Reversal of Fortune (1990) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

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1. 1

   Sunny's first coma and revival

   Sunny Von Bülow falls into a coma on December 26, 1979 after a diabetic shock and is revived about a year later. The hospital ordeal marks the onset of the medical mystery at the center of the case.

   When

   Dec 26, 1979; revival around 1980

   Where

   Sunny's hospital

2. 2

   Sunny's second coma

   A year after the first episode, Sunny falls into a second coma on December 21, 1980 and remains in a vegetative state. The severity and timing of her comas propel the criminal case against Claus von Bülow.

   When

   Dec 21, 1980

   Where

   Sunny's hospital

3. 3

   Claus von Bülow charged

   Claus von Bülow is charged with attempted murder for allegedly injecting Sunny with a lethal insulin overdose. The charge sets the stage for a high profile legal battle about intent, wealth, and influence.

   When

   Post-1980

   Where

   Courtroom/Police investigation

4. 4

   Trial reveals affair and motive

   During the trial, authorities uncover Claus's affair with actress Alexandra Isles and suspect a financial motive for Sunny's death. The revelation contributes to a jury finding Claus guilty on two counts of attempted murder.

   When

   During trial

   Where

   Courtroom

5. 5

   Bond release and appeal launched

   Claus is released on bond as he files an appeal. He hires Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz, who charges three hundred dollars an hour and aims to save two black brothers on death row, adding a larger moral dimension to the case.

   When

   Following conviction

   Where

   Dershowitz's office

6. 6

   Dershowitz's case review begins

   Dershowitz begins reviewing the case and becomes convinced, at least initially, by the maid Maria's testimony that points toward Claus's guilt. He has 45 days to file an appeal and assembles several law students to help review the record.

   When

   Early 1981 (approx.)

   Where

   Dershowitz's office

7. 7

   A potential witness and questions of reliability

   David Marriott, a potential witness, confesses to drug trafficking, but Dershowitz questions his reliability. The defense team considers his affidavit and testimony with caution as the case moves forward.

   When

   Not specified

   Where

   New York City (Marriott's apartment)

8. 8

   Evidence issues surface

   The defense learns that Brillhoffer, the plaintiff's attorney, illegally withheld notes that could aid Claus's defense. They also encounter a Capote interview suggesting Sunny enjoyed mixing drugs and teaching herself to self-inject.

   When

   Not specified

   Where

   Law offices/Media

9. 9

   Aspirin overdose questioned

   Claus lunches with the Dershowitz team and they question him about an aspirin overdose three weeks before Sunny's second coma. He is unsure what could have motivated a suicide and speculates Sunny may have been unhappy.

   When

   Before second coma

10. 10

    Farewell to an affair

    Claus reveals that he had told Sunny about his affair with Alexandra Isles during the summer of 1979. This admission adds to the complexity of their relationship and the case.

    When

    Summer 1979

11. 11

    Sunny's reproach after the first coma

    After Sunny is revived from the first coma, she reprimands Claus for calling a doctor and suggests that she would have been better off if she had died. The moment shapes the defense's understanding of Sunny's possible will and intent.

    When

    Post first coma (1980)

    Where

    Sunny's hospital room

12. 12

    Forensic finding: no insulin on needle

    The toxicology report on the encrusted needle reveals no trace of insulin, complicating the prosecution's case and providing a potential defense point.

    When

    Before the trial

    Where

    Forensic lab

13. 13

    Marriott's hotel visit and recording

    Marriott arrives at Dershowitz's house, covertly records a conversation, and asserts he supplied drugs to Sunny. The recording is later manipulated to make Dershowitz appear to agree to pay him, tainting witness credibility.

    When

    Before trial

    Where

    Dershowitz's house

14. 14

    Second coma details emerge

    Before the second trial, Claus details what led to Sunny's second coma: he finds her lying face down on the bathroom floor with windows open in a frigid room. The description strengthens the defense by outlining the circumstances rather than insulin poisoning.

    When

    Leading up to second coma

    Where

    Sunny's home

15. 15

    Second trial and acquittal

    With new evidence and testimony in hand, Claus is tried again and acquitted. The film notes that two young brothers remain on death row as a consequence of the initial convictions.

    When

    Second trial outcome

    Where

    Courtroom