The Boston Strangler (film)
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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The Boston Strangler is a 1968 film based on the true story of the Boston Strangler and the book by Gerold Frank. It was directed by Richard Fleischer, and stars Tony Curtis as Albert DeSalvo, the strangler, and Henry Fonda as John S. Bottomly, the chief detective now famed for obtaining DeSalvo's confession.
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Plot
The first part of the film shows the police investigation, with some examples of the seedier side of Boston life, including Homosexuality and promiscuity in the adult quarters of the city. The second part shows the apprehension of DeSalvo. The intention of Officer Bottomly and the law is to answer the question presented in the film's famous print ad: 'Why did 13 women open their doors to the Boston Strangler?'
Reception
Reviews
Reviews tended to praise some aspects of the film, particularly Curtis' performance in a grittier role than he usually played. However there was criticism of the film for taking some liberties with the facts of the case, and its use of split screen.
Awards
Tony Curtis was nominated for Best Actor in a Drama from the Hollywood Foreign Press.
