An American Crime

2007
15
1h 38m

IMDb RATING

7.2/10

38K

YOUR RATING

POPULARITY

Play trailer1:17

True Crime Biography Crime Drama Horror

The true story of suburban housewife Gertrude Baniszewski, who kept a teenage girl locked in the basement of her Indiana home during the 1960s.The true story of suburban housewife Gertrude Baniszewski, who kept a teenage girl locked in the basement of her Indiana home during the 1960s.The true story of suburban housewife Gertrude Baniszewski, who kept a teenage girl locked in the basement of her Indiana home during the 1960s.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.2/10

38K

YOUR RATING

POPULARITY

2,488

792

See production info at IMDbPro

Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy
- 3 nominations total

Videos1

Trailer 1:17

An American Crime

Photos116

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
The real-life daughter, Paula Baniszewski, was released from prison and changed her name. She ended up getting a job as a guidance counselor aide in an Iowa school and worked there for 14 years before anyone found out about her real past. She was immediately fired.

Goofs
During the big "rescue" scene Ricky and Sylvia flee from Gertie in a 67-68 model Ford Mustang, a blatant error considering the movie is set in 1965.

Quotes
Sylvia Likens: Reverend Bill used to say, "For every situation God always has a plan." I guess I'm still trying to figure out what that plan was.

Crazy credits
The final credit states "Sylvia Likens, 1949-1965".

Connections
Featured in The 60th Primetime Emmy Awards (2008)

Soundtracks
Downtown
Written by Tony Hatch
Performed by Petula Clark
Courtesy of Disques Vogue and Sony BMG Music Entertainment (France)
By Arrangement with Sony BMG Music Entertainment

User reviews196

Review

Featured review

The American Crime

The "disclaimer" at the end of "An American Crime" could not be more appropriate. Why does Hollywood have to make up "fake scenarios" about one of the most horrific crimes ever committed? Are the actual facts not "interesting" enough for the big screen? I can assure you, they are indeed, and need to be told. Anyone who has ever comprehensively researched this case can tell you, there is very little "fact" here. The ferocity and unrelenting cruelty of the monster "Gertrude," as well as the "enthusiasm" of the children who participated in the torture of Sylvia Likens, particularly, daughter Paula, has been falsely conveyed and greatly understated. It's really a travesty and dishonors the memory of an innocent young girl. They had a great opportunity to show the truth, and they blew it. Shame on them.