Question 1

What real-life case inspired the subplot about two brothers Alan Dershowitz tries to save from death row?

Accepted Answer

It's based on the 1980 case of the Tison brothers in Arizona, who helped their father escape prison and were charged with murder after he killed four people. Dershowitz got their sentence commuted to life.

Question 2

Which future New York governor was a law student on the real case depicted in the film?

Accepted Answer

Eliot Spitzer, who later became Governor of New York, was one of the law students on the real case.

Question 3

What ironic quip did Claus von Bülow make to Jeremy Irons when they met after the film's release?

Accepted Answer

Von Bülow asked if Irons knew Dershowitz was representing Leona Helmsley and Mike Tyson, then quipped: 'I don't suppose you've been asked to play either of them, have you?'

Question 4

How long did Sunny von Bülow remain in a coma after the events of the film?

Accepted Answer

Sunny von Bülow spent the last 28 years of her life in a coma, dying in 2008 at age 76.

Question 5

Which festivals featured 'Reversal of Fortune' in 1990?

Accepted Answer

It was featured at the Telluride Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival in 1990.

Question 6

What real-life death row case is referenced in the film's subplot?

Accepted Answer

The subplot about Alan trying to save two black brothers from death row is based on the 1980 case of the Tison brothers in Arizona, whose sentences were commuted to life in prison.

Question 7

Which future New York governor was a law student on the real case depicted?

Accepted Answer

Eliot Spitzer, who later became Governor of New York, was one of the law students on the real case that Alan Dershowitz handled.

Question 8

What did Claus von Bülow joke about when Jeremy Irons met him after the film's release?

Accepted Answer

When Jeremy Irons met Claus von Bülow, von Bülow quipped about whether Irons had been asked to play Dershowitz's other clients, Leona Helmsley and Mike Tyson.

Question 9

How long did Sunny von Bülow remain in a coma before her death?

Accepted Answer

Sunny von Bülow spent the last 28 years of her life in a coma before dying in 2008 at age 76.

Question 10

Which film festivals included 'Reversal of Fortune' in their 1990 lineups?

Accepted Answer

The film was featured at the Telluride Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival in 1990, among other festivals.

Reversal of Fortune

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