The True Story of a Fake Serial Killer [with author Brian Raftery]

February 14th, 1991 was a most unusual Valentine's Day. Instead of flowers and candy, millions of us opted for fava beans and a nice chianti — an evening spent with the most terrifying human being we'd ever seen onscreen: the charismatic, man-eating madman Dr. Hannibal Lecter. That weekend 35 years ago marked the premiere of The Silence of the Lambs and an introduction to the most unique of serial killers: a fictional figure who would become a bonafide phenomenon across popular culture and the world of true crime.

But the real story behind Hannibal the Cannibal and his creator Thomas Harris is a fascinating tale all its own. A sprawling saga chronicled in a new book titled "Hannibal Lecter: A Life" by author Brian Raftery. In this special episode, Nancy interviews Brian Raftery about the legacy of Hannibal, his creator Harris, and Jonathan Demme's Oscar-winning film, along with fresh insight into the real women who inspired Jodie Foster's trailblazing character, FBI agent Clarice Starling. Listen to the interview, then stick around for a special bedtime story at the very end!

Want to know more? Start here:

Hannibal Lecter: A Life by Brian Raftery

"Why Me?" by Jodie Foster, Esquire Magazine, December 1982

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Dead Sleep: True Crime for Bedtime is an independent, ad-free, listener supported true crime show made for nighttime listening. It's created and narrated by award-winning editor and writer Nancy Miller (host of HBO Max's "I'll Be Gone in the Dark" "The Staircase" and "Love & Death" podcasts).

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