Based on the infamous Loeb ( Artie) and Leopold ( Judd) case in 1924. Loeb was murdered in prison by another inmate in 1936 while Leopold was finally paroled in 1958 and moved to Puerto Rico where he taught at University of Puerto Rico and died in 1971. Their lawyer was the famous Clarence Darrow.
😢 Such inglorious fate. Had they been hanged they would have paid the price of atonement immediately, been purified and sanctioned as debt paid and forgiven by the Lord. I doubt they learned love by the sentence they got. I wonder how much they learned compassion for the innocent boy they jerked out of his life untimely.
You forgot to say that Loeb was murdered for coming onto another prisoner. Loeb was gay and had the hots for Leopold who MAY have been bisexual. But we don't know for sure.
The law traced the eyeglasses to the manufacturer. The boys were wealthy and had the glasses made for him. The manufacturer recognized his work and had sale for the Leopold brother It should be mentioned
Fascinating if you are a liberal who cannot discern between what is morally right and what is morally wrong, and then sweep personal responsibility and accountability under the rug. It does make one feel intellectually superior though. And therein lies the self-justifyng evil.
Brilliantly done...these two reprobates with time, money and education were very well portrayed, so uncaring and determined to cheat the system. Orson Welles' performance was excellent...this was completely absorbing...a really good movie.
@@granny58 Maybe that's because Welles character as defense attorney was to represent the two young men and NOT the boy or his family. In case no one told you this, here in the United States everyone is entitled to representation and a fair trial.
The movie, while based on the Leopold/Loeb case, was from the novel based on that crime. It was a massive bestseller and then the film was a huge hit. No one has mentioned Marty Milner, who plays the cute blonde reporter who cracks the case when he finds the glasses. He was one of the stars of “Route 66” - incredibly popular series about two guys on a road trip who get into all kinds of adventures on their cross country road trip in a snazzy sports car. So many great actors in this crisp b/w film. Thanks for posting. It hasn’t lost an inch of fascination in all these years. Note: there’s an undertone of homosexual eroticism throughout the film, as well as in Hitchcock’s version: “Rope.” Great acting by everyone, but mostly Orson Wells in the Clarence Darrow role.
George Maharis was the second lead in ROUTE 66. But their were 3 stars: Todd, Buzz, and a 1960 Corvette! Marty died in 2015 at 83 I think. George died this past May at 94. He was still handsome. The Corvette will live forever. I’m a 77 year old grandmother but I remember watching ROUTE 66 like it was yesterday. I watched it with my two younger brothers. One was and still is a car nut. He collects classic cars. As a matter fact, his 1930 something Cadillac won best of show in the Monterey classic car show one year in California. For those who don’t know that is one of the most prestigious, classic car shows in the world.
This excellent film is based on the novel of the same name, “ Compulsion “. Poor Bobby Franks was 14 years old at the time of his murder and he was a distant cousin of Loeb. This horrific act was not done as a prank or for a bet, rather each of these egotists believed themselves to be what the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche described as the Superman whose superiority to the rest of us gave them the right to do whatever they pleased: Dean Stockwell’s Judd/Leopold character describes their belief in the classroom scene. The tragic murder of Bobby Franks was the experiment they decided would prove their superiority in committing the perfect crime- they were arrested and charged within two weeks of the crime. Not exactly supermen.
@ No, Bobby Franks was 14 and attending the prestigious Harvard School For Boys in Chicago’s wealthy Kenwood neighborhood at the time of his murder. He was walking home from having been umpire at an after school baseball game when he was lured into the car the two killers were driving. One of the best and most accurate and thorough books I’ve read on this case is “ Leopold and Loeb: The Crime of the Century” if you are interested in learning the facts of this case.
@@BeachsideHank You were thinking of John Dall who starred in "Rope" (1948). He died prematurely after an accident, in 1971. The other John Dahl is still around, in his '60s.
Leopold was probably a sociopath, while Loeb was probably a narcissist. Both together they made themselves into a failed understanding of what it means to be human.
Characteristic of the period ;) Wikipedia: "One piece of evidence was a letter written by Leopold claiming that he and Loeb were having a homosexual affair. Both the prosecution and the defense interpreted this information as supportive of their own position.[47] Darrow called a series of expert witnesses, who offered a catalog of Leopold's and Loeb's abnormalities. One witness testified to their dysfunctional endocrine glands, another to the delusions that had led to their crime."
The fact that finding the culprits of the murder hinged only on pair of glasses without modern day science of DNA is testimony to the savviness of the investigators at that time.
A classic case, I suspect that Hitchcock had it in mind in his real time film Rope. A pretty good take on Meyer Levin’s book Compulsion. A hoary True Crime masterpiece in my view. Some things are finctionalized but the basic horror of the true crime resonated on the public conscious for some time. The boy with green hair as a psycho killer…
This seems to be based on the book: The Crime Of The Century. And the real murdered boy's name was Bobby Franks. He was about 5 years old and was the cousin of Loeb & Leopold. The police really found the glasses near the culvert where the body was found. The two killers were sociopaths. The glasses, typewriter, and car linked them to the murder.
Bobby Frank's was 14 yrs old when murdered. The glasses did get them caught. The eyeglasses tied one of the killers to the place the body was left. Some aspect made them unique enough to make a positive identification
Yeah, great book on this incident. I myself read it about a decade ago, give or take a year. Found it at our office book exchange they have in the lunchroom for the same amount of time. Sure did find some really great reads in there. This is a great movie too, and from what I read in many of the comments, Alfred Hitchcock's movie, "Rope" is similar to this, or possibly regarding this incident also, I'll have to research this in the morning. I've seen quite a bit of Hitchcock's great movies, but, "Rope" is one of the few I didn't get around to yet. My favorite A.H. movie is, arghhh, can't say, too many, probably all of them. LMBO! Have a good one now buddy.
Leopold wrote his biography, LIFE PLUS 99 YEARS, which was published by Doubleday in 1958. After his release from prison, he worked in Puerto Rico under an assumed name as a medical technician, married, and conducted studies on leprosy in PR. Additionally, he wrote the CHECKLIST OF BIRDS OF PUERTO RICO AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS before his death in 1971.
Geez, that courtroom speech showed Welles' high level of mental functioning so much so that it left the entire courtroom in total silence witnessing the brilliant mind in action. ❤️
This crime is still shocking and sickening today. Imagine it during its actual time. The film takes some care to portray it as such. My second viewing does nothing to alleviate that perception. Very risqué for the 50's.
Except that it doesn't show ANYTHING of the crime -- not even stalking or capturing the kid. Evidence IMHO that the film's purpose was polemic -- roses are reddish, violets are bluish, these two get off because they're newish.
@@mrlaw711: She’s right. Orson was an over-actor, and sure chewed up the scenery in the courtroom scene! Found myself thinking, “What judge would allow this”?!
I can't recall the Author's name, but I'm almost positive the title of the book i read regarding this incident was titled, "For The Thrill of it" which was a good page turning thriller, though mega sad what happened to the young feller. I've read in the comments theres a book also regarding this titled the same as this movie, "Compulsion" hopefully I eventually get around to reading that one too, since its been an a decade ago when I read the one I mentioned. Anyway, back to this superb movie on Leopold and Loeb. 🤓🙏👍💗
Never saw Dean Stockwell younger age, but what a great acting by him and guy whp played his best friend Bradford Dillman.. Always admire Orson Welles from acting to directing and the way he speaks... but thata not fair he got the big pay for this movie when he only came almost in the end of the movie with make up on hard to tell it was him
So Judd was supposed to be so smart that he didn't even have a mind of his own. His character is more like a slow mentally challenged young man. Now Artie was the real smart monster.
I think he was not friends with anyone and Artie was a control the group character he chose to listen to him to keep his friendship, that's why it looks like Artie is in charge.
Strange to think that young Bix Beiderbecke and Eddie Condon might have been ringside with Leopold and Loeb. In the cases of Bix and Eddie they'd have been there learning about jazz from Louis Armstrong's band.
BTW: There were several episodes of ‘Murdoch’s Mysteries’ that involved 2 bored (and arrogant) Students, like this movie. Whenever I come-upon an old-movie with an eerily similar plot/storyline to a more-recent film or show - I’m always curious as to wether the latter was inspired by the former!
I am laughing at how some people are ascribing disparaging liberal politics to the movie. This is a true story and the movie just tells it like it actually happened. Why do conservatives have such a problem with history and reality?
Why do people like you seem to always lump everyone not like you into one basket? You don't have a corner on history and you definitely do not have a corner on reality which a lot of liberals have skewed over the years. And I was kind enough not to make a blanket statement about them!
Why do liberal Minds project their issues onto other people? Not the conservatives that are going around destroying history, pulling down the statues, burning buildings... It's not conservatives going after our nation's children, they are trying to stop you from mutilating children's private parts, sending groomers into schools, drugging children's brains before they're fully developed, altering their endocrine systems with hormonal imbalances, which will adversely affect their brain, their heart - all organs... trying to put child pornography into Elementary School... sorry it's you liberals... News flash, your perceptions... are not reality. A few psych tests could demonstrate that with empirical evidence.
I agree. You can go to IMDB, Wikipedia, etc. get all that info and more. The content, plot, acting, etc. is more relevant to me than some words on the screen.
Real film enthusiasts want to see the whole film, including the credits, so that they know who did what, just as book enthusiasts like to have covers and title pages on their books, and notes and indices. Some people don't read, of course, and go to see films so they don't have to.
The author of the book 'Compulsion' went to see 'St. Leopold' soon before his release. Leopold had been a model prisoner, teacher, learned medical practice and was paroled to do medical work among the poor in Puerto Rico. The author when talking to Leopold had a sudden terrifying insight that Leopold was STILL the same psychopath and that "St. Leopold" was a lifelong creation to pull one over on everyone.
Welles wasn't working for those guys. He was working for their PARENTS. In addition, you cannot discount the mental illness in those guys. They were probably incapable of remorse.
@@nighttrain5692 agreed. Gregory Peck killed it as well. Before seeing Moby Duck when I saw or thought of Gregory I always saw/thought Atticus. Never thought he could be soooo crazy and scary lolz
The defense lawyer was very smart and had a talent for persuasion. The law, at that time and place, required that an insanity defense be put to a jury. So, the defense lawyer claimed he wasn't using the insanity defense so that he could have a single judge decide their punishment. Then he flipped 180 degrees and argued before the judge that the defendants belonged in a mental institution. Didn't anyone notice that?
The premise of this movie reminds Me somewhat of Dostoyevski’s Crime and Punishment, the Protagonist killing to prove his superiority over Others. …In that story, the Protagonist experimented by killing a man - as an experiment to prove that Law didn’t apply to the mentally-superior; believing that his actions/desires were Just because his mental-superiority placed him above commonplace morality. (Sadly, not the First to believe it!) I’m just beginning this movie, and there are several differences in the storyline, but the decision to prove Oneself superior to Others through the commission of a dangerous crime (looks like it’ll be murder) is similar. …I expect that the outcome will be similar, as-well!😉
In the actual events (as depicted here) Leopold had a strong sexual infatuation with Loeb and wanted to be controlled by him. Loeb liked being in charge. While setting out to commit the perfect crime, it was hardly that. They made many mistakes, and any attention to detail was non-existent.
True. I have an article on the case and several videos. They believed they were "supermen" to whom normal rules didn't apply and they would prove their superiority through the "perfect crime." As you say, it was far from perfect. They left the victim's feet poking out of the drainage pipe in which they hid the body as well as dropping Leopold's glasses beside that corpse. Their strokes of "genius" such as renting a car to be used in the crime under a false name were things that criminals had done before so hardly showed true genius. The supposedly meticulous planning also failed to account for every possible contingency such as Jacob Franks forgetting the address to which he was directed. My father read about the case and said, "These guys weren't so smart. They seemed just plain stupid to me."
Definitely like Hitchcock. Dean was beautiful. Interesting plot. Yes, story not new. Wealthy bored young ppl with too much time on their hands. Too bad their energy intelligence and time could b utilized for good. Good acting.
Reporter Sid is left alone in the morgue doing what he pleases without any personnel, security guard? With no mobiles to call; "Leave a buck on the desk?" Just like that?😅
How much of this movie has been edited out? Seems that parts are missing (along with the credits. A lot of people interested in movies and film history find great interest in knowing who was involved in a movie's creation. Find it as key as, say, football fans wanting to know the names of the players. )
@@RevLeigh55 Yes.Eventually . But at least I saw the bulk of the movie, and i actually DO appreciate that. (I should have acknowledged that. I'll try to improved on that in the future/not good form to ignore giving thanks for what we are getting for free. ) I wonder why, tho, the credits are removed.
The Leopold and Loeb murder trail took place in 1924, almost 100 years ago, this May. After 1924, we had WWII, more serial killings, more murders, and homicides, and more incarcerations than ever imagined. But that would have happened because the population just go so much larger. Leopold never understood until much later, that he had done anything wrong, Loeb was murdered in prison. Two sick people, whose parents and families are also responsible for Bobby Franks' death. Where were they in all the raising of them? I ask you now, did Bobby Franks die because the parents of these two sick boys, not understand their own children? And if not, why not?
These kids had received incredible encouragement and praise for their gifts- making them feel like they were invincible. Oddly, I think this is more prevalent now than it was in the 1920’s.
Leopold was later released from prison and was Working as a lab technician in Puerto Rico. Loeb was killed in prison riot. During this time period, several Poor Folks were put to death for simple Cremes of Passion. Obviously they couldn't afford Clarence Darrow - just like the Massey Case in Hawaii.
Wasn't Marty's first gig in a law enforcement role as a deputy- one of the Earp brothers (the assassinated one- Jimmy?) in "Gunfight At The O.K. Corral"?
@@BeachsideHank 1957..as James Earl in G @ OK Corral..but it wasnt his gig. You should see his gig resume. Its impressive. I liked bad boy Geo Maharis but his career was blase.
@@willaknotts1298 My point was "first gig in a law enforcement role", not his first movie role though. I did find him on some very early episodes of 1950's Dragnet, but no credits as a LEO. ☺
I first read about the Leopold/Loeb/(Bobby Franks (the victim) murder way back in about 1970. It is such a sick story, I have seen this flick and is nearly as sinister as the true story. Chose not to watch.
@RSEFX I agree with you; it's infuriating for film enthusiasts. Ususlly I don't watch if the film isn't complete, but I made an exception in this case.
"If there's any way to kill evil it's not by killing men." So the boys weren't really interested in killing evil, were they? (But they killed nonetheless).And the public and media and court officers are the ones interested in killing evil, by killing men, but this argument leaves everyone treading water in the middle of the ocean, except the innocent dead boy. Was the boy evil? Is there any doubt that the boy was killed in the hands of the founder of the Christian religion? The argument that killing the criminals would bring the boy back to life is a nonsensical unnecessary distraction. Any cry for capital punishment goes back to the hyena. This is also irrelevant. They committed an act that is animalistic and belongs to beasts in a jungle, no part of man. (What's wrong with the sloppy dressed lawyer, full of hot air?) The atonement for grievous and seriously horrific murder is for the murderer to give his life. The hanging atonement is done for the sake of the miscreant criminal. If the criminal does not atone in this life, he will continue to suffer in the next. These are the one God's dictums. Seeing the proper atonement and punishment does make it quite obvious what any person thinking about killing will have to face. Eighteen and twenty year olds can drink, drive, smoke and vote. They are not toddlers who accidently got a gun and pulled a trigger. Christian people don't believe in life eternal? Don't they believe there is life after death, and that everyone born must die, same as everyone that dies takes their birth in a next life? Pleading for anything fabricated in the manmade court of manmade law is hypocrisy. 😊 I HAD A HELL OF A GOOD TIME REFUTING THAT SLOPPY SOAPY SPEAL. 😊
Some of you guys know nothing about the history of the justice system. 100 years ago, back when people's attention spans were better than a 50 second TikTok, these long speeches by lawyers were quite common in courtrooms and COULD in fact sway juries and judges. If you think THIS speech was long, it's a good thing they didn't put up the ACTUAL speech from the lawyer in the real case, Clarence Darrow. Because it was 12 hours long. And it's considered the best speech of his career because it argued that the methods and punishments of the American justice system were inhumane. And they STILL are to this very day. Perhaps worse in some instances.
That scene in the hotel room with all the reporters listening and taking down everything they said-- wow. Was that really a thing? They hadn't even been booked yet, or arraigned, no lawyer present. Giving a full confession that would be printed in the newspaper. I'm old enough to remember the Miranda Supreme Court decision, which made the right not to self-incriminate without a lawyer mandatory for the police. And then the KKK shows up and burns a cross outside the defense lawyer's hotel? Did not see that one coming.
Yes dude; that was REALLY 'a thing' back then. It was kind of like the 1920's version of today's cable news networks making assumptions on incidents before people are booked or charged or go to trial. Back then, just like today with the news networks, there were papers that leaned left or right and if they had to, made up their own propaganda. Hearst newspapers were famous for doing that. As for the KKK, you have to remember that it was at it's peak in the 1920's. They actually had a major parade right in Washington DC where they marched in full robes by the Capitol. Harry Truman was actually a member for a very short time as were several members of Congress. The real life Jonathan Wilk who was Clarence Darrow was both loved and hated. Think of it like Biden and Trump. There was no middle of the road with Darrow. People either loved the man or hated his guts for his stance on Constitutional issues and his fight against injustice.
Good adaptation. I first heard of this story from an episode of the Solved Murders podcast then I think I saw a documentary on TH-cam about the murder. The film doesn’t mention that the murdered boy was related to one of the killers and although inferred the sexuality of the young men wasn’t given much attention. A lot was left to be inferred by the audience and I suppose it was due to the culture at the time and societal acceptance and tolerance of homosexuality being depicted in films. I wonder if this story is adapted again for the screen today if the sexual attraction between the men (or at least from one man to the next) would be overt.
You wrote they didn't have a soul not souls. You have found the essence of the case. They had no separate minds, hearts, or souls. They are incomplete and try to fill the emptiness with a perfect crime. Thanks for the insight.
Their lawyer is based on defense attorney Clarence Darrow. Darrow was an atheist, but he would use Bible quotes during his defense and look right at the jury. If a suspect was eligible for the death penalty Darrow could convince the jury to think and choose otherwise.
An especially sickening part is Egg Marshall's reaction to it. I'm sure we're supposed to devine from his expressions that he's being swayed, and by his mute rising at the end that he wanted to take back all those "mean" things he said.
In real life, one of them WAS killed in prison. It was Artie (his real name was Richard Loeb). He was cut with a razor like almost 60 times because he was gay and he came onto another prisoner. Judd (who's real name was Nathan Leopold) contributed a lot in prison, fighting to make conditions better many of which he won which made him well liked by the other inmates. He was paroled after 33 years, moved to Puerto Rico and got married.
@@gotch09 I'm not surprised that it sounded self serving given the way his personality was portrayed in this movie. Perhaps I'll read the book. I didn't know he had written one!
Excellent film. Thank you. Dean Stockwell has made many appearances in film and tv and is a superb actor who deserved more recognition.
Based on the infamous Loeb ( Artie) and Leopold ( Judd) case in 1924. Loeb was murdered in prison by another inmate in 1936 while Leopold was finally paroled in 1958 and moved to Puerto Rico where he taught at University of Puerto Rico and died in 1971. Their lawyer was the famous Clarence Darrow.
Thanks
Wow! TYSM for the interesting info! 🕊👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🙏🙋♀️✝️💜🕎🌹
😢 Such inglorious fate. Had they been hanged they would have paid the price of atonement immediately, been purified and sanctioned as debt paid and forgiven by the Lord. I doubt they learned love by the sentence they got. I wonder how much they learned compassion for the innocent boy they jerked out of his life untimely.
You forgot to say that Loeb was murdered for coming onto another prisoner. Loeb was gay and had the hots for Leopold who MAY have been bisexual. But we don't know for sure.
The law traced the eyeglasses to the manufacturer. The boys were wealthy and had the glasses made for him. The manufacturer recognized his work and had sale for the Leopold brother
It should be mentioned
Orson Wells' acting in the final courtroom scene ,was the most captivating piece of work i've ever seen. Mr Wells you are still the best.
Fascinating if you are a liberal who cannot discern between what is morally right and what is morally wrong, and then sweep personal responsibility and accountability under the rug. It does make one feel intellectually superior though. And therein lies the self-justifyng evil.
@@larrywhited3070Actually this was how it actually happened in real life. Don’t know what politics has to do with anything.
Brilliantly done...these two reprobates with time, money and education were very well portrayed, so uncaring and determined to cheat the system. Orson Welles' performance was excellent...this was completely absorbing...a really good movie.
Welles played a sickening bleeding heart liberal with no.compassion for the dead boy or his family
@@granny58 Maybe that's because Welles character as defense attorney was to represent the two young men and NOT the boy or his family. In case no one told you this, here in the United States everyone is entitled to representation and a fair trial.
I'm here for Dean Stockwell and Bradford Dillman fantastic acting❤ also Orson Welles ❤️🔥
Dean Stockwell was a great child actor also. 😊
Dean Stockwell and Bradford Dillman were excellent in this movie. Orson Welles too.
The movie, while based on the Leopold/Loeb case, was from the novel based on that crime. It was a massive bestseller and then the film was a huge hit. No one has mentioned Marty Milner, who plays the cute blonde reporter who cracks the case when he finds the glasses. He was one of the stars of “Route 66” - incredibly popular series about two guys on a road trip who get into all kinds of adventures on their cross country road trip in a snazzy sports car. So many great actors in this crisp b/w film. Thanks for posting. It hasn’t lost an inch of fascination in all these years. Note: there’s an undertone of homosexual eroticism throughout the film, as well as in Hitchcock’s version: “Rope.” Great acting by everyone, but mostly Orson Wells in the Clarence Darrow role.
Great comment. Thanks. I forgot to give a thumbs up at seeing Martin Milner & the ref to Rte 66.
“Let’s go watch them slaughter the sheep.” Now there’s a creepy line!!
@@robinholbrook6576Lol thanks! I meant Clarence Darrow. Der. 😁
Oh oh! Auto fill wrote “John Wilkes Boothe!” 🥴
George Maharis was the second lead in ROUTE 66. But their were 3 stars: Todd, Buzz, and a 1960 Corvette! Marty died in 2015 at 83 I think. George died this past May at 94. He was still handsome. The Corvette will live forever. I’m a 77 year old grandmother but I remember watching ROUTE 66 like it was yesterday. I watched it with my two younger brothers. One was and still is a car nut. He collects classic cars. As a matter fact, his 1930 something Cadillac won best of show in the Monterey classic car show one year in California. For those who don’t know that is one of the most prestigious, classic car shows in the world.
I have this movie twice. It’s very dark but fascinating and extremely thought provoking. Extremely well acted also.
Dean Stockwell was a very good actor. He was great as Travis's brother in Paris Texas. Rest in peace.
Agree- he was a wonderful actor. TCM has some great interviews with him. Super interesting life.
Great cast and highly rated on rotten tomatoes 100%. 🍅
Thanks for putting this out there- appreciate.
Today is the 100th Anniversary of the crime
Forgot all about Rt. 66. Thanks for bringing back those memories!
This excellent film is based on the novel of the same name, “ Compulsion “. Poor Bobby Franks was 14 years old at the time of his murder and he was a distant cousin of Loeb. This horrific act was not done as a prank or for a bet, rather each of these egotists believed themselves to be what the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche described as the Superman whose superiority to the rest of us gave them the right to do whatever they pleased: Dean Stockwell’s Judd/Leopold character describes their belief in the classroom scene. The tragic murder of Bobby Franks was the experiment they decided would prove their superiority in committing the perfect crime- they were arrested and charged within two weeks of the crime. Not exactly supermen.
@@joycemiller-bean1814 I had heard Bobby Frank's was 5½ at the time of his murder.
@ No, Bobby Franks was 14 and attending the prestigious Harvard School For Boys in Chicago’s wealthy Kenwood neighborhood at the time of his murder. He was walking home from having been umpire at an after school baseball game when he was lured into the car the two killers were driving. One of the best and most accurate and thorough books I’ve read on this case is “ Leopold and Loeb: The Crime of the Century” if you are interested in learning the facts of this case.
One of the most serious films to come out of Hollywood in the 1950s! And in CinemaScope.
That's what I call a "Divine Mic Drop Moment" in the end by Orsen Wells!
This and Hitchcock's Rope were productions based on the Leopold and Loeb trial from real life.
John Dahl- a very enigmatic and mysterious actor- watch "Gun Crazy" if you get a chance, he's passed now of course.
Thanks. I noticed the similarities right away
@@BeachsideHank You were thinking of John Dall who starred in "Rope" (1948). He died prematurely after an accident, in 1971. The other John Dahl is still around, in his '60s.
Leopold was probably a sociopath, while Loeb was probably a narcissist. Both together they made themselves into a failed understanding of what it means to be human.
Dean Stockwell originated the role of Judd on Broadway in 1957. And in 1959 won Best Actor Award at Cannes Film Festival for the same role.
Yes- And Roddy McDowell played the Loeb Character in the Broadway production. Not sure why they didn’t use him in the film version.
Wow what a powerful movie this is. I'm truely stunned!
Definite master/servant gay subtext here: "Do you want me to..ORDER...you?" All very subtle stuff!
Characteristic of the period ;) Wikipedia: "One piece of evidence was a letter written by Leopold claiming that he and Loeb were having a homosexual affair. Both the prosecution and the defense interpreted this information as supportive of their own position.[47] Darrow called a series of expert witnesses, who offered a catalog of Leopold's and Loeb's abnormalities. One witness testified to their dysfunctional endocrine glands, another to the delusions that had led to their crime."
Amazing quality! Thank you!
The fact that finding the culprits of the murder hinged only on pair of glasses without modern day science of DNA is testimony to the savviness of the investigators at that time.
A classic case, I suspect that Hitchcock had it in mind in his real time film Rope.
A pretty good take on Meyer Levin’s book Compulsion. A hoary True Crime masterpiece in my view. Some things are finctionalized but the basic horror of the true crime resonated on the public conscious for some time.
The boy with green hair as a psycho killer…
This seems to be based on the book: The Crime Of The Century. And the real murdered boy's name was Bobby Franks. He was about 5 years old and was the cousin of Loeb & Leopold. The police really found the glasses near the culvert where the body was found. The two killers were sociopaths. The glasses, typewriter, and car linked them to the murder.
I’ll look it up. Interesting to note. This movie seems similar to the movie Rope
2nd cousin of loeb
Wasn't the kid 11 years old.
Loeb & Leopold
Bobby Frank's was 14 yrs old when murdered. The glasses did get them caught. The eyeglasses tied one of the killers to the place the body was left. Some aspect made them unique enough to make a positive identification
I read a book based on this case a few years ago 'For the Thrill of It'. This film comes pretty close to what happened.
Yeah, great book on this incident. I myself read it about a decade ago, give or take a year. Found it at our office book exchange they have in the lunchroom for the same amount of time. Sure did find some really great reads in there. This is a great movie too, and from what I read in many of the comments, Alfred Hitchcock's movie, "Rope" is similar to this, or possibly regarding this incident also, I'll have to research this in the morning. I've seen quite a bit of Hitchcock's great movies, but, "Rope" is one of the few I didn't get around to yet. My favorite A.H. movie is, arghhh, can't say, too many, probably all of them. LMBO! Have a good one now buddy.
Hitchcock's film Rope follows the same story. Couple of psychopaths
Agree. Also watch "Murder by Numbers" has the same plot as well.
columbo has also a version of this
Leopold wrote his biography, LIFE PLUS 99 YEARS, which was published by Doubleday in 1958. After his release from prison, he worked in Puerto Rico under an assumed name as a medical technician, married, and conducted studies on leprosy in PR. Additionally, he wrote the CHECKLIST OF BIRDS OF PUERTO RICO AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS before his death in 1971.
Geez, that courtroom speech showed Welles' high level of mental functioning so much so that it left the entire courtroom in total silence witnessing the brilliant mind in action. ❤️
Intriguing story. Acting and script was very good
Great movie, thank you
This crime is still shocking and sickening today. Imagine it during its actual time. The film takes some care to portray it as such. My second viewing does nothing to alleviate that perception. Very risqué for the 50's.
Except that it doesn't show ANYTHING of the crime -- not even stalking or capturing the kid. Evidence IMHO that the film's purpose was polemic -- roses are reddish, violets are bluish, these two get off because they're newish.
Today they would have gotten life without parole, then after about 20 years they'd have made a pity movie in netflix and gotten out of jail.
I’ve never been a fan of Orson. He seems so hammy. I do love this film.
Orson was a genius.
@@mrlaw711: She’s right. Orson was an over-actor, and sure chewed up the scenery in the courtroom scene! Found myself thinking, “What judge would allow this”?!
@@nanwilder2853 You best read up on Clarence Darrow....you'd find him over-acting, too.
Needed some shampoo.
Bradford Dillman was so good as Artie, it's hard to believe that he did not play the role on Broadway. Roddy McDowell did.
This Film from my childhood started my interest in Criminology.
I can't recall the Author's name, but I'm almost positive the title of the book i read regarding this incident was titled, "For The Thrill of it" which was a good page turning thriller, though mega sad what happened to the young feller. I've read in the comments theres a book also regarding this titled the same as this movie, "Compulsion" hopefully I eventually get around to reading that one too, since its been an a decade ago when I read the one I mentioned. Anyway, back to this superb movie on Leopold and Loeb. 🤓🙏👍💗
well crafted artful exploration of humanity. relevant and resonant today. vote blue.
Vote Red!
new sub here. great old courtroom rama. stockwell & welles shine. thx for the upload.
I just stumbled across this. Dean Stockwell, Bradford Dillman, Richard Anderson, Martin Milnor I have to watch
Never saw Dean Stockwell younger age, but what a great acting by him and guy whp played his best friend Bradford Dillman.. Always admire Orson Welles from acting to directing and the way he speaks... but thata not fair he got the big pay for this movie when he only came almost in the end of the movie with make up on hard to tell it was him
You should see him when he was a child actor in “Gentlemen’s Agreement” and “The Boy with Green Hair”. He was great in both.
So Judd was supposed to be so smart that he didn't even have a mind of his own. His character is more like a slow mentally challenged young man. Now Artie was the real smart monster.
I think he was not friends with anyone and Artie was a control the group character he chose to listen to him to keep his friendship, that's why it looks like Artie is in charge.
Been wanting to see this again--TY
Good film, worth seeing, but WHY must we be denied the beginning and end CREDITS?!
Really good movie
Strange to think that young Bix Beiderbecke and Eddie Condon might have been ringside with Leopold and Loeb. In the cases of Bix and Eddie they'd have been there learning about jazz from Louis Armstrong's band.
In the real case..the glasses he dropped were why he was caught
BTW: There were several episodes of ‘Murdoch’s Mysteries’ that involved 2 bored (and arrogant) Students, like this movie.
Whenever I come-upon an old-movie with an eerily similar plot/storyline to a more-recent film or show - I’m always curious as to wether the latter was inspired by the former!
I love this film
What a strange way to conduct an investigation. Bring in all the journos to question the suspects before they’ve even been charged? 😂
Awesome movie👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿😃😃
Isn't this reminiscent to Hitchcock's The Rope?
Both were productions based on the Leopold and Loeb trial... in real life.
It’s just called “Rope”. no “The” before it. Yes, it’s Hitch’s take on the same crime but both were fictional.
'Rope' was a drag but I think it wss better thsn this effort.
The stage version featured Roddy McDowell as one of the killers. I honestly would have preferred him in this movie.
I am laughing at how some people are ascribing disparaging liberal politics to the movie. This is a true story and the movie just tells it like it actually happened. Why do conservatives have such a problem with history and reality?
Why do people like you seem to always lump everyone not like you into one basket? You don't have a corner on history and you definitely do not have a corner on reality which a lot of liberals have skewed over the years. And I was kind enough not to make a blanket statement about them!
Why do liberal Minds project their issues onto other people? Not the conservatives that are going around destroying history, pulling down the statues, burning buildings...
It's not conservatives going after our nation's children, they are trying to stop you from mutilating children's private parts, sending groomers into schools, drugging children's brains before they're fully developed, altering their endocrine systems with hormonal imbalances, which will adversely affect their brain, their heart - all organs... trying to put child pornography into Elementary School... sorry it's you liberals...
News flash, your perceptions... are not reality. A few psych tests could demonstrate that with empirical evidence.
Agreed.
@@denisebotko7456 Classic deflection.
@@Mark-gg6iy Who are you saying is "deflecting?" I would say liberals project their own insanity unto other people.
If people are so indignant about credits and titles then DON’T watch. Sick of their whining about what makes it actually available to view.
I agree. You can go to IMDB, Wikipedia, etc. get all that info and more. The content, plot, acting, etc. is more relevant to me than some words on the screen.
Real film enthusiasts want to see the whole film, including the credits, so that they know who did what, just as book enthusiasts like to have covers and title pages on their books, and notes and indices. Some people don't read, of course, and go to see films so they don't have to.
I was thinking about this movie just a couple of days ago but I couldn't remember the name of it. Thanks TH-cam you must have read my mind!
Very good movie great actors and great ending
Similar to Alfred Hitchcock’s Rope. (Arrogant Intelligent College Bromance Boys getting off by Committing Crime)
…..and gay….or did you intentionally leave that off? Psychopaths.
A little bit of a difference, this one was based on a true story.
An excellent movie. The story of Leopold and Loeb is a fascinating one; Loeb was killed in prison and Leopold was paroled.
The author of the book 'Compulsion' went to see 'St. Leopold' soon before his release. Leopold had been a model prisoner, teacher, learned medical practice and was paroled to do medical work among the poor in Puerto Rico. The author when talking to Leopold had a sudden terrifying insight that Leopold was STILL the same psychopath and that "St. Leopold" was a lifelong creation to pull one over on everyone.
Jeeves to Wooster: "You would not enjoy Nietzsche sir, he iis fundamentally unsound"
Suddenly noticed that the actor playing Artie is extraordinarily like the future Ted Bundy. Odd.
Could be from where Bundy drew his inspiration.
@@patrickryan1515 L&L were nothing like Bundy or his murders.
Unfortunately this is not the complete film, there are a series of edits, which affect the continuity of the movie.
i always felt sorry for OrsonWelles in this movie because he fought so hard to get them a life sentence and they werent even sorry for what they did
Welles wasn't working for those guys. He was working for their PARENTS.
In addition, you cannot discount the mental illness in those guys. They were probably incapable of remorse.
Welles' true fight was that against the death penalty.
@@annelizabethcarroll3396 Yes, once he pled them guilty, it was his ONLY fight!
This online copy has been edited and has left out many important scenes.
Should be required in schools to watch along with the Oxbow Incident. I also think this is my favorite Orson Wells performance. What’s yours?
Orson Welles playing Father Mapple in the movie Moby Dick. Superb performance.
@@nighttrain5692 Amen!! Gregory Peck was sooo good and mental in it as well….notvthe Atticus Finch I knew him as at all.
@@nighttrain5692 agreed. Gregory Peck killed it as well. Before seeing Moby Duck when I saw or thought of Gregory I always saw/thought Atticus. Never thought he could be soooo crazy and scary lolz
Loved Orson in Touch of Evil. My favorite Welles film - even over Citizen Kane.
"Where were you - up to some "funny business" with Artie again...as if I didn't know?" 🍆🍑 🍆🍑 🍆🍑 😂 😂 😂 6:02
I love this movie. Read the book.
Yes. The book Compulsion is excellent. For The Thrill Of It about the true L&L case is well worth your time.
The defense lawyer was very smart and had a talent for persuasion. The law, at that time and place, required that an insanity defense be put to a jury. So, the defense lawyer claimed he wasn't using the insanity defense so that he could have a single judge decide their punishment. Then he flipped 180 degrees and argued before the judge that the defendants belonged in a mental institution.
Didn't anyone notice that?
Of course. Clarence Darrow was the rock star of lawyers. His last trail was the Scopes Monkey Trail.
Why must you kill the last bit and the credits with those silly promootional rectangles??
The premise of this movie reminds Me somewhat of Dostoyevski’s Crime and Punishment, the Protagonist killing to prove his superiority over Others.
…In that story, the Protagonist experimented by killing a man - as an experiment to prove that Law didn’t apply to the mentally-superior; believing that his actions/desires were Just because his mental-superiority placed him above commonplace morality.
(Sadly, not the First to believe it!)
I’m just beginning this movie, and there are several differences in the storyline, but the decision to prove Oneself superior to Others through the commission of a dangerous crime (looks like it’ll be murder) is similar.
…I expect that the outcome will be similar, as-well!😉
Thank you for your text. Just wanna point out that in Dostoievsky’s “Crime & Punishment,” protagonist Raskolnikov murdered his landlady
In the actual events (as depicted here) Leopold had a strong sexual infatuation with Loeb and wanted to be controlled by him. Loeb liked being in charge. While setting out to commit the perfect crime, it was hardly that. They made many mistakes, and any attention to detail was non-existent.
True. I have an article on the case and several videos. They believed they were "supermen" to whom normal rules didn't apply and they would prove their superiority through the "perfect crime." As you say, it was far from perfect. They left the victim's feet poking out of the drainage pipe in which they hid the body as well as dropping Leopold's glasses beside that corpse. Their strokes of "genius" such as renting a car to be used in the crime under a false name were things that criminals had done before so hardly showed true genius. The supposedly meticulous planning also failed to account for every possible contingency such as Jacob Franks forgetting the address to which he was directed. My father read about the case and said, "These guys weren't so smart. They seemed just plain stupid to me."
What this scene needs is unrelenting crickets.
Crickets: Yes!
Jessie likes to be dominated.
Crickets are always relatable to earthlings.
were jud and arty gay pyschopaths,so deranged because of the times and that they couldnt show they were lovers?
A bit more complicated than that. Research the Leopold/Loeb case for yourself. Tons of information on Google.
That’s what I was thinking.
So rich that they were absolutely bored for something too do up to and including MURDER.
So rich that they thought they would get away with murder!
This could have been Welles kinda finest hour....
Spoiled as well. This behavior occurs when you aren't raised correctly.
@@lysmykyta1199¹ .olno
@@robertblackwell20019
Excellent way to end movie. A thought for all to process, then who did.......
But for the glasses it would have been just another unsolved case....poignant ending
What a Cast!
Seen this movie here on TH-cam 3 years ago.
Definitely like Hitchcock. Dean was beautiful. Interesting plot. Yes, story not new. Wealthy bored young ppl with too much time on their hands. Too bad their energy intelligence and time could b utilized for good. Good acting.
Based on a true story
Yeah. Too bad poor or low income people with too much time on their hands couldn’t use their energies for good.
Great film.
"I know all about Artie Strauss 6:45 AND HIS MIND." "Don't you ever go to a baseball game 7:00 or CHASE GIRLS or anything?" 👬🏻 💑 👬🏻 💑 👬🏻 💑
I chased girls and they chased me, and then we all went to a baseball game for free. LOL
Reporter Sid is left alone in the morgue doing what he pleases without any personnel, security guard? With no mobiles to call; "Leave a buck on the desk?" Just like that?😅
Movies freely bend reality. Ever noticed few doors are ever locked in them? ;)
Great crickets !! Did they know about psychopaths in 1920?
How much of this movie has been edited out? Seems that parts are missing (along with the credits. A lot of people interested in movies and film history find great interest in knowing who was involved in a movie's creation. Find it as key as, say, football fans wanting to know the names of the players. )
Then find somewhere else to watch it.
@@RevLeigh55 Yes.Eventually . But at least I saw the bulk of the movie, and i actually DO appreciate that. (I should have acknowledged that. I'll try to improved on that in the future/not good form to ignore giving thanks for what we are getting for free. ) I wonder why, tho, the credits are removed.
That is why IMDb was invented fool 🙄🙄🙄🙄
@@RevLeigh55 Dumb comment, Rev.
@@pattimaeda6097Foolish comment.
The Leopold and Loeb murder trail took place in 1924, almost 100 years ago, this May. After 1924, we had WWII, more serial killings, more murders, and homicides, and more incarcerations than ever imagined. But that would have happened because the population just go so much larger. Leopold never understood until much later, that he had done anything wrong, Loeb was murdered in prison. Two sick people, whose parents and families are also responsible for Bobby Franks' death. Where were they in all the raising of them? I ask you now, did Bobby Franks die because the parents of these two sick boys, not understand their own children? And if not, why not?
They weren't sick; they were evil.
Some people are just born bad. I don’t think their parents are automatically to blame.
These kids had received incredible encouragement and praise for their gifts- making them feel like they were invincible. Oddly, I think this is more prevalent now than it was in the 1920’s.
Leopold was later released from prison and was Working as a lab technician in Puerto Rico. Loeb was killed in prison riot. During this time period, several Poor Folks were put to death for simple Cremes of Passion. Obviously they couldn't afford Clarence Darrow - just like the Massey Case in Hawaii.
When I first heard about the case, I just assumed that the boys got the death penalty. I guess Clarence Darrow worked hard to get that sentence.
Wow, that was a very good movie. I was surprised to see Martin Milner, Milner went on to star in TV shows like Rescue 8 and Adam 12
And Route 66! The best show for girls in the early 60s. Two guys and a hot sports car. ❤
Wasn't Marty's first gig in a law enforcement role as a deputy- one of the Earp brothers (the assassinated one- Jimmy?) in "Gunfight At The O.K. Corral"?
@@BeachsideHank 1957..as James Earl in G @ OK Corral..but it wasnt his gig. You should see his gig resume. Its impressive. I liked bad boy Geo Maharis but his career was blase.
Should have written..not his first gig...
@@willaknotts1298 My point was "first gig in a law enforcement role", not his first movie role though. I did find him on some very early episodes of 1950's Dragnet, but no credits as a LEO. ☺
I first read about the Leopold/Loeb/(Bobby Franks (the victim) murder way back in about 1970. It is such a sick story, I have seen this flick and is nearly as sinister as the true story. Chose not to watch.
@RSEFX I agree with you; it's infuriating for film enthusiasts. Ususlly I don't watch if the film isn't complete, but I made an exception in this case.
That ending speech did not moved me.
I wouldn’t be proud of that
@@KattEyl I am not a commie. I believe that's why the speech didn't move me.
I am proud of that.
It's absolute garbage, as I'm sure the original of it by Clarence Darrow was -- which doesn't keep it from being renowned for its length and bathos.
Commies wouldn’t be moved by it
The young guy reminded me of Horst Buchholz ...
Yes, very much
Indeed. The young Buchholz of "Eins, Zwei, Drei!". Cute guy.
No credits?, no movie
Longest speech I have ever skipped.
Exactly. What a crock of b.s
"If there's any way to kill evil it's not by killing men." So the boys weren't really interested in killing evil, were they? (But they killed nonetheless).And the public and media and court officers are the ones interested in killing evil, by killing men, but this argument leaves everyone treading water in the middle of the ocean, except the innocent dead boy. Was the boy evil? Is there any doubt that the boy was killed in the hands of the founder of the Christian religion? The argument that killing the criminals would bring the boy back to life is a nonsensical unnecessary distraction. Any cry for capital punishment goes back to the hyena. This is also irrelevant. They committed an act that is animalistic and belongs to beasts in a jungle, no part of man. (What's wrong with the sloppy dressed lawyer, full of hot air?) The atonement for grievous and seriously horrific murder is for the murderer to give his life. The hanging atonement is done for the sake of the miscreant criminal. If the criminal does not atone in this life, he will continue to suffer in the next. These are the one God's dictums. Seeing the proper atonement and punishment does make it quite obvious what any person thinking about killing will have to face. Eighteen and twenty year olds can drink, drive, smoke and vote. They are not toddlers who accidently got a gun and pulled a trigger. Christian people don't believe in life eternal? Don't they believe there is life after death, and that everyone born must die, same as everyone that dies takes their birth in a next life? Pleading for anything fabricated in the manmade court of manmade law is hypocrisy.
😊
I HAD A HELL OF A GOOD TIME REFUTING THAT SLOPPY SOAPY SPEAL. 😊
@@tulayamalavenapi4028 And you did it so poorly.
Some of you guys know nothing about the history of the justice system. 100 years ago, back when people's attention spans were better than a 50 second TikTok, these long speeches by lawyers were quite common in courtrooms and COULD in fact sway juries and judges.
If you think THIS speech was long, it's a good thing they didn't put up the ACTUAL speech from the lawyer in the real case, Clarence Darrow. Because it was 12 hours long. And it's considered the best speech of his career because it argued that the methods and punishments of the American justice system were inhumane. And they STILL are to this very day. Perhaps worse in some instances.
@@retroguy9494 were you alive 100 years ago?
That scene in the hotel room with all the reporters listening and taking down everything they said-- wow. Was that really a thing? They hadn't even been booked yet, or arraigned, no lawyer present. Giving a full confession that would be printed in the newspaper. I'm old enough to remember the Miranda Supreme Court decision, which made the right not to self-incriminate without a lawyer mandatory for the police.
And then the KKK shows up and burns a cross outside the defense lawyer's hotel? Did not see that one coming.
Yes dude; that was REALLY 'a thing' back then. It was kind of like the 1920's version of today's cable news networks making assumptions on incidents before people are booked or charged or go to trial. Back then, just like today with the news networks, there were papers that leaned left or right and if they had to, made up their own propaganda. Hearst newspapers were famous for doing that.
As for the KKK, you have to remember that it was at it's peak in the 1920's. They actually had a major parade right in Washington DC where they marched in full robes by the Capitol. Harry Truman was actually a member for a very short time as were several members of Congress. The real life Jonathan Wilk who was Clarence Darrow was both loved and hated. Think of it like Biden and Trump. There was no middle of the road with Darrow. People either loved the man or hated his guts for his stance on Constitutional issues and his fight against injustice.
Miranda was stabbed to death in a bar.
Good adaptation. I first heard of this story from an episode of the Solved Murders podcast then I think I saw a documentary on TH-cam about the murder. The film doesn’t mention that the murdered boy was related to one of the killers and although inferred the sexuality of the young men wasn’t given much attention.
A lot was left to be inferred by the audience and I suppose it was due to the culture at the time and societal acceptance and tolerance of homosexuality being depicted in films.
I wonder if this story is adapted again for the screen today if the sexual attraction between the men (or at least from one man to the next) would be overt.
Those 2 were very dangerous they didn't have a soul . .
You wrote they didn't have a soul not souls. You have found the essence of the case. They had no separate minds, hearts, or souls. They are incomplete and try to fill the emptiness with a perfect crime. Thanks for the insight.
My blood pressure just rocketed!!!!
Happy Noirvember🎷🏙🕵🏻♂🕴
There seems to be somewhat of a homosexual conflict going on.
Well captured in Hitchcock’s Rope.
Leopold and Loeb had a homosexual relationship, so that tracks
Yes. They had to suggest rather than make it completely clear in 1959 but it is strongly suggested.
Their lawyer is based on defense attorney Clarence Darrow. Darrow was an atheist, but he would use Bible quotes during his defense and look right at the jury. If a suspect was eligible for the death penalty Darrow could convince the jury to think and choose otherwise.
Yes, pure manipulation. Winning is much more highly favored than honesty and sincerity.
An especially sickening part is Egg Marshall's reaction to it. I'm sure we're supposed to devine from his expressions that he's being swayed, and by his mute rising at the end that he wanted to take back all those "mean" things he said.
@@larrywhited3070I’m not against the death penalty, but I know many who are (on moral grounds) and they’re honest and sincere.
These boys would be begging for the rope afterba week in the prison. people like that don't do well in prison .
In real life, one of them WAS killed in prison. It was Artie (his real name was Richard Loeb). He was cut with a razor like almost 60 times because he was gay and he came onto another prisoner.
Judd (who's real name was Nathan Leopold) contributed a lot in prison, fighting to make conditions better many of which he won which made him well liked by the other inmates. He was paroled after 33 years, moved to Puerto Rico and got married.
@@retroguy9494 Nathan wrote a book LIFE PLUS 99 YEARS. I read it years ago. I thought it sounded self serving.
@@gotch09 I'm not surprised that it sounded self serving given the way his personality was portrayed in this movie.
Perhaps I'll read the book. I didn't know he had written one!