American Experience Insanity on Trial (Season 3, Episode 6)
TV Episode | Documentary, Biography, History

American Experience

Insanity on Trial (Season 3, Episode 6)

TV Episode | Documentary, Biography, History

The assassination of President James Garfield in 1880 by Charles Guiteau, who believed his actions were ordained by God, resulted in a trial where the plea "innocent by reason of insanity" was used for the first time.

Director

Rocky Collins

Writer

Rocky Collins

Producer

Rocky Collins

See all filmmakers & crew (3)

Edit Released

Updated Oct 29, 1990

Release date

Oct 29, 1990 (United States)

Awards

Series awards

Nominated for 1 Oscar Award. Another 84 wins & 123 nominations

Contacts

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Cast	+ Add Cast
18 cast members

Name	Known for
Kyle MacLachlan Self - Narrator (voice) Self - Narrator (voice) See fewer	Twin Peaks (2017)
Ron Vawter Charles Guiteau Charles Guiteau See fewer	The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Bart Whiteman James Garfield James Garfield See fewer	The Firm (1993)
Robert Fields George Scoville George Scoville See fewer	American Experience (1987)
Adolph Mall Judge Cox Judge Cox See fewer	Homicide (1991)
Marty McDonough District Attorney Cockhill District Attorney Cockhill See fewer	Live from Lincoln Center (1976)
Kevin Murray Mr Jocelyn Mr Jocelyn See fewer	We Own This City (2022)
Scott Edson Mr Phelps Mr Phelps See fewer	American Experience (1987)
Ted McAdams Dr. Spitzka Dr. Spitzka See fewer	American Playhouse (1980)
Paul Anderson Dr. Gray Dr. Gray See fewer	American Experience (1987)
Bob Appleton Mr Gorham Mr Gorham See fewer	American Experience (1987)
Beverly Brigham Actress Actress See fewer	The Pelican Brief (1993)
Richard Kirstel Garfield's Physician Garfield's Physician See fewer	American Experience (1987)
Ernest McClure Actor Actor See fewer	Being There (1979)
Karl Otter Police Stenographer Police Stenographer See fewer	How to Become a Criminal Mastermind (2013)
Faith Potts Actress Actress See fewer	12 Monkeys (1995)
Irwin Ziff Guard Guard See fewer	Screen Two (1985)
Irv Ziff Guard Guard See fewer	Species II (1998)