The Boston Strangler (1968)

92% of critics liked it
(12 reviews)
72% of users liked it
(3,139 ratings)

The Boston Strangler adopts the split-screen technique then in vogue (see also The Thomas Crown Affair) to relate the true story of self-confessed mass murderer Albert DeSalvo. Adapted by Edward Anhalt from the book by Gerold Frank, the film covers the years 1962 to 1964, during which time a dozen… More The Boston Strangler adopts the split-screen technique then in vogue (see also The Thomas Crown Affair) to relate the true story of self-confessed mass murderer Albert DeSalvo. Adapted by Edward Anhalt from the book by Gerold Frank, the film covers the years 1962 to 1964, during which time a dozen women were raped and murdered in the Boston area. State-appointed officer John Bottomly (Henry Fonda) arrests as many known sex offenders as he can get his hands on in hopes of finding a clue as to the Boston Strangler's identity. As these things often happen, the police come across the necessary evidence through pure luck. Well-played by Tony Curtis (whose makeup is startling), DeSalvo himself does not appear until an hour into the film. When caught, the schizophrenic DeSalvo insists that he knows nothing of the murders. Under interrogation and hypnosis, his homicidal impulses are exposed. Meticulously cast, The Boston Strangler offers excellent vignettes by Sally Kellerman as the Strangler's only surviving victim and by Hurd Hatfield as an erudite sex pervert. When Boston Strangler was first shown on TV in 1974, a voice-over coda was added, noting that Albert DeSalvo was stabbed to death in prison on November 26, 1973, and that many experts were convinced that he was not the killer but that his confessions were the product of a delusional mind. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 2 hr.
Directed By: Richard Fleischer
Written By: Edward Anhalt
Genres: Drama, Mystery & Suspense, Classics

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1968 Wide
On DVD: Sep 7, 2004
Studio: 20th Century Fox Film Corp.

Critic Reviews

Bob Bloom, Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
An excellent movie, Curtis' best role ever as the tortured Albert DeSalvo. the documentary-style suits the film perfectly. wonderfully underplayed and suspenseful from beginning to end.
Chuck O'Leary, Fantastica Daily
Another fascinating true-crime drama by the underestimated Richard Fleischer. A cast against type Tony Curtis is excellent as killer Albert DeSalvo.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Curtis works hard to give his character some force in one of his best performances.
Bob Grimm, Las Vegas Mercury
Pretty nasty stuff for its time.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Pierluigi P

I know split screen technique was a novelty in the days of this movie, but I hate when a gimmick of this kind is overused. Tony Curtis was outstanding as the disturbed Albert De Salvo.
Danny R

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… More
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.
Christopher O

A interesting take on the hunt for the Boston Strangler featuring stellar performances from Tony Curtis as the suspected killer Alber Desalvo and Henry Fonda as the man who helped nail him. THe cinematography is split level much of the film and even makes the audience feel they are in… More
A interesting take on the hunt for the Boston Strangler featuring stellar performances from Tony Curtis as the suspected killer Alber Desalvo and Henry Fonda as the man who helped nail him. THe cinematography is split level much of the film and even makes the audience feel they are in the mind of the killer. Since the film's release, many have discredited Desalvo as the Boston Strangler, but I am sure the film had great impact when released 43 years ago.

Cast

            Tony Curtis as Albert De Salvo

            Henry Fonda as John S. Bottomly

            George Kennedy as Phil Di Natale

            Mike Kellin as Julian Soshnick

            Hurd Hatfield as Terence Huntley

            Murray Hamilton as Frank McAfee

            Jeff Corey as John Asgiersson

            Sally Kellerman as Dianne Cluny

            William Marshall as Edward W. Brooke

            Tom Aldredge as Harold Lacey

            Greg Benedict as Dick Matheson

            James Brolin as Sgt. Lisi

            Carolyn Conwell as Irmgard DeSalvo

            Jeanne Cooper as Cloe

            Leora Dana as Mary Bottomly

            Gwyda DonHowe as Alice Oakville

            Alex Dreier as News Commentator

            Dana Elcar as Louis Schubert

            George Furth as Lyonel Brumley

            Arthur Hanson as Commissioner

            Tim Herbert as Cedric

            William Hickey as Eugene T. Rourke

            Karen Huston as Pat Bruner

            Walter Klavun as Chief of Police

            Richard Krisher as Tom

            Lara Lindsay as Bobbie Eden

            Enid Markey as Edna

            Nancie Phillips as Barbara Wise

            Almira Sessions as Emma Hodak

            Carole Shelley as Dana Banks

            Richard X. Slattery as Ed Willis

            John Cameron Swayze as TV Commentator

            Marie Thomas as Gloria

            William Traylor as Arnie Carr

            George Tyne as Dr. Kramer

            George Voskovec as Peter Hurkos

            Austin Willis as Dr. Nagy

            Janis Young as Louise Parker

            David Lewis as Judge Schroeder

            George Fisher as Mr. Taylor
See full cast