111: The Real Garden of Good and Evil

Southern Fried True Crime

In 1994, a New York writer released a very southern gothic, non-fiction, crime novel. “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” became a national sensation. John Berendt’s seductive prose and his cast of eccentric characters drew readers into the lush culture of Savannah, Georgia. But the central plot was a scandal from 1981. Semi-closeted socialite, Jim Williams, had shot his lover dead in the study of his home. He went through four trials for the murder of Danny Hanson, a record in Georgia at the time. Berendt’s book became a movie in 1997, directed by Clint Eastwood. Many people don’t know the real story of the Mercer House murder. This is a look at the case, as well as the book and movie that captivated the nation.
Hosted and produced by Erica Kelley
Researched by Haley Gray and Erica Kelley
Written by Hannah Newcomb and Erica Kelley
Original Graphic Art by Coley Horner
Original Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma Radio
Edited by Chaes Gray of Gray Multimedia
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