Abstract
In today’s technology-driven world, it has become commonplace for educators to turn to media for the scaffolding and reinforcement of difficult concepts. The “Sage on the Stage” delivery of lecture-driven education has become yesterday’s model, and flipped classes and media-driven learning methods are not only recommended, but expected by the learner. Willard M. Oliver and Nancy E. Marion in their book Crime, History, and Hollywood: Learning Criminal Justice History Through Major Motion Pictures selected 10 motion picture created and interpreted by Hollywood to assist students with the understanding of what is often considered as difficult subject matter. At the heart of the selection process is crime type, investigative method, and courtroom outcomes. Ranging in time from 1839 Amistad and the Trial of Amistads to the blockbuster portrayal of All the President’s Men 1972, the “true crime” stories unfold pieces of American history, film interpretation, and influences left to public perception. Chapter 1: Amistad and the Trial of the Amistads. The reader is exposed to the concept of “dramatic license versus historical error” (p. 33). A reminder is offered: If the film alone were viewed, the consumer would walk away with a general idea about the crime, but not an inaccurate account of the totality of the affair. Chapter 2: September Dawn and the Mountain Meadows Massacre. Recognized as the first 9/11 tragedy, it is also viewed as the most “horrific massacres in American history” (p. 53). The film misrepresents the Mormon teaching of the blood atonement. The false love story brought to life through the film skews actual events. In the end, the movie was a box office flop. Chapter 3: Tombstone and the Shootout at the O.K. Corral. The story of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holiday’s famous shootout at the O.K. Corral falls short of portraying the actual story. The real reason for the shootout, along with numerous mistakes made throughout the movie, is portrayed through “grossly exaggerated” historical events what often leaves the audience “falling victim to the typical liberties that Hollywood take” with crime histories (p. 74). Associating gang colors and bandanas into the wrong era is just one of the inconsistencies. Chapter 4: Eight Men Out and the Fixing of the 1919 World Series. In a theme that hits close to home, the dramatization of how specific Chicago White Sox players threw the 1919 World Series is examined through what is often called America’s favorite pastime. Noted in this chapter is the difficulty that exists around the representation of time lapse. Although mistakes were noted, credit was offered for “minor historical inaccuracies, combine with attention to detail, seem to balance each other out” (p. 94). Chapter 5: St. Valentine’s Day Massacre and the American Gangster Al Capone. Introducing gang violence and distribution and sales of the Chicago Beer Wars, the massacre tells the story of tolerance for such activities, during the Prohibition Era. Because of the massacre, the public grew tired of the violence associated with prohibition and demanded a response from politicians. The fascination associated with the event is often attributed to the success of the movie. Chapter 6: Public Enemies and the Hunt for John Dillinger. Opening with the Great Depression of America, Oliver and Marion hook the reader in with the tale of a gangster and bank robber through the infamous story of John Dillinger. Associated with the challenges Dillinger created for law enforcement of the period, a discussion of how agencies were “better equipped with better weapons, faster cars, and better equipment” and the “powers of arrest” even the aspect of “prison reform” comes to light (p. 133). The creation of Public Enemies and the Most Wanted list ties together true events with liberal interpretations. Chapter 7: In Cold Blood and the Clutter Family Murders. The depiction of the mass murder of the Cutter family, authors describe the moment when Americans’ perception of small town and rural was shattered. If two men could murder an entire family, how could anyone ever feel safe again? The dramatization of the investigation, trial, and execution of the two killers lacked answers and closure. Noted as one of the first films “that adequately depicts the true events fairly accurately” the representation of the killers being executed shortly after the trail misrepresentation the lengthy process of appeals (p. 152). Chapter 8: Escape from Alcatraz and the Alcatraz Prison. America’s fascination with prisons is demonstrated in this chapter. Oliver and Marion focus on the notorious prisoners and the unique construction of Alcatraz. Still one of the largest tourist attractions in the bay area, the history of the prison and the location creates a dynamic that leaves the reader wanting to know if the men who escaped lived or drowned. Since the actual facts of survival are still unknown, the film keeps the questions alive. Chapter 9: Mississippi Murder and the Murder of Three Civil Rights Workers. Oliver and Marion’s critique the attempt to dramatize America’s troubled civil rights history. This case primarily focused on the white perspective. Two white Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) detectives confront powerful and vicious racists while at the same time protect the victimized and passive African Americans. Although the film is considered to be surrounded by fiction credit is given for, “the important thing is the heart of the truth, the spirit” reached millions (p. 192). Chapter 10: All the President’s Men: The Watergate Scandal. Often referred to as the most notorious burglary in American history, many believe “the film was based on an accurate portrayal of events” (p. 213).
Each chapter connects the film and the importance for the reader by opening with an introduction to the historical event. The authors focus on one specific historical event and one corresponding film. Details are described from the original crime and the film adaption is assessed for accuracy and authenticity. At the end of every chapter, further readings are offered and additional materials are recommended. Overall, the book creates a wonderful path for discussion and connection.