The Years of Living Dangerously
- Aug 17, 2022
- 39:36
- Full Episode
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Barbara Bentley is swept off her feet by a retired naval officer. But she is also swept into the swirling tide of his mysterious and secretive life... and a world of subterfuge and intrigue from which it would take decades for her to surface. Dennis Murphy reports in this Dateline classic. Originally aired on NBC on June 7, 2009.
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Brief Summary
Barbara Bentley recounts her harrowing marriage to John Perry, a conman posing as a Navy admiral who attempted to murder her.
Key points
- A Blind Date with an Admiral. Barbara meets John Perry, a retired rear admiral, on a blind date that changes her life.
- A Quick Wedding in Tijuana. Barbara's dream wedding turns into a quick ceremony at a justice of the peace in Tijuana.
- The Mysterious Family. Barbara feels shunned by John's wealthy family, raising suspicions about his past.
- The Crazy Year Begins. Barbara's life spirals into chaos as John's behavior becomes increasingly erratic.
- A Dangerous Discovery. Barbara finds a gun in John's briefcase, raising alarms about his true nature.
- The Ether Attack. Barbara Bentley's husband, John Perry, attempts to murder her with ether in a hotel room.
Episode highlights
- A Blind Date with an AdmiralBarbara meets John Perry, a retired rear admiral, on a blind date that changes her life.“He was very interesting, a lot of stories.”1:49Aug 17, 2022
- A Quick Wedding in TijuanaBarbara's dream wedding turns into a quick ceremony at a justice of the peace in Tijuana.“It was like, oh my God, what is going on here?”7:40Aug 17, 2022
- The Mysterious FamilyBarbara feels shunned by John's wealthy family, raising suspicions about his past.“Because I was a gold digger.”9:15Aug 17, 2022
- The Crazy Year BeginsBarbara's life spirals into chaos as John's behavior becomes increasingly erratic.“John Perry stealthily began maneuvering her into the path of danger.”19:16Aug 17, 2022
- A Dangerous DiscoveryBarbara finds a gun in John's briefcase, raising alarms about his true nature.“A gun?”21:20Aug 17, 2022
- The Ether AttackBarbara Bentley's husband, John Perry, attempts to murder her with ether in a hotel room.“My husband just tried to murder me with ether.”29:32Aug 17, 2022
- The Aftermath of the TrialJohn Perry is convicted of attempted murder, but his release brings new fears for Barbara.“He had ruthlessly tried to murder her.”31:54Aug 17, 2022
- John Perry's True IdentityBarbara discovers her husband is not who he claims to be, leading to shocking revelations.“John, who are you?”32:23Aug 17, 2022
Tension
85/ 100High tension
