A captivating and absorbing screen treatment of Gerold Frank's best-selling account of the infamous Boston murders of 11 women allegedly committed by a schizophrenic plumber named Albert De Salvo, played by Tony Curtis in startling and convincing dynamic performance as the deranged De Salvo and Henry Fonda in a fine
creditable performance as John S. Bottomly the man in charge of the investigation into the serial killings, directed skillfully by Richard Fleischer in a documentary-style detailing of the brutal killings, manhunt and prosecution of this notorious killer. The film also has a unique complex multi-image technique that is very effective. Outstanding supporting performances by George Kennedy, Mike Kellin, Hurd Hatfield, Murray Hamilton, Jeff Corey, Sally Kellerman, William Marshall and William Hickey. Dramatically intense, unrelentingly disturbing as it is meant to be. Recommended.
October 7, 2010
