Is the movie Bernie (2012) based on a true story?

Yes, the movie Bernie (2012) is based on a true story. It is based on the life of Bernie Tiede, a former assistant funeral director in a small East Texas town who was convicted of murdering a wealthy widow named Marjorie Nugent in 1996.

What is the true story behind the movie Bernie (2012)?

The movie Bernie (2012) is based on a true story that took place in Carthage, Texas in 1996. Bernie Tiede, played by Jack Black, was a beloved assistant funeral director in the small town who was known for his charming personality and generosity. He struck up a friendship with wealthy widow Marjorie Nugent, played by Shirley MacLaine, who was known for her difficult personality.

The two became close and Bernie began managing Marjorie’s finances, even going as far as writing himself checks from her account for expenses. Eventually, Marjorie’s behavior became more erratic and abusive towards Bernie, leading him to snap and shoot her four times in the back with a .22 caliber rifle.

Bernie then went to great lengths to cover up the murder and continue to maintain the facade that Marjorie was alive and well. It wasn’t until local authorities began to investigate her disappearance and found her body in a deep freezer in Bernie’s garage that the truth came to light.

Bernie was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison in 1999, but was released on bond in 2014 after new evidence and a reexamination of the case showed that he had suffered from abuse and mental health issues. He now lives in Austin and continues to work in the funeral industry.

Are there any books about the true story behind the movie Bernie (2012)?

Yes, there is a book titled “Midnight in the Garden of East Texas: A True Story of Murder, Insanity, and the Celebrities Who Loved Trees” written by Skip Hollandsworth. The book is the true story behind the movie Bernie, focusing on the murder of a wealthy widow by her companion and the subsequent trial. The book provides a more in-depth and detailed account of the events that inspired the film.

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