The Wonderland Massacre & The Secret History of Hollywood: Is the new MGM+ true crime series worth watching? 

The new MGM+ docuseries The Wonderland Massacre & The Secret History of Hollywood explores one of Hollywood's most notorious murder cases. Coming September 8, 2024, this four-part series is led by best-selling crime novelist Michael Connelly and directed by Alison Ellwood.

The series revisits the grizzly 1981 Wonderland murders case that has captured the public imagination for more than four decades. The Wonderland Massacre & The Secret History of Hollywood delves deep into the crime, with noir-style interviews featuring original detectives, prosecutors and undercover cops, as well as rare archival footage and photos.

Those testifying include Scott Thorson, a longtime lover of Liberace and a key witness in this case. So, is this new MGM+ true crime series worth watching? Short answer: yes. The series serves up a fascinating and detailed look at one of those cases that epitomized an era in Los Angeles: s*x, drugs, rock 'n' roll, and murder.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is based on the author's personal opinion.

---

The Wonderland Murders - Setting the scene

On July 1, 1981, four people were murdered due to a brutal attack that shook Los Angeles. The crime scene was horrific; others described it to be similar to the Manson Family murders. Those victims had links to the Wonderland Gang, which some said was trafficking drugs.

The case received high media attention, as the suspects were from the Hollywood underworld, and it included notorious figures like Eddie Nash, a drug kingpin, and John Holmes, a famous adult film star.

---

Creation of the The Wonderland Massacre & The Secret History of Hollywood

Michael Connelly, whose books Bosch and The Lincoln Lawyer are quite popular, opens his doors as this twisted tale of the murders opens. The Wonderland Massacre & The Secret History of Hollywood is directed by Alison Ellwood, a filmmaker known for her engaging documentaries.

Interviews with central figures from the original investigation make this docuseries anew with a fresh perspective.

Adding to the intrigue, it also features testimony from Scott Thorson, an eye and earwitness who has given both controversial and crucial accounts to understand what happened.

---

Impact and Legacy of the Wonderland Murders

These murders within Wonderland still cause shock, as they have left a mark on the core of Hollywood and most of the general public. The case brought out the dark side of the entertainment industry, just how heavy drug use was and the prevalence of criminal activities during the time.

Multiple trials also came from these murders, but none of the accused were convicted, adding even more mystique to the case. The story has inspired several films and books, including the 1997 movie Boogie Nights, which used the Wonderland murders as a part of its inspiration.

---

To surmise, The Wonderland Massacre & The Secret History of Hollywood is a well-thought-out docuseries that covers one of Hollywood's most infamous murder cases.

It's worth a watch for those who have a great interest in crime and the darker side of Hollywood history, as it has a a thorough investigation with either entertaining or engaging narration and angles.

The Wonderland Massacre & The Secret History of Hollywood revisits the gory events of 1981 and provides a perspective of the larger impact and legacy of the murders of Wonderland, making it a formidable addition to the true crime genre.