In dealing with an almost unbelievable character such as H.H. Holmes, the temptation is to give in to sexploitation and sleaze, as so many have done. When I wrote The Torture Doctor, I was determined not to go that route because this is a case where the truth is far stranger and more riveting than fiction. I am so glad that John Borowski has followed the same path with his documentary. It is historically accurate AND suspenseful, with great production values. This is the film I would have produced, were I a cinematic wizard rather than a mere author. I dare you to watch it with the lights out. - David Franke, Author of The Torture Doctor

A spectacular documentary. It's honestly one of the best independent releases I've seen in well over a year.
Scott Gabbey, Editor / Publisher, Ultra Violent Magazine

With overtones of Murnau's Nosferatu, this documentary/film about the life and crimes of HH Holmes is one not to be missed. It is a highly polished independant production that rivals the big studios. Borowski has done his research and takes the viewer on a journey into the dark annals of Chicago in the late-nineteenth century. The eerie black and white re-enactments brings the case to life, with the suspense of the old monster films of the turn of the century. The haunting voice-over by esteemed actor Tony Jay gives the film it's final touch. I look forward to future projects by John Borowski.
Amanda Howard , Author, River of Blood: Serial Killers and Their Victims

I've already watched it twice and all I can say is: Magnificent Achievement! All the elements come together for a great total effect. The music score, Tony Jay's narration, the crisp editing and forward movement of the story, all are top notch. I'm generally not a huge fan of re-enactments in documentaries, but yours are more accurate and atmospheric than most I've seen, and the cinematography blends seamlessly with the archival films and photos.
Rick Geary, author & illustrator

John Borowski's film: H.H. Holmes: America's First Serial Killer, is a tapestry of archival images, dramatic re-creations and interviews held together by an eerie narration. Here he is, in all his gory glory, one of the great American monsters, Herman Webster Mudgett, a.k.a. H.H. Holmes.
Joe Coleman, artist - WEBSITE

A well-done, absorbing look at a relatively little-known but very interesting character. Like Holmes' castle of horrors, this documentary unfolds layer by appalling layer, slowly revealing the facts of a life dedicated to subterfuge, domination, torture, and death. Not to be missed by anyone interested in the workings of the deviant mind.
Poppy Z. Brite, author

The film is truly good stuff! We watched it twice! I have never seen a documentary on a serial killer that showed that much depth and yet was thoroughly entertaining! It was truly outstanding!
John Maher, Curator - Morbid Curiosity Shop

I just wanted to let you know that I just finished watching the DVD for the third time! I must say this is the best documentary about a Serial Killer that I have ever seen. You blend live action, special effects, interviews, and an excellent audio track in a way that makes other "mainstream" filmmakers look like amateurs. I can't wait to see what you do with the Albert Fish story.
Owen Leitsch, Necro artist - WEBSITE

I LOVED IT! I have a heavy interest in true crime, and your movie is one of the better things I've seen!
Ed Long, Creator of the Living Dead Dolls

The fact that Borowski managed to stuff this much information about Holmes's activities into sixty minutes is an impressive feat indeed.
Jeffrey Leach - Amazon Review 10-30-05

John Borowski knows his way around the documentary form, inter-cutting vintage photos, interviews, and clever re-enactments with a strong sense of balance. HHH:AFSK succeeds in conveying a sense of time and place, and communicating Holmes's psychosis. The narrative is gripping, and there's never a dull moment here. Unlike a lot of indie documentary directors, Borowski knows that making a documentary is still all about Film-making, not merely filmed journalism.
Martin Wagner - IMDB Review 5-11-05

This DVD is a tale of true terror. Its not a "Gore-Fest" but a shocking documentory that holds NOTHING back. It pulls you back over 100 years to dwell in an enlightened age that had yet to give a name to the kind of fiend Holmes was. "Serial-killer". Any discription of this movie seems to end up sounding like a bad 1950's horror flick. But I promise, you'll stay frozen and captured by this film as you remember this is a TRUE story! Thank you waterfront productions 100% INDEPENDENT FILM!!!
Michael D. Mckinney - Amazon Review 9-17-04

H.H. Holmes was, as said in this this excellent documentary, a monster! His crimes were incredible even to this day, but few people know of him. That will change soon! This movie is great. Done with care, professionalism and respect for the material. Several techniques, montages, reinactments, interviews, etc., were used to bring this story to light. The decision to film in Black & White was good, IMO. It gave the production a sense of being in another time long ago. This independent production rivals the documentaries found on A&E and the Discovery Channel, to name a couple. It could only have been better had old H.H. been there himself! To those involved . . . please do the Albert Fish story!
algee "aguy1" - Amazon Review 9-2-04

I just wanted to say that the DVD's I ordered came in record time and I watched one right away. This movie is a must for anyone who is, like myself, transfixed by the idea that such depravity could flourish amid what should have been the safety of such a populated area. An astounding read, and now to have it put in film version is a delight. The story is told impeccably, and shown with visuals of the places that I wished I could see when I read about it. I've also long looked for the books by Holmes himself, a man of great audacity, and the detective who hunted him down, Frank Geyer, and now to know I can get them through you, I will be placing my order. I'm so looking forward to seeing the albert fish DVD that is in the works. - Connie 8/30/04

This was a great experience, a great job. The composition of the frames, the atmosphere resembling the James Whale movies, the soundtrack and of course Toy Jay's splendid interpretation of your narratives! This is a documentary film giving one the feeling of a holistic work of art!!!!
Helmut, Germany 7/22/04 - WEBSITE

I unreservedley recommend seeing your film to people I discuss it with.
Gene 7/20/04

One of the best put together documentaries on any subject I have ever seen.
Bill 7/5/04

You have told the story in a way that greatly exceeded our expectations, it was definitely worth the 2+ year wait. The research you did is an accomplishment in itself, and you just could not have presented the story better, I often felt like I was "back in time" while watching, because of your meticulous eye for detail. The film flowed so well, better than most every "major motion picture" playing these days, and stuck to the facts of the story, which shows me just what a master you are in the art of film making, and in staying true to making a documentary. I know the story backwards & forward and yet, I was literally on the edge of my seat watching the film!

Now I'm a big fan of yours, I look forward to seeing your other productions, as you are a true artist, anyone would be proud to have you tell their "story", it is a priviledge to have had you tell "our story".
B. Pitezel 6/15/04

I checked out your HH Holmes DVD. Oh man, pretty damn impressive. I think its so awesome that you were able to get such convincing period stuff on your own budget. I thought the narration performance was really excellent. Tony Jay has a really great blend of sinister, calm, and deep throaty goodness. His sinister quality never felt like a gimmick that got old. He blended in with the score in a very moody, effective way.
Terry 6/4/04

My wife and I viewed the DVD and are quite impressed. The cinematography, blending old and new scenes and lighting, is excellent. The soundtrack and narration provide feeling to the images. We found the technical information given in the expert interviews helpful in putting the story in perspective. The extra features on the DVD give us a greater appreciation for all of the effort taken in making this wonderful movie.
Mark 5/26/04

The DVD of the Holmes film just arrived on Friday and I couldn't resist to watch it immediately. I enjoyed the film very much and I'm amazed how you were able to tell the story so interestingly and yet stay strictly attached to the facts. I read a lot about H.H.Holmes and many other famous mastermind criminals before I watched the film, including Harold Schechters book Depraved. Holmes is definitely one of the most interesting criminal masterminds of the nineteenth century and you deserve credit for being the one who first recognized that this story needs to be told on screen. The voice of the narrator Tony Jay was indeed a perfect choice. Although I know the story by heart, I found myself to really want to know what he is going to tell next. He is an artist in his own right with this talent to tell a story. The story is very well arranged in the film and camera movements and music/sounds are just perfect. Although a lot is known about the many details of Holmes crimes described in books and other records on the Holmes-Pitezel case, this film is special in that it follows a clear line starting at Holmes childhood in Gilmanton. A highlight of the film are the historic and contemporary photographs/film sequences of the sites of the Holmes story. The beauty of the Gilmanton area as portrayed in the film is chilling if one imagines that this idyllic location was the place that gave birth to one of the most dangerous and remorseless killers that have ever walked the face of earth. The artistic mix of contemporary filming and historic photography is the biggest plus of the film and makes it interesting even for those audiences who have read books on the Holmes case.
Henning 5/23/04

I thought you did a marvelous job capturing the menace that was Holmes and your use of recreated and archival material was excellent.
Ant 1/26/04

The artistic way that you shot all of the reenactmenst, and "skeleton" stuff added so much to the experience. Great vision. I really enjoyed the music and sound design as well.
Darin email 1/13/04

I appreciate the immense effort and extensive research you have made! Definitely keep up the good work . Your web site is also quite impressive as well as very interesting and useful with the many various related links included.
Ronald 11/3/03

I would like to say that I was very impressed. You could tell that there was a lot of work done for this and that you all had a passion for what you were doing. I am making plans to go see it again. If it were to ever come out on video or DVD I would definitely purchase it. I again would like to say how much I enjoyed the film and I hope that this is not the last film that will be seeing from you all. I was very impressed and I applaud the independent film.
Melissa 8/12/03

One of the finest historical documentary drama's I ever seen. The work of a consummate filmmaker, craftsman and historian at his best. And the definite last word on the subject in this medium. It may have taken you three years and a great deal of effort. But it's all up there on screen in one superlative piece of work. I don't think I've ever seen a better documentary on a criminal case than yours.