Almost 30 years ago, a Hollywood crime, drama film called “Murder Ordained” was released on television. The film’s official release date was May 3, 1987, and it was distributed by CBS and
Interscope.
The film follows State Trooper John Rule, who arrives on the scene of a dead Sandy Bird, who is found floating beneath a bridge. She appears to have had a car accident, however, Rule has his suspicions about the lack of skid marks and blood stains typically found at a car accident scene.
Rule believes that some sort of foul-play is involved and begins to investigate the life of Reverend Tom Bird, who is seemingly the perfect husband and Lutheran
minister.
Tom Bird had been romantically involved with Lorna Anderson, a new woman in town who was admittedly unhappy in her marriage.
Over time, Bird and Anderson become so enthralled with each other that they agree to flee town and establish a more progressive life together in New Mexico.
In order to accomplish this relationship goal, they decide to kill each other’s spouses.
These crimes of passion are what leads Rule to open an official investigation on the death of Sandy Bird and Anderson’s husband, Martin Anderson.
The reason this movie is so important and profound is because it is set here in Emporia, Kansas. Being a student here at ESU, it would have never crossed my mind that this small town was Hollywood-worthy, but this film alone proves me wrong.
Some of the them might have actually been in the film as extras since that it was shot on location in Emporia. The bridge where Tom Bird killed his wife is the spooky Bird Bridge that everyone believes to be haunted by Sandy Bird.
It is crazy to think that people will do and say just about anything in the name of love, and this particular instance, Tom Bird and Lorna Anderson took this idea to a detrimental extent.
So when May 3 comes around, be sure to remember the lives involved in the case outlined in “Murder Ordained,” and don’t forget, there is life in this small town called Emporia. You just have to find it.
