An American Crime (2007)

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

Director:

Tommy O'Haver

Writers:

Tommy O'Haver, Irene Turner

Stars:

Elliot Page, Hayley McFarland, Nick Searcy

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Elliot Page	...	Sylvia Likens (as Ellen Page)
Hayley McFarland	...	Jennie Likens
Nick Searcy	...	Lester Likens
Romy Rosemont	...	Betty Likens
Catherine Keener	...	Gertrude Baniszewski
Ari Graynor	...	Paula Baniszewski
Scout Taylor-Compton	...	Stephanie Baniszewski
Tristan Jarred	...	Johnny Baniszewski
Hannah Leigh	...	Shirley Baniszewski (as Hannah Leigh Dworkin)
Bradley Whitford	...	Prosecutor
Michael O'Keefe	...	Reverend Bill Collier
Carlie Westerman	...	Marie Baniszewski
Michelle Benes	...	Hope Orbach
Patricia Place	...	Mrs. Doyle
Calvin Keet	...	Mr. Doyle

Storyline

Based on a true story that shocked the nation in 1965, the film recounts one of the most shocking crimes ever committed against a single victim. Sylvia and Jennie Fae Likens, the two daughters of traveling carnival workers are left for an extended stay at the Indianapolis home of single mother Gertrude Baniszewski and her six children. Times are tough, and Gertrude's financial needs cause her to make this arrangement before realizing how the burden will push her unstable nature to a breaking point. What transpires in the next three months is both riveting and horrific.

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Plot Keywords:

close up of eyes | murder of sylvia likens | single mother | carnival | basement | 

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Taglines:

The true story of a child's punishment that became a woman's crime.

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Genres:

Biography | Crime | Drama | Horror

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong and disturbing depiction of child abuse and torture

Did You Know?

Trivia

Hayley McFarland, Scout Taylor-Compton and Hannah Leigh all played minor roles in the Gilmore Girls TV Series, Hayley played April Nardini's school friend, Scout played Dean's sister and Hannah played Charlotte, one of Emily Gilmore's apprentices.

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Goofs

When a shot of the front of the house is shown, you can see that there is a red Chevrolet Corvette '68 parked in front of the neighbor's. At that time, the story is set in 1965.

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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.

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Crazy Credits

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

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Connections

Referenced in The Afflicted (2011)

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Soundtracks

You Don't Own Me
Written by John Madara and Dave White
Performed by Lesley Gore
Courtesy of The Island Def Jam Music Group
Under license from Universal Music Enterprises

User Reviews

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.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 December 2007 (Sweden)

Also Known As:

The Basement

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$2,000,000 (estimated)

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$1,306,875

Company Credits

Production Co:

First Look International, Killer Films, Showtime Networks

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1