BBC – “The Secret Map of Hollywood”
Hello,
Just spoke with the producers of the BBC special, “The Secret Map of Hollywood”, which is a six-part documentary featuring Hollywood’s most notorious crimes. The Wonderland Murders will be highlighted as one of it’s parts and last June Sharon and myself were interviewed for the piece. It was originally my understanding that the airing would be in September, but that has changed. The finalization of the piece has taken longer than expected in post-production due to a tremendous amount of complex graphics that are being added. The word from the BBC is that they are very pleased with the Wonderland portion and the entire six segments will be aired instead in December this year. I’ll keep you posted as I know more hoping you will do the same. Thanks.
Dawn
October 12th, 2004 at 6:44 am
please let us know when you have the on-air date. i find it fascinating to view an international response to a domestic newsworthy occurrance! thanks for the info
October 14th, 2004 at 1:06 pm
i come from new york and i’m not sure what channel is bbc? also just wanted to know when the book is coming out or is out i just found this website,i just watched the movie,wonderland. is it possible to talk with you email,and ask you a few questions about your battle with that drug and over coming it?
October 14th, 2004 at 3:36 pm
serena, I don’t want to speak for Dawn but it would be helpful if you could ask your questions here so that others might benefit. It’s your choice, of course, but the drug problems of yesterday and today touches almost everyones lives in one way or another and many would benefit from honest communication on this subject. So, if you feel inclined to share, I’m sure Dawn will respond to any questions you might have, if at all possible.
Dawn may have more to say or this subject and I could be sticking my nose in where it doesn’t belong, but hey, why not stay in character!
October 14th, 2004 at 4:35 pm
hi glo,
first can i ask if you’re gloria,the woman who maintains this website?i was very surprised by such a quick response.i wasn’t sure what questions and conversations were appropiate for this website, thats why i said to ask by email.i don’t feel like you’re sticking your nose in ,i appreciate that i can be honest with you and if i can help others with our conversation thats great too.and any help either one of you can give me by answers is greatly appreciated.i watched the movie and i was wondering at the end when the write up said she turned john in,what made her do that?she said she loved him so much,was she just tried of running,the drugs? i have so many questions that i probably should just wait for the book,but i just had to find out more about her thats why i looked her up on the web,i can understand where she was and was glad to see she got the chance to move on to a real happiness.hope to write to you again. thanks
October 15th, 2004 at 8:49 am
Yes, I am the Gloria that created and maintains this blog. The comments are moderated to discourage any kind of hate, negative, or otherwise inappropriate comments from appearing. They would not serve the purpose of this blog. As long as a comment is written in a respectful way, it will most likely be approved. Dawn welcomes questions, though some she may not be able to answer if they are an important aspect of her upcoming book. In other words, she can’t tell everything that the book tells, otherwise there would be no reason for anyone to buy the book. Plus, there could be some legal agreements between her and the books publisher that might not allow her to answer some questions if it compromises the books success in any way.
Whatever you’d like to know about, just ask. Dawn will let you know if she can’t answer your questions. She is very open to others asking questions and more than willing to respond.
October 15th, 2004 at 9:00 am
Hi,
Thanks for your post. Let’s see if I can answer some of your questions.
First, what I have been told, is that “The Secret Map of Hollywood” will be aired by the BBC in Europe in December. Whether that means also in the States on the BBC channel, I’m not sure. I think every state’s cable or satellite company would know that as well as what channel they air the BBC station. I’m pretty sure each state and company is different.
As for the drugs… Let me start by not saying, but shouting…NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE DANGER OF DRUGS. Since this site is so new, I haven’t had the chance yet to post on a topic for Drugs, but I definately understand the importance of discussing the horrible consequences they caused in my life. I agree with Glo, that a discussion on this log could possibly help others as well. I will have more time later this evening to open up the topic and I invite anyone who feels the need to join in.
Now, why I left John after being on the run with him? Simply put, John got abusive again. One of the biggest ommisssions in the movie Wonderland, in my opinion, is not showing the abuse. The director showed really a small scale of the abuse I endured by John. They were in the scene before John sent me into Eddie Nash’s house, afterwards when we walk into the motel, (through the curtain is a blurred out shadow of John’s fist coming down on me), and in the bathtub when he is scrubbing me and my eyes are black and blue and my lip is cut and swollen.
I know it doesn’t come across as very clear and in actuality when filiming they had more direct shots of me being hit, but the director told me that he decided to cut it, because nobody could “take it” to see me actually be hurt. I remember just nodding, because it made sense to me.
I hope this answered some of your questions. Like I said, I will post more tonight. I also have a question for you. How did you find this site?
Thanks again,
Dawn
October 15th, 2004 at 10:47 am
hi dawn,
thank you for writing back to me.when i watched the movie wonderland at the end it said you were writing a book,i love to read books about peoples lives and how they overcome certain situations.i guess it gives me hope that i too can overcome some of the struggles in my own life,and it is possible to change.so right after i saw the movie i went online and looked up every name i could remember from the movie to find websites to learn more about what happened, and then i found you.i typed in dawn schiller book,and there was your website. and i’m so glad i found it and that you take the time out to talk with me.i really can’t wait to read your book.i’ll log on later to see what’s up,i really am enjoying this site. serena
November 21st, 2004 at 11:39 am
i wanted to comment on your bravery and strength to get yourself out of sucha desperate situation. it gives others in the same type of situation hope and encouragement. i am also one of those (im)patiently awaiting “the book” – it has been on my list of must-read items since i watched wonderland the first time six months ago. i have seen it four times and have never noticed the shadow of john abusing you after the eddie nash incident that you sopke of above, but now am intrigued. i can see it both ways – the abuse happened, so it makes sense to show it in the movie, but maybe it would be too much to witness directly. anyway, you are an inspiration to all women, thank you!
November 23rd, 2004 at 3:24 am
I just saw the movie Wonderland, and do you have any say during the making of the movie? Was most of the movie down to a “T”?
November 24th, 2004 at 12:30 am
I want to thank Serena and Laura for their thoughts on the positive effect of my story and this site. It really helps me to know that there is a good reason for me writing on this site and helps me to not get so down about the few who wish to twist things, cast judgment and take my life apart. Thanks again for letting me know this place matters in a good way to people. It makes it worth it.
Sarah, the movie to a “t” question is loaded. Alot of things got edited out and/or wasn’t even touched upon due to a number of reasons, some of them time contraints. This is one of the reasons I wrote my book. I know it is hard to wait, but I don’t have alot of choice when it comes to publishing/editors. If you read under some of the other topics here, perhaps some of your questions will be answered.
Thanks.
Dawn
November 27th, 2004 at 4:41 pm
Hi Dawn,
I just logged on to your website and saw your comment. The one where you said thank you to Serena and Laura, well let me just say its been days since I’ve had a smile on my face and you’re the one that brought it. It was really nice to see someone that actually remembers people and cares about what they have to say. Its been such a difficult week for me and I’m trying my best to get through this bad time in my life but I just wanted to let you know you have once again given me some hope. It might sound strange but thank you. You really are a good person.
Serena
December 9th, 2004 at 12:28 pm
I was interessted in reading Dawn’s book, I just recently saw Wonderland an effected me greatly, especially Dawn’s character, i would like to read more of her life and wanted to know where i could get a copy of her book.
December 10th, 2004 at 1:33 pm
Dawn,
after watching the movie wonderland I thought i`d go online and have a look for all the names given in the movie……I think you should of had a larger part in the movie, just by being with John during this time in his life ( 1981) …….Can you tell me if Sharon has written a book yet? if not,
Maybe you could answer this question for me: why did it take Sharon so long to divorce John?
It`s just hard to undertsnad why this man done so many horrible things to so many people. Not only with the abuse, but knowing he was infected with HIV and not telling anyone… for a while in your life you knew him, and i`m asking only from your point of view why do you think he did this horrible act to so many people?….
December 13th, 2004 at 2:53 pm
Dawn,
Just recently saw Wonderland and had no idea this story exisited. Where in Florida did you escape to? Also, any updates as to when your book will be out? Did Sharon ever divorce John? What was the bungelo about? I will be spending lots of time in Russia next month and would like to read it.
best wishes
Scott
12/13/04
December 14th, 2004 at 12:49 am
Hello, I’m afraid that the book won’t be out til around winter next year. Sorry.
No, Sharon has not written a book on her own. She has, however, collaborated with me with my book. She has been ill, recovering from breast cancer for the last year and a half. She has read, verified, reminded me of some past experiences to add, approved and written an introduction for the book. According to her, this is all she is willing to do — I am the only one she trusts.
Yes she did finally officially divorce John, after his arrest for the Wonderland murders…but she had already divorced him emotionally…years ago. John had lost himself in the end. Only someone who completely loathes himself, could turn around and hurt others. That is what I saw in John — a lost and crippled soul.
Thanks,
Dawn
Thanks
December 19th, 2004 at 12:00 am
Dawn,
It’s difficult to imagine how anyone could survive those days let alone deal with the memories. Needless to say, most never have to. I’m sure I speak for many in saying that we’re so happy that you have found a way to cope and to carry on. God bless you. The memories you have of the 80’s are certainly different than mine or of most, I’m sure. Smoking some pot and snorting some coke was just a weekend party night ended with the ultimate realization that, shit, there’s work Monday morning. I feel like I survived those years despite the drugs and booze. Was I just lucky that I never met the people you met? Or were you just unlucky?
I hope that you are happy, truly, with your life today. I was able to leave the Florida of the eighties at thirty and, quite frankly, feel lucky. Nothing I did, as far as I can tell, got me out in one piece. It was probably just dumb luck that I didn’t end up in the wrong place as the wrong time like so many of the people I was associated with. I think of the people I called friends at one time or another who wound up at the wrong end of someones wrath, usually never lucky enough to make it to the local obituaries. It never seemed real every time I’d see the news show the house I’d been to the night before or the week before. And it seems no one ever could get the story straight. Whenever you’d ask your friends what happeded, no one could ever give a coherent answer. There was usually too much beer and smack to make anything seem logical. And it seems, in retrospect, that no bad situation or problem ever ended well. Not sure if I’ve gotten past some of those days. I certainly work at it every day.
I plan on getting your book soon. Hopefully it’s a story of success, in life. Those of us who lived those days could always use some inspiration.
Take care of yourself and your family – our lives are not over yet!
Steve
December 21st, 2004 at 12:47 am
Hey Steve,
Thanks alot. It sounds like you know what the insanity of that world feels like. It is hell. Nothing good….ever. Tragic, sad, wasteful. I too have wondered in the past why I should be here today and not others. I guess what I realize is that life is precious and we should make every moment we have count. Be true to yourself — not selfish, but hold yourself in esteem. By doing esteemable things, we are given a glimpse into the reason “why” we are here. Today, I try to say thank you alot. But with the condition of my past, mostly I say thank you for the opportunity to live life.
Thank for your thoughts.
Dawn
December 22nd, 2004 at 11:55 am
Hi there I just watced the movie Wonderland…..
It was a whole different look at John C Holmes…
Not like the pron movies showed him…
I would be very interested in reading your book….
I also hope life has much better things for you ahead..
Good Luck
Lets us know how we can get your book.
Thanks….
Dana
December 22nd, 2004 at 7:09 pm
hi dawn,
things seem to be looking up around here,i do really enjoy reading everything everyone has to say,and you also.once again you are a very nice person,and i really do love the fact that you try to help so many others with your own personal experiences.the only thing i wanted to say was “merry christmas” i hope you and your family have a great christmas and a happy new year.also i would like to say to everyone out there have a merry christmas and as long as you are with family,love will make it a great christmas.
merries to all love,
serena
January 3rd, 2005 at 12:29 pm
I watched wonderland quite a while ago. I found the movie to be a fascinating look into the life of someone thought to be so well known. I was very shocked to see your name at the end of the movie. No doubt, my friends that watched with me have had some fun ribbing me about your name. ***
Thank you for your time and reading my letter.
Sincerely,
Tiffany Schiller
February 11th, 2005 at 8:15 pm
Just a short to ask….
When you book will be out…
Take Care…
Dana
March 8th, 2005 at 3:00 pm
In reading everything about your book, when will it be coming out and what is the name of your book?
Good luck in all of your endeavors and with your family.
March 24th, 2005 at 2:59 pm
Hello,
! Hope it doesn’t take too long to reach the UK.
Have just watched ‘Secret map of Hollywood’, it was great to see you and Sharon being interviewed. I am also loving the series, seems I had a very rose tinted view of Hollywood. Still waiting for the book
Hope your well!
Jess
April 4th, 2005 at 2:51 am
I just watched Wonderland and loved it. I have to admit though the whole story gave me chills when it ended. I wanted to know though what is your book and is it out yet?
April 29th, 2005 at 4:56 am
Hi,
I very sadly missed the episode of ‘Secret Map of Hollywood containing the interviews with Dawn and Sharon. I would really love to see it. Did anyone record it and can help me out ?
Peter
June 19th, 2005 at 5:57 am
Does anyone out there know if the Secret Map of Hollywood is going to be run on BBC America or come out on VHS or DVD? I’ve written BBC in the past and they said it wasn’t going to be on VHS or DVD in the near future. However, I got that answer from them a few months ago. If anyone out there has a copy of the series, please let me know. I’d love to have a copy. Thanks!
August 5th, 2005 at 4:58 pm
Did John kill those people at Wonderland? Is he the murderer?
October 13th, 2005 at 9:47 am
i just wanted to be notified i forgot to do it on that last message, thanks again.
December 4th, 2005 at 9:01 am
Does anyone know how to view this documentary? I have the BBC news channel on satellite television but haven’t heard of it. Sounds likee great documentary. I’ll try an internet search.
January 20th, 2006 at 4:48 pm
Hi Dawn, like everyone else I am in awe of your strength. I just saw Wonderland for the first time and was searching the Internet for more information about all the people involved when I came across your website. I lived briefly in the world of drugs and abuse and understand only a small portion of what you went through. I am anxiously awaiting your book. I read somewhere that John wrote a book before he died and I wondered if you read it, and what you think of it? Sorry if you’ve already answered this. If you have tell me what section and I’ll read it myself. Also I read that John married someone in the porn world and wonder what you know about her? Thanks.
April 28th, 2008 at 3:19 am
Hi Dawn,
) Good luck with those publishers!!! LOL
I really don’t have any questions to ask but i just wanted to say thank-you for being so open to answer all these questions and inquiries, i can’t begin to imagine how it feels to be reminded of a painful past all the time. It would be easy to just not talk about it and “put your head in the sand” but you’re a stong soul, here to give hope to others, and i, and i’m sure everyone on this blog, whole heartedly appriciates it. When bad things happen to good people it only makes them stronger.
I’ve been a fan of the movie from the moment i saw it at the movies in 2003 and i can’t wait for your book, every time i go into my bookshop i always check for it (even tho i know it’s not going to be there…
Carley (from the land down-uuuunnnddddeeeerrrr)
December 23rd, 2008 at 10:48 pm
dawn
i look forward to your book coming out and i am amazed how you and Sharon Holmes support each other.God Bless you both , what you both lived through is a miracle.i wanted to ask about Susan l, does anyone know how she is , if she is even alive ? and David Lind ?Thank you
September 2nd, 2009 at 9:41 pm
love your story
September 2nd, 2009 at 11:03 pm
your story touched me.
September 2nd, 2009 at 11:04 pm
good story
September 22nd, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Dawn,
I loved the movie and your story is facinating. As a woman, everyone wants this question answered: Was John really a great lover?
I only ask this because of all the hype obout his movies, like he was a “stud”. What was he really like? loving? tender? I hope you don’t mind. I am so curious?
Also, the movie made it seem as if you were forced to sleep with Ed Nash. Did you really?
I dont mean any disprespect. I am just curious. I am not looking to hurt you, just eant to know. I think you are an amaizing survivor!
Sally J.