Review: 'The Poisoner's Handbook'

The best PBS shows are the ones that are able to bring life to history in a way as entertaining as any traditional scripted series. After all, the past is filled with compelling stories, but telling them with just the right mix of facts, clarity and storytelling requires a deft hand. And you probably won't find a better example of what is possible in that genre than you'll see in "The Poisoner's Handbook," an "American Experience" look at the birth of forensic medicine that is based on Deborah Blum's book of the same name.

Intellectually, it's easy to imagine that New York in the 1920s was a very different place than the world we live in today. But watching this two-hour special, you're reminded just how foreign much of it seems. Government supervision of health and safety was essentially non-existent. Deaths in New York were "investigated" by so-called coroners - people who were hired through patronage and were notorious for their incompetance and corruption. Getting away with murder wasn't just easy, it was almost certain in most cases.

"The Poisoner's Handbook" tells the story of two men who were determined to bring scientific methodology and intellectual honesty to the process. Charles Norris was a crusading Philadelphia socialite who became New York City's first medical examiner. Alexander Gettler was the science behind office and he not only ran the city's toxicology lab, he helped create the basics of what we now know as forensic medicine.

The two men literally fight with City Hall to change the way deaths are examined. But they also battled city police officials uncomfortable with change and large companies accustomed to running their businesses with little regard to employee safety. Over the course of their careers, these two men didn't just change the city of New York, they influenced everything from the campaign to repeal prohibition to early efforts to protect consumers. It's an inspiring story and at the same time filled with amazing twists and turns.

The show is divided into chapters that highlight some of the pivotal cases in their careers and seeing those examples is a reminder of just how America has changed. From the thousands of people who died from drinking tainted bootleg alcohol to the cases of men who killed themselves after being exposed to lead gasoline, "The Poisoner's Handbook" is a textbook example of the kind of world we'd live in if there were no environmental or safety constrictions. It's a fascinating glimpse into history and a program that will delight fans of TV shows such as "C.S.I."

"American Experience: The Poisoner's Handbook" premieres on Tuesday, January 7th on many PBS stations. Check local listings for the specific time.