The Boston Strangler Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A city is really stressed because someone is tying ladies’ scarves too tight, and a lawyer who’d rather be reading law books has to figure out if it’s one guy or a bunch of scarf-hating maniacs.

🍿 The Boston Strangler: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Initial Murders and Public Panic

The film opens with a series of seemingly random strangulation murders of women in Boston. These crimes quickly escalate, creating widespread fear and panic among the public. The police struggle to find any leads, and the lack of progress fuels public anxiety. The film effectively uses split-screen techniques to convey the pervasive sense of unease and paranoia gripping the city.

Formation of the Task Force

Due to the multi-jurisdictional nature of the crimes, the Massachusetts Attorney General appoints John S. Bottomly, a law professor, to lead a task force. Bottomly, played by Henry Fonda, is initially reluctant, feeling ill-equipped to handle such a complex criminal investigation. However, he takes on the responsibility, assembling a team and delving into the investigation. The film follows their painstaking efforts to sift through the numerous leads and suspects.

The Introduction of Albert DeSalvo

About halfway through the film, Albert DeSalvo is introduced as a seemingly ordinary family man. He is initially apprehended for a separate, unrelated crime. During the investigation, Bottomly notices a potential connection between DeSalvo and the strangler case, specifically an injury matching one inflicted by a surviving victim. This discovery marks a turning point in the investigation, shifting the focus towards DeSalvo as a prime suspect.

Psychological Examination and Confession

DeSalvo undergoes psychological evaluation, revealing a potential dissociative identity disorder. The film delves into his psyche as Bottomly attempts to uncover the truth behind his possible involvement in the murders. The climax involves a tense confrontation where DeSalvo, under hypnosis or intense questioning, appears to confess to the crimes. The film leaves some ambiguity about the true nature of DeSalvo’s guilt and mental state.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Albert DeSalvo (Tony Curtis): A seemingly ordinary family man who leads a double life as the Boston Strangler, terrorizing the city’s women.
• John S. Bottomly (Henry Fonda): A law professor reluctantly appointed to lead the investigation into the Boston Strangler murders.
• Phil DiNatale (George Kennedy): A determined detective working alongside Bottomly in the hunt for the Boston Strangler.
• Dianne Cluny (Sally Kellerman): A survivor of an attack by the Boston Strangler, providing crucial information to the investigation.
• Edward W. Brooke (William Marshall): The Attorney General who appoints John Bottomly to head the Strangler Task Force.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Capt. Ed Willis: “Everybody’s banging everybody. It’s a horny world.” – A cynical observation reflecting the police’s initial assessment of potential suspects during the investigation.
• Closing credits epilogue: “ALBERT DESALVO, PRESENTLY IMPRISONED IN WALPOLE, MASSACHUSETTS, HAS NEVER BEEN INDICTED OR TRIED FOR THE BOSTON STRANGLINGS.” – This text is part of the closing credits, added to address legal concerns about the portrayal of DeSalvo.
• Closing credits epilogue: “THIS FILM HAS ENDED, BUT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF SOCIETY FOR THE EARLY RECOGNITION AND TREATMENT OF THE VIOLENT AMONG US HAS YET TO BEGIN.” – This message highlights the film’s aim to promote awareness about mental illness and violent behavior.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $4.1M
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $3.4M

💥 The Boston Strangler Reviews

Personal Review

I was hooked from the start! Tony Curtis playing against type as Albert DeSalvo was a revelation. The split-screen technique felt a little dated, but I understood what the director was trying to do – show the chaos and paranoia of the time. That scene where Sally Kellerman gets attacked was so intense, it really stuck with me. I couldn’t stop thinking about the movie for days!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of true crime dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in classic thrillers”
  • “Those fascinated by serial killer stories”
  • “People interested in the history of criminology”
  • “Tony Curtis fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence and implied sexual assault”
  • “Disturbing themes and psychological elements”
  • “Mature language”
  • “Homophobic slurs (reflecting the time period)”
  • “Mentions of sexual perversion”

Professional Reviews

• Film Critic Daily: “Curtis delivers a compelling performance, but the film’s dated split-screen technique is distracting. However, it effectively captures the atmosphere of fear and paranoia gripping Boston during the Strangler’s reign. A solid true crime drama for its time.
• IndieWire: “While ‘The Boston Strangler’ is a product of its time, it still offers a gripping look at a city gripped by fear and the complexities of the investigation. Curtis is surprisingly effective in a role that challenges his usual persona, making it a worthwhile watch for crime thriller fans.
• Variety: “Richard Fleischer’s direction is stylish, using split-screen effects to amplify the sense of chaos. While the film takes liberties with the true story, Tony Curtis gives a memorable performance as the man who confessed to the crimes. A disturbing thriller that stays with you.

Audience Reactions

Tony Curtis’s performance as DeSalvo is chillingly effective.: Viewers are impressed by Tony Curtis’s unexpected transformation into a dark and complex character.

The split-screen technique is both innovative and distracting.: Audiences are divided on the use of split-screen, with some finding it visually interesting and others finding it disruptive.

Overall Consensus: A disturbing true crime drama elevated by Tony Curtis’s performance, although the split-screen technique may not appeal to all viewers.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Tony Curtis was cast against type, known for his comedic and lighter roles, to portray the dark and complex character of Albert DeSalvo, which was a significant departure from his previous work.”
• “The film used the split-screen technique extensively, a stylistic choice popular in the late 1960s, to convey multiple perspectives and the widespread panic and investigation surrounding the murders.”
• “The movie was based on Gerold Frank’s book of the same name, which chronicled the true story of the Boston Strangler, though it took certain dramatic liberties with the actual events.”
• “Albert DeSalvo was never indicted or tried for the Boston stranglings, and the film acknowledges this in its closing credits.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Boston Strangler?

As a classic film, ‘The Boston Strangler’ may be available for rent or purchase on various platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your preferred streaming service or online retailer for availability. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray can also be found through online retailers and local stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Boston Strangler, you might like these similar films:

• Zodiac (2007): Both films focus on the investigation of a serial killer case that gripped a city and the relentless pursuit by investigators.
• In Cold Blood (1967): Similar true-crime narrative, exploring the psychological impact of violent crime on both perpetrators and investigators.
• 10 Rillington Place (1971): Another fact-based crime drama with a focus on the grim details of a serial killer and the flawed justice system.
• Memories of Murder (2003): A tense police procedural about a series of unsolved murders in a small town, driven by the detectives’ desperate search for answers.

🛒 The Boston Strangler Related Products

• The Boston Strangler (Blu-ray): Own the digitally remastered Blu-ray edition of ‘The Boston Strangler’ for the ultimate viewing experience. See Tony Curtis’s incredible performance in high definition with enhanced audio. Relive the suspense and drama of this classic crime thriller.
• The Boston Strangler: The Untold Story: Dive deeper into the real-life events with this compelling ebook. Explore the evidence, theories, and controversies surrounding the Boston Strangler case. Includes exclusive interviews and never-before-seen photos.
• The Boston Strangler Movie Poster: Get the iconic movie poster, capturing the raw intensity of the film and Tony Curtis’s transformation. Perfect for framing and displaying in your home theater or office. High-quality print on archival paper.
• Boston Crime Scene Investigator Kit: Solve the case of The Boston Strangler with this interactive crime scene investigation kit. Includes evidence files, suspect profiles, and forensic tools. Can you crack the case and uncover the truth?

🎧 Soundtrack

The Boston Strangler features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Semper Fidelis” – performed by John Philip Sousa

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Top 5 Gruesome Boston Strangler Facts

Want to know the really disturbing details behind the Boston Strangler case? This WatchMojo video dives into the most gruesome facts, and honestly, it’s pretty chilling!

Albert DeSalvo (Boston Strangler) | Mental Health & Personality

Ever wondered what drove the Boston Strangler? Dr. Grande breaks down the possible mental health factors in this video, and it’s super insightful to consider the psychological aspects.

Top 10 Cold Cases Solved with DNA

Discover how modern science cracked the Boston Strangler case decades later! It’s amazing to see how far DNA technology has come, check out this video!

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