Watch American Experience: The Perfect Crime

American Experience: The Perfect Crime is a documentary film that was released in 2016. The movie tells the story of the murder of Bobby Franks, a wealthy teenage boy, in Chicago in 1924. The case is considered one of the most infamous crimes of the 20th century. The documentary offers a riveting account of the events surrounding the murder and its aftermath. The film is narrated by Oliver Platt, an American actor best known for his work in theater, film, and television. He provides a somber and captivating narration to this true crime story.

The documentary is based on the book For The Thrill of It: Leopold, Loeb, and the Murder that Shocked Chicago by Simon Baatz. Baatz serves as an expert in the film, providing context and analysis of the case. He is a professor of legal history at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a well-respected expert on the Leopold and Loeb case.

One of the key strengths of American Experience: The Perfect Crime is the depth of research that went into the documentary. The filmmakers have done an excellent job of bringing the story to life through archive footage, photographs, and interviews with experts. The result is a film that is both informative and captivating.

The central figures of the story are Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb. They were two wealthy teenagers from Chicago who, in 1924, decided to commit the perfect crime. They kidnapped and killed Bobby Franks, a 14-year-old boy who they believed would be an easy target.

Leopold and Loeb were brilliant students with a passion for crime. They believed that they were intellectually superior to other people and that they could commit the perfect crime without getting caught. They meticulously planned the abduction and murder of Bobby Franks, hoping that they would be able to get away with it.

The murder was gruesome, and the duo's plan began to fall apart almost immediately. Leopold and Loeb made several mistakes in the execution of their plan, and detectives were able to quickly uncover evidence that led to their arrest. When they were interrogated, they confessed to the crime and were eventually found guilty.

One of the most interesting aspects of the case was the trial. Leopold and Loeb hired one of the most well-known lawyers in the city, Clarence Darrow. Darrow was known for his success in defending clients who were facing the death penalty. In this case, Darrow was able to avoid the death penalty for his clients, arguing that they should be given life in prison instead.

American Experience: The Perfect Crime provides a comprehensive overview of the case, including the social and political context of the time. The movie explores the way in which the Leopold and Loeb case was portrayed in the media, and how it has influenced public perceptions of criminal justice.

Throughout the film, we hear interviews with experts in law, psychology, and history. Hal Higdon, a well-known journalist and author, provides additional context to the events surrounding the murder. Higdon is a Pulitzer Prize nominee and has written books on true crime and sports.

The documentary is both informative and entertaining. The pacing of the film is well-done, and the use of archival footage and photographs is effective in bringing the story to life. The film explores various aspects of the case, including the personalities of Leopold and Loeb and the impact of the crime on the city of Chicago.

In conclusion, American Experience: The Perfect Crime is a must-watch for true crime enthusiasts. The film provides a fascinating insight into one of the most notorious crimes of the 20th century. The documentary is expertly crafted and offers a thorough analysis of the case. If you are a fan of true crime documentaries, this is one that you will not want to miss.

American Experience: The Perfect Crime is a 2016 crime movie with a runtime of 52 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.