Gertrude "Gertie" Baniszewski
The 2008 movie An American Crime is based on the 1965 crimes of Gertie Baniszewski of Indianapolis, Indiana.
Gertie was, for lack of a better term, the town whore; having six children with several different men.
In an apparent offer to seduce Lester Likens while trying to earn some money to support her brood, Gertie agrees to take in his daughters, Sylvia and Jenny, while Lester and wife Betty work as traveling carnies.
When Gertie’s daughter Paula gets knocked up by a local married man, Sylvia inadvertently reveals this scandelous secret; and, soon enough, the whole town finds out.
Paula is determined that Sylvia will pay for transgression, and tells Gertie that Sylvia is spreading horrible rumors about her.
In her drunken, medicated state of mind, Gertie somehow thinks she can save her daughters reputation by torturing Sylvia.
What follows are scenes that will outrage any human with even just an inkling of sympathy.
I spent the better part of this movie talking – actually yelling – at the television much like my husband yells during football games.
Viewers will be particularly incensed at the outcome of this case and those involved. It will make your blood boil!
If you can stomach such vicious crimes against a child, An American Crime is definitely a movie to watch.
