Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #23584 in VHS
• Released on: 1987-05-28
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Formats: Color, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of tapes: 1

Customer Reviews

Significant piece of history.
It can be disturbing sometimes, to see how some sides of our society have deteriorated in the 1990's. In the 1930's the kidnapping/killing of American hero aviator Charles Lindberg's baby represents a low point in our humanity.

Telling this story is tough, particularly since the evidence was all circumstantial. Whereas the 1996 film "Crime of the Century" approaches the after-the-fact investigation, with a perspective that Bruno Hauptmann (executed for the crime) indeed may have been wrongfully convicted, this film (from 1976) pursues a more clinical, step-wise, investigative approach. The dictum here seems to be to substantiate the verdict within the bounds of historical accuracy.

Nice turns by Cliff DeYoung as Charles Lindbergh, and Anthony Hopkins for his portrayal of Hauptmann (for which he won an EMMY). The presentation is a bit dry, confusing, and long (148mins). You might want to find a nice supplemental text to help you better understand the main players and the chronology of events.

But if you're unfamiliar with much of the circumstances you will definitely want to take a look.

The Lindbergh Kidnapping Case
For all lawyers everywhere to watch! This is a very interesting view on the story of the kidnapping of Charles Lindbergh II. The pace is a little slow to begin with but this is necessary to enable the viewer to build up the story but the court case at the end is riveting! I feel that it is a basis for a very good legal argument, which I expect was the reason for the obvious gaps in the story.
The acting and direction is very good, especially from Sir Anthony Hopkins, who makes being Hauptman, the German immigrant look so easy! His accent is especially good, especially during the court scenes.