‎A Wilderness of Error - Apple TV

Documentary series reinvestigating the trial and conviction of former Army doctor Jeffrey MacDonald, who was sent to prison in 1979 for killing his family in 1970. Swirling narratives challenge the truth in this complicated case that has spanned decades.

Documentary · 2020 · 1 hr 1 min

Director Marc Smerling

EPISODE 1

Girl in a Floppy Hat

Famed filmmaker and writer Errol Morris is obsessed with one of America’s most popularized true crimes – the murder of a pregnant wife and two young daughters on an Army base back in 1970. Green Beret doctor Jeffrey MacDonald said a band of drugged-crazed hippies attacked his family, led by a girl in a floppy hat. Army Investigators said MacDonald committed the murders.

56 min · Sep 25, 2020
EPISODE 2

A Time of Suspicion

After an Army hearing frees Green Beret Dr. Jeffrey MacDonald, his father-in-law demands a reinvestigation. But when he sees all the evidence, he’s shocked by where it leads…

36 min · Sep 25, 2020
EPISODE 3

Should the Jury Find...

Nine years after the murders of his pregnant wife and two young daughters, the guilt of Green Beret Dr. Jeffrey MacDonald is put to a civilian jury. The defense calls a surprise witness: The Girl in a Floppy Hat.

42 min · Sep 25, 2020
EPISODE 4

When a Narrative Becomes Reality

When Joe McGinniss’ book, “Fatal Vision,” is published, the story it tells is not what convicted killer Jeffrey MacDonald had hoped for… New evidence is discovered that may finally prove Jeffrey MacDonald is innocent. The Girl in the Floppy Hat sits for an interview.

39 min · Oct 2, 2020
EPISODE 5

A Wilderness of Error

Jeffrey MacDonald served more than 30 years in prison when a federal judge finally agrees to hear the new evidence in his case. Errol Morris heads to North Carolina believing the truth will finally come out.

45 min · Oct 2, 2020

Marc Smerling

Director
Marc Smerling

Producer
Michael Jackson

Producer
Rachael Horovitz

Producer
Jason Blum

Producer
Jeremy Gold

Producer
Marci Wiseman

Producer
Mary Lisio

Producer
Dawn Olmstead

Producer
Jessica Grimshaw

Producer
Errol Morris

Writer