QWas this really based on a true story?
AYes, Sylvia Likens was indeed a real person, and she did suffer under the hands of Gertrude Baniszewski. More information on the Likens murder can be found here. One of the film's primary departures from reality is the sympathetic portrayal of Paula Baniszewski; interviews conducted after her arrest revealed that Paula was fully compliant in Likens' torture, and at one point had even taken to literally rubbing salt in Likens' wounds, independent of her mother's suggestion. Paula's crimes were considered severe enough that the jury sentenced her to life in prison, although she was released after seven years.
QDid any of those involved ever express remorse?
AGertrude Baniszewski: when paroled in 1985 she claimed she didn't remember the events as she was "on drugs at the time" but took "full responsibility for whatever happened to Sylvia". When asked to describe her crime, she burst into tears and begged for forgiveness. She said that she was a born-again christian and she now knows the seriousness of her crimes.Johnny Baniszewski: John changed his name to John Blake and worked as a truck driver before becoming a real estate agent and lay minister; he was never arrested again. He married and had three children, and has lived in anonymity, only surfacing briefly in 1998 in the wake of the Jonesboro Massacre to speak for the first time about the Likens murder, saying that he took full responsibility for his role in the murder and that a harsher sentence would have been more just. He also takes part in counseling troubled children. In 1985 and 1998 interviews, he expressed great remorse although engaged in victim-blaming - criticizing Likens family for leaving Sylvia and Jenny with Gertrude.Stephanie Baniszewski: In remarks at the time of AAC's production she acknowledged the continuing popular anger about the events of 1965 and said that people were 'entitled to feel angry' and talked about the children's fear of their mother. Stated that she had 'fond memories of Sylvia and Jenny' and was 'Sylvia's friend'.Marie Baniszewski: In remarks at the time of AAC's production she talked about how she (and Shirley Baniszewski) was terrified of her mother and implied that she thought at the time that she would get the same treatment as Sylvia if she "told".Paula Baniszewski: Paula's fate, current whereabouts, and reflections on her crimes remain unknown. All that is known is that after being released from prison Paula moved to Iowa and assumed a new identity; internet rumors claim that she is still alive and lives on a farm somewhere in the Iowa countryside.
QWhat is the difference between this film and 'The Girl Next Door' (2007)
A'An American Crime' is based on the actual story, using the real names (sans a few supporting roles for some of the neighborhood children) 'The Girl Next Door' is based on the novel by Jack Ketchum who originally based it off of Sylvia Liken's story. He uses fictional names, different times and places and a different set up (with a few similarities).
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