The Boston Strangler

Plot synopsis:
After three murders of elderly women with the same M.O. (the victims were strangled and penetrated with foreign objects), the Boston police conclude that they have a serial killer on their hands. As the murders stretch over several police jurisdictions, a "Strangler Bureau" is set up to coordinate the investigations, with John S. Bottomly (Henry Fonda) appointed as its head. Several suspects are interrogated, with all cleared of the murders.
As the body count grows, Bottomly, in desperation, calls in a psychic, Peter Hurkos (George Voskovec), who pinpoints a man who seems to fit the profile. The (severely masochistic) man is taken in for psychiatric observation for ten days, but nothing conclusive tying him to the murders is found. There is another murder during the time the man is under observation, clearing him of suspicion.
While the 1963 funeral of John F. Kennedy is on television, Albert DeSalvo (Tony Curtis) leaves his wife and children under the pretext of work. Instead, he gains entry into the apartment of a woman by posing as a plumber sent by the building supervisor. He attacks her, tying her to her bed with rags ripped from her dress. But when DeSalvo is taken aback by the sight of himself in a mirror as he tries to subdue the woman, she struggles free and bites his hand. DeSalvo flees.
At a later date, he tries to enter the apartment of another woman only to find that her husband is home. DeSalvo is apprehended by a passing police patrol. Found incompetent to stand trial for attempted breaking and entering, he is committed to a hospital for psychiatric observation. By chance, Bottomly and Detective Phil DiNatale (George Kennedy) pass by in an elevator where they had been visiting the woman who survived the earlier attack. Observing the wound on DeSalvo's hand (the woman who survived attack could only remember biting him, not how he looked), the pair soon finds him a prime suspect for the Boston Strangler murders.
Conventional interrogation is ineffective because the treating physician theorizes that DeSalvo suffers from a split personality; he has two identities that are unaware of each other, his "normal" personality fabricating memories in place of the memories of murder committed by the "strangler" personality. The treating physician theorizes that DeSalvo could be made to confront the facts, but that the shock of this realization risks putting him in a catatonic state. Bottomly expresses the opinion that this outcome is the next best thing to a conviction.
Under the condition (imposed by DeSalvo's defense counsel) that none of what comes to light is admissible in court, Bottomly is allowed a final round of interviews with DeSalvo. After several sessions, Bottomly manages to reveal DeSalvo's hidden personality to himself. Reeling from the shock, DeSalvo slips into a catatonic state.

Tags: paranormal, psychedelic, murder, flashback

Review:
After all the movies that he has done this one shown his acting chops and basically established himself as one of the most distinguish actors in Hollywood,but if you want to see Tony Curtis in a stunning performance as a serial killer,this is the movie to see and not to be missed.Tony Curtis showed them off brilliantly with his chilling portrayal of confessed 1960's serial killer,Albert DeSalvo who killed and strangled 13 women in the streets of Boston.
THE BOSTON STRANGLER (1968)Aspect ratio: 2.35:1 (Panavision)Sound format: 4-track magnetic stereoThe true story of serial killer Albert DeSalvo (Tony Curtis), a devoted family man with a split personality who terrorised Boston during the early 1960's and murdered eleven women.Perhaps taking its cue from the success of Richard Brooks' true crime drama IN COLD BLOOD (1967), Richard Fleischer's THE BOSTON STRANGLER is a dignified, unsensational account of Albert DeSalvo's notorious crimes and the wide-ranging police investigation which led to his arrest.
That small (but significant) caveat aside, the movie provides an effective overview of a complex case, and Curtis - an unlikely choice for such a difficult role - gives a career-best performance as the deranged killer whose routine domestic life provided no hint of the monster lurking within his psyche.
Even for those familiar with the outcome of the case, the movie generates suspense through an accumulation of historical evidence, as Boston's terrified populace reacts convulsively to the maniac in their midst, and police trawl the streets for anyone whose sexual peccadilloes mark them as possible suspects.Fleischer was a particular advocate of the widescreen format (he photographed most of his films anamorphically after being bowled over by a demonstration of CinemaScope in 1953), and his modish use of split-screen effects is completely diminished whenever the movie is broadcast on TV (you'll need a big screen to get even a modicum of the intended effect!).
While Fleischer's film takes DeSalvo's guilt wholly for granted, the facts which condemned him have been challenged in robust terms by a number of sources throughout the years (most recently in Susan Kelly's 2002 book 'The Boston Stranglers: The Public Conviction of Albert DeSalvo and the True Story of Eleven Shocking Murders'), and much of the evidence which 'exonerates' DeSalvo is as compelling as anything in the movie.
However, this is only half the story as Albert DeSalvo appears perfectly normal and doesn't seem to have anything to hide even though everything points to him being the serial murderer of the title.Not being aware of the real events behind this film, it was an interesting story of me to watch even though I had to guard myself against the truism that many "true stories" will be simplified for cinema treatment.
The direction seems obvious now (especially with 24 in its fourth season) but it is clever and effective, the split screen keeping the film busy even in basic sequences while also helping the tension.Overall this is not a pacey thriller but rather a more serious drama, although it still works well as an interesting look at the case but also at the failings of the system of dealing with violent mental illness sufferers.
Tony Curtis really showed his acting chops when he took on the most unlikely role of Albert DeSalvo the famous Boston Strangler of the early 1960s.
As much if not more of breakthrough than his part in Sweet Smell of Success.In his memoirs however Curtis decries the fact that on this, the second of two films he worked with Henry Fonda on, he said that he found Fonda cold and forbidding as a person to work with.The film is tautly directed by Richard Fleischer with some fine editing though I think Fleischer was a bit too fond of the split screen technique.
You`d never have guessed .The biggest flaw with THE BOSTON STRANGLER is the uneven directing style by Fleischer using the split screen method for long periods of the movie which is very unsubtle ( And it`s not too surprising to see this technique very quickly died out in cinema ) , but the director redeems himself towards the end by using a couple of surreal abstract sequences .
Tony Curtis gives a good performance in a mostly fictionalized (we now know) account of the man, Albert DeSalvo, who was hospitalized, and labeled "The Boston Strangler".Some of the scenes are inscrutable, if not amusing.
Here it is, the film that proved Tony Curtis' worth as an actor; not just the pretty boy of a dozen identikit pictures of the 1950s - but here convincing as the cold blooded killer of various women; 'The Boston Strangler' now looks dated, particularly in its split-screen editing and gloomy editing, and in some of its references to 'queers', but is still a fine example within its genre.Bleak and uncompromising in its verbal and visual details of the murders, this film is held together by the excellent work by Curtis - he really is chilling as the psychopath preying on women.
This account of Albert DeSalvo, a schizophrenic east coast furnace worker who may have terrorized early-1960s Boston with strangulations of women, plays fast and loose with the facts but is still pretty good as dramatic movie-making.
All of the social misfits and suspects they question and harrass, all of the actors are good (especially Bill Hickey - famous acting teacher who (in the movie) likes women's shoes) and Sally Kellerman is effective in a small role a few years before M.A.S.H.But Tony Curtis is disturbingly ice-like and unhappy (for a change) and with very few lines of dialogue conveys a complicated man.
The Talky, Clinical Conclusion might be the Politically Correct, Technically Correct way to Deal with the Subject, but, for the Cinema it is a Killer.A lot has been said of Tony Curtis Playing Against Type but the Allotted Screen Time is Not Enough to Provide any Depth or Explore any of the Contradictions of the Character.
Bottomly (Henry Fonda) is ordered to establish a central office to co-ordinate the investigation and soon finds himself working with every one from hardnosed Det. Phil DiNatale (George Kennedy) to celebrated psychic John Asgeirsson (Jeff Corey.) Various leads draw them to a number of "sexual deviates," including homosexual antiques dealer Terrence Huntley (Hurd Hatfield)--but their leads prove futile and frustrating.At mid-point the film shifts focus to Albert DeSalvo (Tony Curtis in an extremely atypical role), a quite family man who works as a repair man--and who is, unbeknownst to all around, the Boston strangler.
Supporting actress Sally Kellerman also gives what may be her single finest performance as pivotal victim and witness Dianne Cluny, and Curtis and Kellerman's scene together is truly harrowing.Director Richard Fleischer was noted for his love of widescreen effects, and with THE BOSTON STRANGLER he frequently divides the screen into multiple scenes, often rather like overlapping tiles.
At first, its a little off-putting, but I think it really works, and it captures the shockwaves of fear the strangler's killings had on the public by showing women (and men) on the street and the way they start to modify their behavior as reaction to the murders.Fleischer juxtaposes these fragmented split screen episodes with beautifully lit, long tracking shots (Tony Curtis watching JFK's funeral on television a good example) that mesmerize.Curtis is excellent as confessed killer Albert deSalvo, he's both unnerving and pathetic, and the scenes of him going about his "work" are disturbing and go a long way toward explaining why some serial killers elude police capture.
It deals with the police investigation headed to the capture of serial killer Albert De Salvo known as the as in the title ofthe film who murdered eleven women back in the early 60's and terrorized the city of Boston.Some accuracy in the actual facts and perhaps Tony Curtis (De Salvo) in his best dramatic performance and a strong cast leaded by Henry Fonda as a police investigator (in a sort of Morgan Freeman's later role as police psychologist Alex Cross) raise this product to a very acceptable level.
George Kennedy, Murray Hamilton and Sally Kellerman complete the main parts.Split-screen sequences used by Director Richard Fleischer are not a good idea in my opinion but they don't really hurt the film.If you're a thriller fan or you are interested in serial killers (guilty of both charges in my case) you will surely enjoy this movie.Interesting: Tony Curtis best drama performances in my opinion -this one and the fugitive in "The Defiant Ones" ten years before- where played by the actor with similar make up in his nose..
It makes great use of movie techniques to try and show the mind of the killer.Very good acting from Tony Curtis, who plays the schizophrenic killer.
Director Richard Fleischer's Police Procedural biopic, using the multi-screen effect, only works only until Tony Curtis is revealed as the real life killer, Albert DeSalvo, who, at the time this movie was made, was thought of as having multiple personalities...When filming started DeSalvo had slyly escaped from the mental institution where he was to spend, most likely, the rest of his life.
Meanwhile, Henry Fonda makes a weak lead protagonist, replacing comparably effective everyman cop George Kennedy, who started out on the killers' trail: one that eventually hits a prolonged dead end, and, progressive in the worst ways, THE BOSTON STRANGLER makes a psychic seem logical, a psychologist infallible, and this particular madman a victim.
Let's face the facts, this well made picture had a rubber stamp from the Boston's Police department final conclusion over Albert DeSalvo's guilty plea and quickly sent to jail without a trial, there was an agreement between them, what he had confessed it couldn't use on a trial, starting this point the picture is fully fictional although was accepted as official version from the facts, so over this angle the picture deserves a look around it as such, a high class casting with many great actors involved, as said before this has to be faces under those offical version only without be mindfull of it's true or not, so then 8 out 10!!Resume:First watch: 2007 / How many: 2 / Source: DVD / Rating: 8.
A Hollywood production portraying the real-life murderous rampage of a serial killer dubbed The Boston Strangler.Great casting with Tony Curtis playing against type as the homicidal lead (and he does a great job- check out the chilling final scene), Henry Fonda and Murray Hamilton as detectives on his case.This looks great as a film with beautiful cinematography.
Sometimes the use of split screen and an almost mosiac style works very well (the scenes of Boston's women buying more locks and guns in response to the culture of fear because of the Strangler use this technique really well) but at other times it feels a bit heavy-handed and patronising for the audience as you're forced to focus on one aspect of the screen that you would have picked up on without this device being used.Theres a great sequence where the police chief says that he wants every pervert to be questioned (he lists examples starting with 'toilet queens' which made me giggle).
It Didn't Really Capture Me. Based on the true story of the Boston Strangler murders in the early 1960's, a good cast works hard in a movie that, for whatever reason, didn't manage to grab hold of me.Tony Curtis portrayed Albert DeSalvo (the self-confessed Boston Strangler) as he engages in his rampage, murdering and sexually assaulting 13 Boston women.
boy,this was a great movie.the acting by both Henry Fonda and Tony Curtis was really something.these are two phenomenal actors.Fonda was terrific as the head of a task force on the 'Strangler' case.his performance was very sublime and understated but brilliant.Curtis as ALbert Desalvo gives a powerful,riveting performance.i also liked the film itself.it was kind of low key,but very atmospheric and effective.it was made in 1968,only a few years after the stranglings.the filmmakers have their ideas about the events and their own take own things.some of it was no doubt fictionalized,and some of it likely came from what was known about the case at the time.regardless,in my opinion,this is a very good movie.it's entertaining and thought provoking.even if it was just entertaining,it would still be a good movie.but if a movie can be both,that's a bonus.on top of all that,it was way better than i had hoped or expected.it's not for everyone,i'm sure due to the subject matter,and some people may find it slow.but for me, i have to say "The Boston Strangler" is a 10/10.
For additional (and more fact-based) info on DeSalvo, the investigations and what happened to him after the film ends visit www.crimelibrary.com 7,5 out of 10 (with an 8 given upon voting) post scriptum: I am extremely interested in serial killers and what makes them tick and I might therefore be a bit biased (just thought I'd let you know).
It's a very impressive film from start to finish, the cast are excellent, George Kennedy & Henry Fonda portray the men pursuing the culprit with much believability, with enough moments of frustration and revulsion brought to life with style.Of course this is Tony Curtis's show all the way, though, he is all bulked up and nothing like the handsome icon that people had grown accustomed to.
One of the films' chief plus points is that the first hour only shows us the aftermath of the murders, it shows the desperate panic it creates among the people of Boston, and of course we get to know the detectives following this miserable trail.At the hour mark we are introduced to Tony Curtis as Albert De Salvo, here he is in his family home, his daughter all radiant around her father, it's a masterstroke from director Richard Fleischer, and it creates maximum impact.
Going against type-casting Tony Curtis plays Albert De Salvo, who confessed to terrorizing, strangling, sexually assaulting and murdering women in Boston.
This "The Boston Strangler" also stood quite high on my must-see list, but I had a couple of prejudices because I read that this film was largely fictionalized (even though the real names of suspects and victims are used) and because it's allegedly a typical product of its time (with an excessive use of contemporary popular split-screens and socially relevant topics processed into the screenplay).
Best of all is an unexpectedly potent performance by Tony Curtis as Albert DeSalvo, the man believed to be the unfortunately prolific Boston Strangler who murders almost a dozen women during the course of the film.As this serial killer goes about his business, the intense manhunt is launched, with law expert John S.
THE BOSTON STRANGLER.What a great film.I only watched this movie because it is based on a true story about a serial killer in America.
Boston residents react with fear, as the media fans the flames of paranoia and suspicion.The film's second half plods along from the POV of Albert DeSalvo (Tony Curtis), the self-confessed killer.
The first part has a documentary side.Don't expect to see the horrors that happen in the frightened city:Fleischer,like all clever directors does not want us to become peeping toms.There're a lot of characters ,all very well played ,even if they do not stay long on the screen:O'Roorke ,the poor lad full of complexes of culpability,makes all his four minutes count and prepares the audience for the final confession.The way Tony Curtis is introduced is sheer genius:first of all,he does not appear in the first hour (and he is at the top of the cast!).The camera shows his flat,we do not recognise him immediately:he's watching the TV :President kennedy has been shot.Meanwhile,his wife is cooking in the kitchen and we make acquaintance with his two children.Actually ,nothing to do with a special killer.Tony Curtis gives here the performance of a lifetime.He had already worked with Fleischer (the Vikings),but his role is much more interesting here.After his arrest,the actor will outdo himself:behind his tortured face,beginning to thicken out,there's an intense suffering.He's suffering from a split personality :the directing is brilliant,using his reflection in a mirror,two-way mirrors and a white room ,in which Curtis in his white shirt seems to dissolve.Curtis is on a par with Peter Lorre (M),Anthony Perkins (Psycho) and Karl Boehm (peeping tom).He gets good support for Henry Fonda and George Kennedy.This might be Fleischer's masterpiece ,topping the excellent "the Vikings" "Barabbas" and "Solyent green"."10 Rillington place",another thriller would deserve to be seen again as well.After "solyent green" his career was on the wane with the likes of "Ashanti" "Mandingo" "Amytiville" and "Conan".But almost all his movies made before 1974 are interesting..
Henry Fonda is efficient in the lead role as the Boston cop trying to track down the notorious serial killer and he's helped a lot by some great character actors including George Kennedy, Murray Hamilton and Mike Kellin.
In an amazing film, Tony Curtis plays a killer who doesn't know he is a killer, Henry Fonda plays the law professor forced to solve the murders and George Kennedy is the experienced detective helping him.
Women are killed in Boston.The man behind the killings is a man called Albert DeSalvo.The movie is based on a true story.Richard Fleischer's movie The Boston Strangler from 1968 has got some superb acting power.There are some familiar names like Henry Fonda as John S.Bottomly, George Kennedy as Det.Phil DiNatale and Dana Elcar, known as Pete in MacGyver is Luis Schubert.Who really makes this movie a movie to remember is Tony Curtis as Albert DeSalvo.There's something very moving in his performance, playing a man with split personality.One side in him is an insane killer and the other side is a decent family man.The decent side doesn't even know about the other one.
It takes 57 minutes of a 116-minute film for Tony Curtis to appear.The extensive use of split screen present in The Boston Strangler intrigues me, appreciating the planning and the huge sets of extra reels which must have gone into creating the effect.
The Boston Strangler stars Tony Curtis in a career best performance as Albert DeSalvo and co-stars Henry Fonda as John S.