Search
Search results
Hadley (567 KP) rated The Amazing Crime and Trial of Leopold and Loeb in Books
Apr 13, 2019
"The crime itself was indefensible. The brilliant, spoiled and bored sons of two of Chicago's wealthiest families planned to commit the perfect crime both for the thrill of and to prove their perverse misunderstanding of Friedrich Nietzsche's philosophy of the 'superman,' who was above all law so long as he made no mistake. Their plan, worked out over several months, was to kidnap and immediately kill one of their younger neighbors and hide his body. They would then demand and collect a ransom. The body would never be discovered, the crime would never be solved and only they would know that they had prevailed over ordinary human beings and their simple-minded legal system. But far from being the 'perfect crime,' the murder of 14-year-old Bobby Franks turned out to be amateurishly botched. Before any ransom could be paid, the boy's body was discovered in a culvert near where Nathan Leopold often went bird-watching. A pair of telltale glasses were found adjacent to the body. They were easily traced to Leopold who first came up with a paper-thin alibi and soon thereafter confessed to the crime. His fellow murderer likewise confessed. Each of the 'superboys' placed blame for the actual killing on the other." - Alan M. Dershowitz
If you mentioned the names Leopold and Loeb today, many people wouldn't know who you were talking about, but if you had mentioned them just thirty years ago, many people would recall the 'murder of the century.'
If you are a fan of the True Crime genre, you'll come across the case of two wealthy Chicago boys who thought they could get away with murder. (The trial is probably the most talked about trial to-date because this is the first time that psychology was brought before a court room.)
For a good part of the late 1920's, Leopold and Loeb were household names for good reason: they came from millionaire families, they were college graduates before they were 18-years-old, and their trial was the first time in history that the world saw psychology put in front of a judge. The trial was even more unforgettable due to a closing speech given by famous defense attorney, Clarence Darrow, which is reprinted in its entirety,spanning a hefty 93 pages.
Nathan Leopold, Jr. and Richard Loeb were two people who should have never met, according to the courtroom. The two met at about the age of fifteen, soon after they began to embark on criminal acts together, ranging from theft to arson. It's stated in 'the Amazing Crime and Trial of Leopold and Loeb' that Loeb had created a fantasy world where he was a crime ringleader that was too smart for the police to catch. Readers get to judge for themselves whether or not they believe Loeb was the cause of their crimes, or if Leopold was the one really in charge.
After robbing Loeb's fraternity house together, Leopold and Loeb came up with a plan to kidnap a wealthy child that they could then ransom. "They began to devise elaborate plans for this kidnapping, and soon the planning became the all-important thing. They gave up the idea of kidnapping this particular person [a young man named William], and settled on the idea of kidnapping anyone who would fit in their kidnapping plans." Throughout the book, we find out that the boys were pretty desperate for a kidnapping victim, that they even thought about kidnapping one of their close friends:
"The plan of kidnaping Dick Rubel was given up because Dick Rubel's father was so tight we might not get any money from him."
Leopold and Loeb discussed everything from how they would receive the ransom, what weapons they would use, how they would get the victim inside a rented vehicle, and what they would do with the body afterwards. "In March, 1924, the patient [Loeb] conceived the idea of securing the money by having it thrown off a moving train. This idea was discussed in great detail, and gradually developed into a carefully systematized plan. As time wore on the plan became greatly modified from the original one. They discussed at considerable length the choice of a suitable subject for kidnapping. The patient's companion [Leopold] suggested that they kidnap a young girl instead of a boy, but the patient [Loeb] objected to this. His companion [Leopold] also suggested that they kidnap the patient's [Loeb] younger brother, but the patient apparently did not seriously consider doing this. They then considered half a dozen boys, any one of whom would do, for the following reasons: that they were physically small enough to be easily handled and their parents were extremely wealthy and would have no difficulty or disinclination to pay ransom money."
During the trial, Leopold and Loeb's psychological evaluations became the forefront of their guilty plea, stating that they were not responsible for their actions due to their upbringing and environment. "I submit the facts do not rest on the evidence of these boys alone. It is proven by the writings; it is proven by every act. It is proven by their companions, and there can by no question about it." Clarence Darrow explains in his famous closing statement. "We brought into this courtroom a number of their boy friends, whom they had known day by day, who had associated with them in the club house, were their constant companions, and they tell the same stories. They tell the story that neither of these two boys was responsible for his conduct."
'The Amazing Crime and Trial of Leopold and Loeb' contains the portions of the psychiatric evaluations that were submitted in court,but the testimony of character witnesses is omitted. For a factual telling of a real life trial, this book is okay. If the reader pays attention, they may notice that some of the book contradicts itself, such as one page states that the car robe used to wrap up Franks' body was found buried near Lake Michigan,but then pages later, the book states it had been burned at Loeb's home.
The psychiatric reports are very repetitive,just using different words to describe the same things. Yet, these reports are the backbone of the trial and well worth a read. The evaluations and Darrow's extensive speech were what saved Leopold and Loeb from a death sentence.
There are very few books written about the 'murder of the century,' and even less about the 'lawyer of the century.' Leopold and Loeb, as well as Darrow, have faded into the obscurity of the True Crime genre, but because the boys' mental state was brought into question, we now accept forensic science/psychology in the court room today. I feel that only people who are truly interested in True Crime, or even have a fascination for the court room are the only ones who will enjoy 'The Amazing Crime and Trial of Leopold and Loeb.'
If you mentioned the names Leopold and Loeb today, many people wouldn't know who you were talking about, but if you had mentioned them just thirty years ago, many people would recall the 'murder of the century.'
If you are a fan of the True Crime genre, you'll come across the case of two wealthy Chicago boys who thought they could get away with murder. (The trial is probably the most talked about trial to-date because this is the first time that psychology was brought before a court room.)
For a good part of the late 1920's, Leopold and Loeb were household names for good reason: they came from millionaire families, they were college graduates before they were 18-years-old, and their trial was the first time in history that the world saw psychology put in front of a judge. The trial was even more unforgettable due to a closing speech given by famous defense attorney, Clarence Darrow, which is reprinted in its entirety,spanning a hefty 93 pages.
Nathan Leopold, Jr. and Richard Loeb were two people who should have never met, according to the courtroom. The two met at about the age of fifteen, soon after they began to embark on criminal acts together, ranging from theft to arson. It's stated in 'the Amazing Crime and Trial of Leopold and Loeb' that Loeb had created a fantasy world where he was a crime ringleader that was too smart for the police to catch. Readers get to judge for themselves whether or not they believe Loeb was the cause of their crimes, or if Leopold was the one really in charge.
After robbing Loeb's fraternity house together, Leopold and Loeb came up with a plan to kidnap a wealthy child that they could then ransom. "They began to devise elaborate plans for this kidnapping, and soon the planning became the all-important thing. They gave up the idea of kidnapping this particular person [a young man named William], and settled on the idea of kidnapping anyone who would fit in their kidnapping plans." Throughout the book, we find out that the boys were pretty desperate for a kidnapping victim, that they even thought about kidnapping one of their close friends:
"The plan of kidnaping Dick Rubel was given up because Dick Rubel's father was so tight we might not get any money from him."
Leopold and Loeb discussed everything from how they would receive the ransom, what weapons they would use, how they would get the victim inside a rented vehicle, and what they would do with the body afterwards. "In March, 1924, the patient [Loeb] conceived the idea of securing the money by having it thrown off a moving train. This idea was discussed in great detail, and gradually developed into a carefully systematized plan. As time wore on the plan became greatly modified from the original one. They discussed at considerable length the choice of a suitable subject for kidnapping. The patient's companion [Leopold] suggested that they kidnap a young girl instead of a boy, but the patient [Loeb] objected to this. His companion [Leopold] also suggested that they kidnap the patient's [Loeb] younger brother, but the patient apparently did not seriously consider doing this. They then considered half a dozen boys, any one of whom would do, for the following reasons: that they were physically small enough to be easily handled and their parents were extremely wealthy and would have no difficulty or disinclination to pay ransom money."
During the trial, Leopold and Loeb's psychological evaluations became the forefront of their guilty plea, stating that they were not responsible for their actions due to their upbringing and environment. "I submit the facts do not rest on the evidence of these boys alone. It is proven by the writings; it is proven by every act. It is proven by their companions, and there can by no question about it." Clarence Darrow explains in his famous closing statement. "We brought into this courtroom a number of their boy friends, whom they had known day by day, who had associated with them in the club house, were their constant companions, and they tell the same stories. They tell the story that neither of these two boys was responsible for his conduct."
'The Amazing Crime and Trial of Leopold and Loeb' contains the portions of the psychiatric evaluations that were submitted in court,but the testimony of character witnesses is omitted. For a factual telling of a real life trial, this book is okay. If the reader pays attention, they may notice that some of the book contradicts itself, such as one page states that the car robe used to wrap up Franks' body was found buried near Lake Michigan,but then pages later, the book states it had been burned at Loeb's home.
The psychiatric reports are very repetitive,just using different words to describe the same things. Yet, these reports are the backbone of the trial and well worth a read. The evaluations and Darrow's extensive speech were what saved Leopold and Loeb from a death sentence.
There are very few books written about the 'murder of the century,' and even less about the 'lawyer of the century.' Leopold and Loeb, as well as Darrow, have faded into the obscurity of the True Crime genre, but because the boys' mental state was brought into question, we now accept forensic science/psychology in the court room today. I feel that only people who are truly interested in True Crime, or even have a fascination for the court room are the only ones who will enjoy 'The Amazing Crime and Trial of Leopold and Loeb.'
Gripping episodes (2 more)
Solid cast
Gritty Brit drama
Only 6 episodes (1 more)
Not the ending I was hoping for
Knew I would be hooked when I saw "From the makers of Line Of Duty"
Contains spoilers, click to show
I like how the show addresses an important fact that in reality it's very easy these days for people to influence others with the use of the internet/social media.
When I saw the trailer for this series I thought it was just going to be another typical kidnap style show but I like the fact that Lennie James' character is actually arrested on suspicion of kidnapping his own daughter who he hasn't seen in over 10 years, and eventually becomes the character who does the most to try and find his daughter.
The ending was not what I was expecting and could probably have been worked differently but I appreciate they have set it up for another series.
When I saw the trailer for this series I thought it was just going to be another typical kidnap style show but I like the fact that Lennie James' character is actually arrested on suspicion of kidnapping his own daughter who he hasn't seen in over 10 years, and eventually becomes the character who does the most to try and find his daughter.
The ending was not what I was expecting and could probably have been worked differently but I appreciate they have set it up for another series.
KyleQ (267 KP) rated The Host (2006) in Movies
Jul 22, 2020
A really entertaining creature feature!
A mutant creature emerges from a river in South Korea, kidnapping a young girl, her family races to save her.
Directed by Bon Joon Ho (Parasite, Okja, Snowpiercer), The Host blends horror, drama, and comedy seamlessly together.
When it was released in the USA, The Host was dubbed over, oddly enough. Generally, I hate dubbed live-action movies because they're always so cheesy, but the cheese really fits into this movie, making it more fun.
The films lead is Kang-ho Song (Parasite) who does a great job, he is believable, likable, and humorous. I empathized with him, surprisingly.
I did wish that the pace was a little quicker and that the monster would've been in the film more. But in general, I enjoyed the movie. I would recommend it to fans of monster movies, but really I'll recommend it to everyone.
Directed by Bon Joon Ho (Parasite, Okja, Snowpiercer), The Host blends horror, drama, and comedy seamlessly together.
When it was released in the USA, The Host was dubbed over, oddly enough. Generally, I hate dubbed live-action movies because they're always so cheesy, but the cheese really fits into this movie, making it more fun.
The films lead is Kang-ho Song (Parasite) who does a great job, he is believable, likable, and humorous. I empathized with him, surprisingly.
I did wish that the pace was a little quicker and that the monster would've been in the film more. But in general, I enjoyed the movie. I would recommend it to fans of monster movies, but really I'll recommend it to everyone.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Tears of Tess (Monsters in the Dark, #1) in Books
Jan 11, 2021
3.5 stars.
I dunno with this one. I'm hit and miss with D/s books. Sometimes I like them sometimes I don't. This one, that side of the story, I'm not that big a fan of. I don't always understand it, and I think that was definitely the case with this one.
I loved the storyline and everything--minus the above mentioned thing, anyway--the kidnapping and the owner who isn't all bad. The romance between them. I think it was the sex side of things, I skipped through the first one (at least I think it was the first one? About half way through?) and skimmed the rest, looking for the more romantic take on it all.
Hmm. I'm not sure if I'm intrigued enough to continue the series. I'll think about in my sleep and see how I feel in the morning.
I dunno with this one. I'm hit and miss with D/s books. Sometimes I like them sometimes I don't. This one, that side of the story, I'm not that big a fan of. I don't always understand it, and I think that was definitely the case with this one.
I loved the storyline and everything--minus the above mentioned thing, anyway--the kidnapping and the owner who isn't all bad. The romance between them. I think it was the sex side of things, I skipped through the first one (at least I think it was the first one? About half way through?) and skimmed the rest, looking for the more romantic take on it all.
Hmm. I'm not sure if I'm intrigued enough to continue the series. I'll think about in my sleep and see how I feel in the morning.
Lindsay (1693 KP) rated The Last Thing She Said (Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #3) in Books
Oct 9, 2019
The Last Thing She Said is filled with more then one mystery. Chris is the main one that needs to find answers for a dying friend. But what if that friend ends up being a famous author that wants to give her children the legacy that she left behind?
Well the way this plot goes. Chris and his mother do not know anything or seem to know that they are were friends to someone that was to be kidnapped and dead. When your mother last friend is leaves a letter to your son and ask you find out who murder her first husband George? The plot start to get thick and hot again.
This brings in the Geezer Squad to open up the cold case of a century. The author seem to bring in Mac and his wife which help a bit. If you meet the mayor you should not be surprised that their going to be a case that brings laughter between the two dogs.
Their seems that theirs is murder that needs solving that happens to be bring in two murders and a kidnapping. Who killed Lacy Woodhouse? Who would want George Livingston dead? Why extort money from Horace Billingely?
Laura Carr doe not disappoint. She gives us more then one mystery to dig into. How they all be connected and be related to the kidnapping and murder of George Livingston? To find out all this you will have to read The Last Thing she said. There is not one why to find one answers to why Mercedes Livingston? What ever happened to her? Their seems to be mystery until Chris gets and autographed book.
This author does her book brilliantly that I can not wait for the next one. This author adds her other mystery characters in seemly and they seem to help if they can. This time Mac get pulled in a bit. Will his wife be able to help with Chris cold case?
Well the way this plot goes. Chris and his mother do not know anything or seem to know that they are were friends to someone that was to be kidnapped and dead. When your mother last friend is leaves a letter to your son and ask you find out who murder her first husband George? The plot start to get thick and hot again.
This brings in the Geezer Squad to open up the cold case of a century. The author seem to bring in Mac and his wife which help a bit. If you meet the mayor you should not be surprised that their going to be a case that brings laughter between the two dogs.
Their seems that theirs is murder that needs solving that happens to be bring in two murders and a kidnapping. Who killed Lacy Woodhouse? Who would want George Livingston dead? Why extort money from Horace Billingely?
Laura Carr doe not disappoint. She gives us more then one mystery to dig into. How they all be connected and be related to the kidnapping and murder of George Livingston? To find out all this you will have to read The Last Thing she said. There is not one why to find one answers to why Mercedes Livingston? What ever happened to her? Their seems to be mystery until Chris gets and autographed book.
This author does her book brilliantly that I can not wait for the next one. This author adds her other mystery characters in seemly and they seem to help if they can. This time Mac get pulled in a bit. Will his wife be able to help with Chris cold case?
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Eagle Has Landed (1976) in Movies
May 22, 2018 (Updated May 22, 2018)
Pretty reasonable, slightly silly all-star war movie; the Germans attempt to bring the Allies to the negotiating table by kidnapping Churchill. Sent on this improbable mission is Michael Caine's decent paratrooper officer and his men, and ridiculously Irish IRA man Donald Sutherland. Spoiler alert: Germany still loses the war.
Good performances, mostly, and some well-staged action in the closing sections of the film; what's curious about it is the way that the Germans are mostly presented sympathetically, at least as much as the British and American characters. It's a war movie without bad guys, but without much sense of moral or emotional investment either - as a result it's enjoyable as a piece of action cinema, but rather shallow. (It doesn't feel like the moral ambiguity is a deliberate creative choice: Caine thought the director was more interested in going fishing than in overseeing the final edit.) Fun in a disposable sort of way; you could be forgiven for expecting more, given the talent involved.
Good performances, mostly, and some well-staged action in the closing sections of the film; what's curious about it is the way that the Germans are mostly presented sympathetically, at least as much as the British and American characters. It's a war movie without bad guys, but without much sense of moral or emotional investment either - as a result it's enjoyable as a piece of action cinema, but rather shallow. (It doesn't feel like the moral ambiguity is a deliberate creative choice: Caine thought the director was more interested in going fishing than in overseeing the final edit.) Fun in a disposable sort of way; you could be forgiven for expecting more, given the talent involved.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated All the Money in the World (2017) in Movies
Feb 17, 2019
Drawn out
It's a shame that this film will always be known as the film that deleted Kevin Spacey. And although i like Christopher Plummer, I spent the entirety of this wondering if it would've been any better if they had left Spacey in.
The main problem with this film is that it drags out a basic kidnapping across 2 hours and it is just far too long. There wasn't enough tension to hold my attention and i found myself getting a little bored. There were some good performances but they couldn't lift the drearyness from this film. I also really couldn't stand Michelle Williams, which is unusual as I used to think she was a good actress, but in this and Venom that I've seen her in recently, she's been pretty bad.
Ultimately there isn't really much in this film to recommend. If you wanted to know the true story behind this, it'd be better just to look it up.
The main problem with this film is that it drags out a basic kidnapping across 2 hours and it is just far too long. There wasn't enough tension to hold my attention and i found myself getting a little bored. There were some good performances but they couldn't lift the drearyness from this film. I also really couldn't stand Michelle Williams, which is unusual as I used to think she was a good actress, but in this and Venom that I've seen her in recently, she's been pretty bad.
Ultimately there isn't really much in this film to recommend. If you wanted to know the true story behind this, it'd be better just to look it up.
ClareR (5589 KP) rated The Sealwoman's Gift in Books
Apr 29, 2019
This is set in 17th century Iceland, and based on the true story of the kidnapping and enslavement of 250 Icelanders in Algiers.
We follow a Pastors family, Olafur and his wife Asta, as they and their family are kidnapped by corsairs and pirates, and sold off separately to their owners. Olafur is sent back to Denmark to seek a ransom, but he fails. So we follow the life of Asta, how she lives and adapts in the house of Cilleby, and how she copes with the loss of her children and husband.
The Icelandic Sagas are Asta’s Means of escape and comfort, and in telling them she gets Cilleby onside and makes her own life more comfortable. She refuses to give up her Lutheran belief, and believes that she will be reunited with her family - at least in death - because of this.
This was such a touching novel, and the narrator (I listened on Audible) really did the story justice.
We follow a Pastors family, Olafur and his wife Asta, as they and their family are kidnapped by corsairs and pirates, and sold off separately to their owners. Olafur is sent back to Denmark to seek a ransom, but he fails. So we follow the life of Asta, how she lives and adapts in the house of Cilleby, and how she copes with the loss of her children and husband.
The Icelandic Sagas are Asta’s Means of escape and comfort, and in telling them she gets Cilleby onside and makes her own life more comfortable. She refuses to give up her Lutheran belief, and believes that she will be reunited with her family - at least in death - because of this.
This was such a touching novel, and the narrator (I listened on Audible) really did the story justice.
Lindsay (1693 KP) rated The Abduction of Nelly Don in Books
Feb 15, 2018 (Updated Apr 9, 2019)
What a story this turned out to be. You see how a woman had to work and get up in the world. Though most of this deal on kidnapping, You see what it like in 1930's. It more crime and Mystery of who is creating all the mayhem.
A Senator wanted to help a close friend and son. Though when he could not help them. He get another chance. Will he do everything to find Nelly Don? You learn and get twist and surprises around every corner.
As you read, you are wondering who is it is? You will want to know why? It get you to want read until you get to last page. Though for me It only held my interest. Though it a great. I say it an 4 to a 4.5 rating.
If you are a reader of crime and / or mystery. This may be a book for you.
A Senator wanted to help a close friend and son. Though when he could not help them. He get another chance. Will he do everything to find Nelly Don? You learn and get twist and surprises around every corner.
As you read, you are wondering who is it is? You will want to know why? It get you to want read until you get to last page. Though for me It only held my interest. Though it a great. I say it an 4 to a 4.5 rating.
If you are a reader of crime and / or mystery. This may be a book for you.
Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated The Girl in the Red Coat in Books
Mar 15, 2018
I thought this book took an overused, cliche plot and managed to make it into something new, exciting, heart breaking and heart warming. The result of the kidnapping was unlike anything I've read before and so made this a really unique novel for me.
The distinction between Carmel and her mother's narrative was really clear throughout the book and it was written absolutely stunningly, with the description being spot on throughout the book, describing things I know I feel but could never put into words. Beautiful.
I wasn't disappointed by the ending as I've seen other say they were but I feel like chapter 53 could have easily been slashed, it added nothing to the story. The chapter before would have been the perfect, beautiful ending this book deserved, which is why I've only awarded this 4 stars.
I seriously recommend this to all kinds of readers and I'm definitely going to keep my eye out for Kate Hamer in the future.
The distinction between Carmel and her mother's narrative was really clear throughout the book and it was written absolutely stunningly, with the description being spot on throughout the book, describing things I know I feel but could never put into words. Beautiful.
I wasn't disappointed by the ending as I've seen other say they were but I feel like chapter 53 could have easily been slashed, it added nothing to the story. The chapter before would have been the perfect, beautiful ending this book deserved, which is why I've only awarded this 4 stars.
I seriously recommend this to all kinds of readers and I'm definitely going to keep my eye out for Kate Hamer in the future.