New series 1/3. Exploring the history behind cinematic versions of the past, with journalist Gerry Northam. Chicago. This musical tale of corruption, greed and double murder won a clutch of Oscars in 2003, but the original stage comedy opened in New York in 1926 and was based on two reaHife cases. So who were the real Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly ? And did the courtroom performances of these natural-born killers win the hearts of the jury and, ultimately, fame and riches in Chicago's jazz age? Producer John Byrne