The Marla Hanson Story is a dramatic retelling of a real-life tragedy. The film follows Marla Hanson, a young and ambitious model who moves to New York City to pursue her career. She rents an apartment from Steve Roth, a makeup artist with whom she initially forms a friendship. However, when Marla rebuffs his unwanted romantic advances, Roth's interest turns dark and obsessive.
Consumed by rejection and jealousy, Roth arranges for two men to attack Marla. An ambush that leaves her face slashed with a razor permanently scarring her physically and emotionally. The film depicts her traumatic recovery, her courageous testimony in court, and the emotional toll of being re-victimized during a brutal cross-examination. Despite this, Marla finds strength in her fight for justice.
Sources:
https://screenrant.com/skin-decision-marla-hanson-modeling-looks-great/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZISGsdcAj4
https://www.texasmonthly.com/true-crime/scarred/
https://www.nytimes.com/1986/12/03/nyregion/model-gives-grim-account-of-night-she-was-slashed.html
*This podcast is independently produced using publicly available information and personal research. I approach each story with care and respect, though I recognize that I may not always have access to every voice or perspective involved. If you’re connected to the story and would like to share your experience, I truly welcome the opportunity to include your insights in a future update.
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Credits: RESIDUE is Hosted/Produced/Researched/Edited by Chrissy Champagne
THEME SONG: \"Dance Of Death\" by Purple Planet Music collection written and performed by Chris Martyn and Geoff Harvey.
Additional music provided by Epidemic Sound.
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