling marriage.

The Trial of Lord Lucan imagines Lucan’s day in court. Prosecutors present the evidence, witnesses attest to events, and Lucan has the chance to defend himself at last. In the end, a jury of real British citizens gives a verdict on the infamous crime.

Street Date: April 28, 2015                           SRP: $39.99  

DVD 2-Disc Set: 2 complete programs – Approx. 214 min. – SDH Subtitles

UPC 0-54961-2340-9-7                                  ISBN 978-1-62172-340-0

My Thoughts


The Mystery of Lord Lucan is an exciting thriller inspired by actual events. In the winter of 1974, the nanny of a prestigious London family was brutally murdered.  John Bingham, the Earl of Lucan, disappeared immediately afterward. The murder was never solved and is one of Britian's most baffling mysteries from modern times.  This DVD set includes two different versions of events told in two very different ways, but both are equally captivating.

In Lucan,  John Pearson is an author researching the life of Lord Lucan. Pearson is also a real person who published a book entitled "The Gamblers." As he chats with club members and others who knew Lord Lucan, the back story is played out.  The earl is depicted as a gambler stuck in an unhappy marriage. It gives you an intimate look into the personal lives of this noble family, and leads up to the aftermath following the murder.

The Trail of Lord Lucan is a "what if" type of movie. What if Lord Lucan had been captured and brought to trial? This movie answers those questions by presenting real evidence in front of a court. Is there enough to prove his guilt? You'll have to watch to see.

After watching this show, I couldn't help but go online and look up the real people.  It was just that fascinating. The cast in both parts is star-studded and they all do a great job. This is one story that proves that fact is often stranger and more entertaining than fiction. If you'd like to order this fantastic thriller for yourself, you can find it on Acorn Media for only $39.99. Its also available on Amazon.