Universal Cable Productions to Develop 'The Von Bulow Affair'

Universal Cable Productions is planning to develop "The Von Bulow Affair," a true-crime scripted series that will examine the trial of Claus Von Bulow, above, who was accused of attempted murder of his socialite wife, Sonny Von Bulow in 1980. She went into an irreversible coma and died in 2008 (File Photo).

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif.  – Universal Cable Productions (UCP) today announced that it will develop the scripted true crime series "The Von Bulow Affair,” based on the infamous trial of British socialite Claus Von Bülow for the murder of his wife, Sunny. It is based on the book “The Von Bulow Affair” by author and playwright William Wright. Ilene Rosenzweig (“Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce”) is attached as writer.

Set in the early 1980s, "The Von Bulow Affair,” follows the greatest society trial of the Twentieth Century when Claus Von Bülow is arrested for the murder of his wife, millionaire socialite Sunny Von Bülow. After she was found unconscious on her bathroom floor on December 21, 1980, Sunny remained in a coma for twenty-seven years. Claus went on trial for attempted murder in 1982, initiating a legal circus that would last for years.

The opulence of Newport and New York provides a backdrop for one of the most intriguing family feuds of all time. In this comprehensive account of the trial and its aftermath,"The Von Bulow Affair,” draws on court transcripts and interviews with those involved to present an unparalleled behind-the-scenes look into the legal proceedings as well as the Von Bülows’ private lives.

“The story of the Von Bülows will go down in history as one of the most sensational scandals in American high society,” said Dawn Olmstead, Executive Vice President, Development, Universal Cable Productions. “We look forward to delving deeper into this true crime story that still leaves us cold today.”

Rosenzwieg is repped by Gersh and Attorney Michael Schenkman.