Boston Strangler: The Untold Story (2008)

Boston Strangler: The Untold Story Poster

Boston Strangler: The Untold Story is an intense true-crime thriller about Albert De Salvo, a wise cracking, small time criminal with an unrelenting sex drive, who ultimately falsely confesses to being the strangler that wreaked havoc in Boston during the early sixties. Guided by his manipulative cell mate, who knows more about the murders than he reveals, they devise a plan to gain all of the notoriety from the killings and the money from the reward. Meanwhile, Detective John Marsden, searches out the truth certain that they were not committed by one man. Fighting the bureaucracy of the day, Marsden lets his emotions get the best of him as he follows the trail of the murders.

Introduction
"Boston Strangler: The Untold Story" is a 2008 criminal offense thriller movie directed by Michael Feifer and starring David Faustino, Andrew Divoff, and Kostas Sommer. The movie is based upon the true events surrounding the notorious Boston Strangler murders that took place in between 1962 and 1964. The film takes a more detailed look at the story of Albert DeSalvo, who confessed to being the serial killer responsible for the deaths of 13 women. The movie delves into the many controversies and theories that surround the case, presenting an option and questionable variation of DeSalvo's story.

Plot Summary
The movie begins with the gruesome murder of a lady in her house, believed to be one of the Boston Strangler's victims. As the variety of killed ladies increases, panic spreads among the people of Boston, with females living alone fearing for their lives. The police, led by Detective John Marsden (Andrew Divoff), are under severe pressure to find the serial killer and put an end to the killings.

Albert DeSalvo (David Faustino) is presented as a hubby and father with a relatively normal and loving household. Yet, unknown to his wife and kids, DeSalvo harbors dark tricks and insatiable advises that push him to stalk and eventually eliminate females. He becomes a suspect when a lady he had actually tried to rape positively identifies him in a police lineup. DeSalvo is founded guilty of this crime and sentenced to prison for life.

In jail, DeSalvo meets another prisoner, Frank Sokol (Kostas Sommer), who has connections to the mob. The two form a friendship, with Sokol taking DeSalvo under his wing. It is throughout his time in prison that DeSalvo begins to think he might be the Boston Strangler. With Sokol's guidance, DeSalvo chooses to admit to the police, intending to make a deal that would result in his freedom.

Debates and Theories
As the police work to validate DeSalvo's claim of being the Boston Strangler, the movie provides numerous other possible suspects. Investigator Marsden, for instance, is revealed to have his doubts about DeSalvo's confession. One substantial plot point revolves around the harsh murder of 19-year-old Beverly Samans, which was credited to the Strangler. During the trial, the defense introduces a questionable theory that her killer was not DeSalvo however somebody else completely, causing public uproar and bringing the case into the spotlight.

The Confession
Despite the lots of doubts and alternative theories, DeSalvo preserves his status as the confessed Boston Strangler. In a chilling scene, DeSalvo calmly and methodically portrays his gruesome crimes to Detective Marsden and other officers, explaining in vivid information how he stalked, attacked, and completely murdered his victims. As he does so, audiences are shown cooling reenactments of his dreadful actions.

Conclusion
The movie concludes with DeSalvo being found guilty of all the murders he admitted to, in spite of the lingering concerns and doubts about his function. The ending is shrouded in ambiguity and uncertainty, leaving the audience to contemplate whether DeSalvo was undoubtedly the infamous Boston Strangler or simply a pawn in a much larger, darker game.

"Boston Strangler: The Untold Story" provides a fascinating and chilling watching experience, offering an alternative view on the infamous Boston Strangler case that both intrigues and frightens. The movie highlights the numerous debates and unanswered questions concerning the identity of the serial killer, and the conviction of Albert DeSalvo, advising audiences of the continuous mystery and argument that still surrounds this gruesome chapter in American criminal offense history.

Top Cast

  • David Faustino (small)
    David Faustino
    Albert De Salvo
  • Andrew Divoff (small)
    Andrew Divoff
    John Marsden
  • Kostas Sommer (small)
    Kostas Sommer
    Frank Asarian
  • Joe Torry (small)
    Joe Torry
    Arthur Winfield
  • Corin Nemec (small)
    Corin Nemec
    Stuart Whitmore
  • Jen Nikolaisen (small)
    Jen Nikolaisen
    Jennifer Mitchum
  • Johnny Liska
    Michael De Salvo
  • Caia Coley (small)
    Caia Coley
    Michelle Marsden
  • Tara Shayne (small)
    Tara Shayne
    Claudia De Salvo
  • Beth Shea (small)
    Beth Shea
    Jana Fineman
  • Sonia Curtis
    Sondra De Salvo