'The Mormon Murders' -- the Mini-Series the Latter Day Saints Shut Down

The Wrap.com ^ | Sept. 22, 2011 | Arthur Axelman

[Colofornian]

The enormous success on Broadway of "Book of Mormon" brings to mind the longest and most difficult mini-series development in the then-William Morris Agency's history.

Feature agent and former New York colleague Fred Milstein called me one morning and spoke about a series of forgeries and murders by a 28-year-old elder of ths Mormon church against fellow Mormons.

I could try to explain the convolutions of this story, but the most incisive and coherent analysis comes from a former LDS elder who calls himself "Stray Mutt." It is herein paraphrased.

Mark Hofmann [pictured left] was a gifted and masterful forger. Like any good con man, he knew part of his success manufacturing and selling fake historical documents depended on willing victims – people who wanted to believe. Growing up Mormon, Hofmann realized he was surrounded by the devout who were trained to trust authority. He also saw they were true believers about their sacred history and legends. This was a situation ripe for exploitation.

From his years of collecting, buying and selling old documents and studying church history, Mark Hofmann knew there were skeletons in the Mormon closet. He also knew the church was interested in acquiring potentially embarrassing documents so they could suppress them.

So Hofmann created the “Salamander Letter” [at right], a document by church founder Joseph Smith encountering a talking salamander that turned into an angel. The sale of this "document" to his brethren, created, penned and aged by Hoffmann, netted the son of the Mormons $40,000. Hofmann was on his way.

There were dozens of other "documents" only Hofmann could "discover." Over a period of four years, Hofmann's transactions with the leaders of the LDS netted him nearly a million dollars. In cash.

In the meantime, he regularly flew to New York where he sold other (non-Mormon) historical documents to collectors, stores and museums. One of his repeated "touches" was the respected Argosy Books on East 59th Street. Indeed, he was also conning the experts.

A knowledgeable member of the church, however, began to suspect Hofmann was a forger. Hofmann realized he might be exposed, so he blew the guy up with a letter bomb. To throw the investigation away from himself, he tried to blow up the first guy’s business associate, but unintentionally killed the associate’s wife instead. He was trying to deliver a third bomb, but it blew up on him.

Milstein sent me both the book proposal for "The Mormon Murders," followed by the first draft of its manuscript by two New York writers Steven Naifeh and Gregory White Smith. Harvard Law grads, they had created and edited a series of annual reference volumes, "The Best Lawyers in the U,.S." and the "Best Doctors."

On the side, they wrote commercial non-fiction. "The Mormon Murders" was their latest. I read their just completed manuscript and told them I believed this was a four-hour miniseries.

We had to move quickly as two other books, Robert Daley's "A Gathering of Saints" and "The Salamander Letters" by Sillitoe and Roberts were to be published and would attract media interest. We didn't want another network or even HBO to beat us to the air.

I had sent the book proposal to a number of clients and Zev Braun (right), working with Philip Krupp, were among the first to respond. They set about to option the book, chose CBS as our first target and prepared writer lists.

Derek Marlowe, fresh from "Two Mrs. Grenvilles," turned in a confusing morass of talking heads. Dale Wasserman, of "One Flew Over the Cukoos Nest" and "Man of La Mancha," was brought in by the producers to do a page one rewrite.

But first the network asked if we also had the rights of those depicted in Naifeh and Smith's book -- dozens of Mormons and non-Mormons, antique collectors and forensics specialists in Utah and New York, members the Church willing to talk, Hofmann's family and friends, the families of the victims, the hierarchy of the Church, Sat Lake City and FBI investigators and the lawyers and prosecutors.

We were back in the territory of "Kent State" and "Murder Ordained," with the immediate responsibilty of locking in everyone we needed to depict. A multitude of deals, on paper would have to be structured before the network would be comfortable.

Computers only existed within the agency walls in the payroll and music departments. They would come into all areas within the following year. In the meantime, all documents had to be drawn up by me and individually typed for 28 participants in the proposed television miniseries. Then we had to get them signed and returned and, in most cases, paid. Still, we persevered.

Wasserman's rewrite was good, but not great. We believed the underlying material deserved better as we wanted to attract a major director and star talent who would elevate this beyond the ordinary television movie. In order to accomplish that we needed a four-hour teleplay that approached brilliance.

After several drafts, Wasserman delivered and CBS ordered what had now become Murder Among the Saints to production. A license fee was negotiated and it came in around nine million dollars.

When word hit Salt Lake that CBS was committed to tell the Mormon urders story as a four-hour mini-series, it is said that LDS President Gordon B. Hinckley called CBS founder and chief William S. Paley and asked, "How would you like some outsiders doing a vicious four hour attack on your Jews?"

Paley, who hadn't been Jewish for more than half a century, was taken aback enough to call Bill Self, running CBS programming, and suggest, "Would it bother you too much to kill this Mormon show?"

The "Mormon show," which had been ordered to production and funded, was now dead at CBS.

A few months afteer the axe fell, another CBS executive, not familiar with the first attempt, heard about the case and ordered a two-hour version by feature writer Steve Shagan.

Shagan's approach was to ignore the actual role played by each of the true life characters and to invent scenes and motives, damn the truth.

Heroes became bystanders or, worse, villains, and villains became heroes. It was a travesty to anyone who read "Mormon Murders" and knew the case. CBS didn't hesitate to pass.

Still later. Braun and producing partner Philip Krupp, hired Joel Oliansky to write a new version of "Murder Among the Saints" and were able to set it up at HBO. However, with a change in management, HBO ultimately passed. It was and is a brilliant script, the most concise and coherent of all, and one day, perhaps, will be produced.

Hofmann is serving a life sentence at the Utah State Prison in Draper.

Authors Naifeh and Smith went on to write the definitive Jackson Pollack biography An American Saga which won them the Pulitzer Prize. It was the basis for the Ed Harris Oscar-winning theatrical motion picture.

Their latest work for Random House is a biography of Van Gogh.

[Colofornian]

From the article: Feature agent and former New York colleague Fred Milstein called me one morning and spoke about a series of forgeries and murders by a 28-year-old elder of ths Mormon church against fellow Mormons. I could try to explain the convolutions of this story, but the most incisive and coherent analysis comes from a former LDS elder who calls himself "Stray Mutt." It is herein paraphrased. Mark Hofmann [pictured left] was a gifted and masterful forger. Like any good con man, he knew part of his success manufacturing and selling fake historical documents depended on willing victims – people who wanted to believe. Growing up Mormon, Hofmann realized he was surrounded by the devout who were trained to trust authority. He also saw they were true believers about their sacred history and legends. This was a situation ripe for exploitation. From his years of collecting, buying and selling old documents and studying church history, Mark Hofmann knew there were skeletons in the Mormon closet. He also knew the church was interested in acquiring potentially embarrassing documents so they could suppress them. So Hofmann created the “Salamander Letter” [at right], a document by church founder Joseph Smith encountering a talking salamander that turned into an angel. The sale of this "document" to his brethren, created, penned and aged by Hoffmann, netted the son of the Mormons $40,000. Hofmann was on his way. There were dozens of other "documents" only Hofmann could "discover." Over a period of four years, Hofmann's transactions with the leaders of the LDS netted him nearly a million dollars. In cash.

[freedomlover]

At least he didn’t forge something along the lines of Heaven Levels 1-3, polygamy in heaven, spirit babies, or that “No man can come to Christ except through Joseph Smith”!

That certainly would have been immediately recognized as forgery.

[Kipp]

Investigation Discovery channel’s show “Who the Bleep Did I Marry?” has an episode about Mark Hofmann. (I saw it a couple of months ago on Comcast On Demand - don’t know if it’s still available there.)

[william clark]

I was surprised that “September Dawn” managed to get made and released. On the other hand, what do you bet that if Romney gets the GOP nomination, this project gets resurrected?

[reaganaut]

A knowledgeable member of the church, however, began to suspect Hofmann was a forger.

- - - - - -
Actually, Jerald Tanner, known “anti-Mormon” figured out that Hoffman was a forger long before the LDS did including the victims.

www.UTLM.org

[svcw]

place marker

[Pontiac]

If this is the English language of the early 1800’s well Hmmm. I am quite amazed that this forgery was bought, hook line and sinker. There doesn’t seem to be a coherent thought in the whole thing.

The Salamander Letter

[Pontiac]

Sorry about the link. The Salamander Letter

[Oratam]

Paley, who hadn't been Jewish for more than half a century . . .

oy vey!

I remember sitting next to a woman on a very long flight in the mid-80s who was reading that book. She gave me the long and the short of it. How much I wanted to read it! But before I could, 60 Minutes pretty much covered it.

[Colofornian]

If this is the English language of the early 1800’s well Hmmm. I am quite amazed that this forgery was bought, hook line and sinker. There doesn’t seem to be a coherent thought in the whole thing.

(But that's why it's so "Joseph Smithish"...Below you can see what other "revelations" Mormons bought into as "revelations" from a god...to see how easy it was to "gullible-ize" them):

* "Let my servant Newel K. Whitney retain his store, or in other words, the store, yet for a little season." (Lds Doctrine & Covenants 63:42)
* "Wherefore, children shall grow up until they become old;" (Lds Doctrine & Covenants 63:51)
* "And there are many kingdoms; for there is no space in the which there is no kingdom; and there is no kingdom in which there is no space, either a greater or a lesser kingdom." (Lds Doctrine & Covenants 88:37)
* "And, again, strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies. And again, tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly, and is not good for man, but is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill." (Lds Doctrine & Covenants 89:7-8)

[greyfoxx39]

IMO, the meat of the story is the ongoing practice of the mormon church hiding and/or destroying historic documents that are proof of the arcane beliefs and practices of the church.

It is currently storming the air waves and internet with "I'm a Christian just like you" propaganda, and in order to attempt to defeat the truth being found on the internet the church and members are daily opening new mormon-friendly websites by the hundreds looking to overwhelm by sheer numbers sites that are bringing the truth to investigators.

[dr_lew]

A knowledgeable member of the church, however, began to suspect Hofmann was a forger. Hofmann realized he might be exposed, so he blew the guy up with a letter bomb. To throw the investigation away from himself, he tried to blow up the first guy’s business associate, but unintentionally killed the associate’s wife instead. He was trying to deliver a third bomb, but it blew up on him.

I read the book. It was a lot more complicated than that. Hoffman was getting advances to cover payment promises to others, and this "kiting" scheme was collapsing around him by the hour when he resorted to the bombing murders, which he conceived as a way out. A gripping true crime tale.

His forgeries, BTW, were very clever. He made ink using genuine, but less valuable documents by dissolving the "old ink" from them, and in this way the ink on the forgery passed scientific age tests.

[Elsie]

Like any good con man, he knew part of his success manufacturing and selling fake historical documents depended on willing victims – people who wanted to believe. Growing up Mormon, Hofmann realized he was surrounded by the devout who were trained to trust authority. He also saw they were true believers about their sacred history and legends. This was a situation ripe for exploitation.

People who 'believe' that MORE will be coming from the Lord...

[Elsie]

A knowledgeable member of the church, however, began to suspect Hofmann was a forger.

What!?

Not the Living Prophet® hisself?

Not a LEADER in the Quorum of 12?

Some mere rank and file MEMBER??????

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In conclusion let us summarize this grand key, these “Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet”, for our salvation depends on them.

1. The prophet is the only man who speaks for the Lord in everything.
2. The living prophet is more vital to us than the standard works.
3. The living prophet is more important to us than a dead prophet.
4. The prophet will never lead the church astray.
5. The prophet is not required to have any particular earthly training or credentials to speak on any subject or act on any matter at any time.
6. The prophet does not have to say “Thus Saith the Lord,” to give us scripture.
7. The prophet tells us what we need to know, not always what we want to know.
8. The prophet is not limited by men’s reasoning.
9. The prophet can receive revelation on any matter, temporal or spiritual.
10. The prophet may advise on civic matters.
11. The two groups who have the greatest difficulty in following the prophet are the proud who are learned and the proud who are rich.
12. The prophet will not necessarily be popular with the world or the worldly.
13. The prophet and his counselors make up the First Presidency—the highest quorum in the Church.
14. The prophet and the presidency—the living prophet and the First Presidency—follow them and be blessed—reject them and suffer.

I testify that these fourteen fundamentals in following the living prophet are true. If we want to know how well we stand with the Lord then let us ask ourselves how well we stand with His mortal captain—how close do our lives harmonize with the Lord’s anointed—the living Prophet—President of the Church, and with the Quorum of the First Presidency.

Ezra Taft Benson

(Address given Tuesday, February 26, 1980 at Brigham Young University)

[Elsie]

IMO, the meat of the story is the ongoing practice of the mormon church hiding and/or destroying historic documents that are proof of the arcane beliefs and practices of the church.

Meat?

MEAT??

Did SOMEone say MEAT?

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Hey out there MORMONs! Good Temple MORMONs!!

It'll soon be COLD weather so you can then eat MEAT again!!!

(verses 12-13)

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THE
DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS
OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

SECTION 89

 

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, February 27, 1833. HC 1: 327–329. As a consequence of the early brethren using tobacco in their meetings, the Prophet was led to ponder upon the matter; consequently he inquired of the Lord concerning it. This revelation, known as the Word of Wisdom, was the result. The first three verses were originally written as an inspired introduction and description by the Prophet.

 

1–9, Use of wine, strong drinks, tobacco, and hot drinks proscribed; 10–17, Herbs, fruits, flesh, and grain are ordained for the use of man and of animals; 18–21, Obedience to gospel law, including the Word of Wisdom, brings temporal and spiritual blessings.

 

  1 A ^aWord OF Wisdom, for the benefit of the council of high priests, assembled in Kirtland, and the church, and also the saints in Zion—

  2 To be sent greeting; not by commandment or constraint, but by revelation and the ^aword of wisdom, showing forth the order and ^bwill of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days—

  3 Given for a principle with ^apromise, adapted to the capacity of the ^bweak and the weakest of all ^csaints, who are or can be called saints.

  4 Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you: In consequence of ^aevils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of ^bconspiring men in the last days, I have ^cwarned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation—

  5 That inasmuch as any man ^adrinketh ^bwine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him.

  6 And, behold, this should be wine, yea, ^apure wine of the grape of the vine, of your own make.

  7 And, again, ^astrong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies.

  8 And again, tobacco is not for the ^abody, neither for the belly, and is not good for man, but is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill.

  9 And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly.

  10 And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome ^aherbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man—

  11 Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with ^aprudence and ^bthanksgiving.

  12 Yea, ^aflesh also of ^bbeasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used ^csparingly;

  13 And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be ^aused, only in times of winter, or of cold, or ^bfamine.

  14 All ^agrain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life, not only for man but for the beasts of the field, and the fowls of heaven, and all wild animals that run or creep on the earth;

  15 And ^athese hath God made for the use of man only in times of famine and excess of hunger.

  16 All grain is good for the ^afood of man; as also the ^bfruit of the vine; that which yieldeth fruit, whether in the ground or above the ground—

  17 Nevertheless, wheat for man, and corn for the ox, and oats for the horse, and rye for the fowls and for swine, and for all beasts of the field, and barley for all useful animals, and for mild drinks, as also other grain.

  18 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, ^ashall receive ^bhealth in their navel and marrow to their bones;

  19 And shall ^afind ^bwisdom and great ^ctreasures of ^dknowledge, even hidden treasures;

  20 And shall ^arun and not be ^bweary, and shall walk and not faint.

  21 And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the ^adestroying angel shall ^bpass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.

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The Official Scriptures of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints © 2006 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Rights and use information. Privacy policy.

[Mountain Bike Vomit Carnage]

The Salamander Letters is really a fascinating story.

It makes me think that the leadership of the Mormon church do not receive the direct messages from God as they claim.