I used to love the carnival.
Daddy worked all the fairs selling pretzels
and candy apple.
Always looking for something better.
Sometimes mama would follow him.
Sometimes he even take us.
It was always a new adventure
with a whole new family every time.
I figured Jennie and me were
the luckiest girls in the world with a life like that.
My favourite was the merry go round.
Maybe I was a little old for it but...
all those other rides they scared me.
The merry go round, just goes round and round and up and down.
It don't get anywhere, but you always felt save.
That's me on the left.
Sylvia.
And this is my story.
Would you please state your name.
Lester Likens.
Are you married to Betty Likens?
Yes.
Did you and your wife ever separate?
Yes.
What period of time did that occur?
The last week in June 1965.
She was at Euclid street and I was in Lebanon, Indiana.
Where were the children?
Jennie Faye and Silvia Marie was with her.
Do you think we'll make some friends?
Sure we will.
Well maybe there'll be some cute boys this time.
They're supposed to be cute.
Come on girls you don't wanna be late for our first service.
Hey!
Daddy?
- Hey Jennie. - What are you doing here?
Well I missed you girls.
Now Betty can I talk to for a minute?
You know I've been talking to a Horst and he says
that we could maybe play our own band at the state fair this year.
Then maybe we could make enough money to go on tour.
I told Lester that I can't do it anymore
not with the girls.
Maybe my mother will take them.
I can't move them up there again.
They haven't even had a chance to make friends down here yet.
Betty maybe we wouldn't fight as much without the kids.
Momma!
You two go on ahead and catch the church bus home.
I've gotta settle things with your father.
See what love the father has given us.
And we are called the children of God.
And so we are.
But how does a child come unto his father?
How does the father come unto the child?
Christ said "I am the way the truth, the live and love".
"Come unto the father but by me".
Our families, our fathers, our mothers.
It is only through Christ that we find the father.
And it is only through Christ that we find each other.
Oh that's a beautiful dress Hope.
Oh thank you Gertrude.
I'm feeling much better on my new medicine.
And... you know anybody that needs ironing to be done?
I'd appreciate the work.
I'll do that.
Thank you.
What happened to your leg?
That's not nice Shirley!
That's alright, she's used to it.
- So what is it? - Polio.
Polio?
Does that hurt?
Our mama is a sick too.
All right girls
We gotta go.
Can they come with us?
You wanna come? We've got some friends coming over
and you can meet our older sister.
Sure!
Guess who got stuck with an extra shift at work?
- Did you get paid? - Um hm.
Got a little extra for dinner.
Here take the baby.
Where'd they come from?
What's this?
We invited them to stay and play.
We'll be quiet.
All right, make sure of it.
[Petula Clark "Downtown" plays on record player]
I really like this song.
What's your dad do?
He is cop and they're divorced.
Do you miss him any?
Nah I just miss his money.
- But Paula! - Well it's true.
Maybe if he was more regular with his support.
Momma wouldn't be so sick.
And I wouldn't have to work so hard.
Little Kenny's got a different daddy.
- Who's little Kenny? - The baby.
But we ain't supposed to talk about that.
Ow!
There.
Wow you should do this for a living!
Yeah if she was old enough.
You want me to do yours?
Oh no.
Yeah she's the pretty one.
Yeah she's got nice hair.
- I'm pretty too. - The hell you are!
Oh let me see that brush.
I tell you what, let's go get a coke.
My boyfriend works over at the liquor store, he could sneak us out a couple.
Sure.
You girls behave!
We're going to groceries.
Tell Andy he owes me for little Kenny.
And don't be wasting time on that bag boy.
He ain't a bag boy momma!
Still a waste of space.
- She don't like my boyfriend. - Yeah I can see that.
Hey Johnny quit it!
Sorry Mrs. Doyle.
Hey!
You weren't at church today.
Coy and I heading over there now.
Yeah you better be.
Let's get outta here.
That's my sister Stephanie, she's big help around the house.
When she ain't wasting time with her boyfriend Coy.
Oh God!
Hey Paula.
Mama was asking after her money.
Yeah I bet she was.
Who's your friend?
Sylvia but she don't talk to trash.
Excuse me.
That's my mamas ex boyfriend.
He's only six years older than me.
Just like her mom.
That's him.
That's my Bradley.
He's real cute.
We got both to be real careful about it.
Why?
Because he's married.
I'm not even shittin you, no!
Paula!
Don't tell me you never had a boyfriend.
Are well there was this guy in California, but...
I guess it was nothing.
Well at least you did more than just kiss right?
Well aren't you just so damn pure.
Oh come on.
Let's go.
This is Pleiku, 250 miles north of Saigon.
The Air Force Base that was threatened
by enemies and Communist Guerillas...
Marie!
I need you to feed little Kenny.
If I don't get this ironing to Mrs. Duke by four I won't get a tip.
- We're all out of milk. - Well go get some.
They won't give us no more credit at the store.
They will if you take the baby.
Hello!
Oh hi, I'm sorry.
Um somebody said they saw my girls here.
You got no family here in Indy?
Well not that I could leave them with.
Cause of them or you?
A little of both.
Hi Mrs. Baniszewski is Shirley and Marie here?
Upstairs.
Shut the door.
Looks like you've got kids running in and outta here all day long.
Why don't you leave Sylvia and Jenny here with me?
No... I couldn't do that.
I got six kids, two more won't make a difference.
Well... I guess that's true.
Twenty dollars a week and you won't have to worry.
You'd be helping me out too.
If could talk to my wife about it.
Something to consider.
Yeah.
So you'd never met Gertrude Baniszewski before that day?
No sir.
But you were willing to leave your children with a complete stranger?
Well like I said, er... we got to talking and
she openly admitted that she would take care of the children.
And treat them like they were her own.
Okay here is twenty now
and er... you'll have the next payment in a week Thursday.
I'll need that money.
You will have it.
Johnny bring the box upstairs.
Okay sweetheart, that's nice.
I sure don't want you go.
The circuit will be down and done at the end of September.
That's only two months.
And I promise I will be back to get you girls then.
Okay kids, goodbye, Jenny, Cookie.
- You be good. - Okay.
Alright.
Bye girls.
You girls make sure you get everything you need.
Thank you.
Well come on!
We'll help you unpack.
Wait I'll help you.
Nothing to be nervous about.
Everyone's real nice here, I promise.
Hey Paula, get your cherry popped this summer?
You sure didn't Teddy, not with a face like that.
Hey come on Paula you know we're just playing.
Yeah well why don't you play with yourself?
Coy is okay, but Teddy is a goddamn delinquent.
Paula!
Those guys they're always messing with somebody.
I'm sure she will be okay.
- You live with Paula and them? - Yeah for a bit I guess.
Well I saw you the other day.
I live right around the corner, I'm Ricky Hobbs.
Sylvia.
Hey there's a football game this weekend
if you'd be interested in that at all.
Oh I don't really much like football.
Sylvia come on!
Good bye.
It's me!
Hope you brought my money.
Nice to see you too.
Came by to see my baby.
Hi.
Hey!
Leave him!
I got my call up papers. I'm going to boot camp soon.
Put him back down.
It took me all day to quiet.
- Not in front of the baby! - Why? He don't care.
I do!
Listen I'm gonna be getting a pay cheque.
So you'll be getting payments regular.
Who's gonna take care of you?
Well actually I was wondering.
If I could borrow a few dollars.
So I could visit my brother in Lebanon before I leave.
If I had the money I'd give it to you.
I saw your new boarders.
Don't tell me you're doing that for charity.
I had to take them in because of you.
I ain't paying for another mans kids.
You ain't paying for your...
I'm sorry Gertie.
I'm sorry.
So how was the first day at school?
Well I actually made a couple friends.
See we ain't such bad people here on the Southside.
Can you pick up the kids and bring em home?
There's something I have to take care of.
Yeah is everything alright?
Just tell mama I picked up an extra shift at work.
Sure.
You know Paula is looking more and more like you everyday.
Lucky girl.
Should watch her though.
She's been hanging out with Bradley again.
I hate to think what'll happen.
His wife's got a bad temper.
You think that I can get that money?
There's a twenty in the top draw.
Where do you live Mrs. Doyle?
3848 East New York.
You can almost reach out of your dining room window
and touch Baniszewski's kitchen can't you?
It's not that close.
Because of the experience that you saw
Mrs. Baniszewski having there.
Did you develop any bias, or prejudice against her?
No I felt sorry for the lady.
I felt she was a hard working woman with all them kids.
Ever entertain any guilt feelings, or animosity towards her?
No... I can't judge her.
I beg your pardon?
I can't judge her.
- Would you like to say a prayer Sylvia? - Sure.
Bless this food for our use
and us unto thy service amen.
Amen.
Somebody get out there and feed that dog!
Yeah mama.
Sorry I'm late.
Where you been?
I took up the shift for Ellen.
I told you I didn't want you to see that boy anymore.
- And I mean it. - I didn't.
Don't lie to me Paula.
What was he here? Did Andy say something?
- That's none of your business. - Yeah you just don't want
me to making the same mistakes that you made.
I said feed that dog!
Johnny feed the dog!
What's wrong Paula?
I've got problems Sylvia.
Big problems.
With Bradley?
I went to the doctors today.
I'm pregnant.
You know the guy is married.
And he don't want a baby.
Like I don't know what I'm gonna do.
Well you... you gotta tell him.
I can't.
Well I think you gotta.
You gotta promise me that you won't say anything to anybody.
Not a word until I figure out what I'm gonna do okay?
Yeah I promise.
It's gonna be okay.
Mama.
Mama!
I want you all upstairs.
Come on.
Except for you two!
I want you down in the basement.
Your daddys cheque didn't arrive today.
Oh it's probably just late.
I know my Mama, she wouldn't let him forget.
You know what I think?
I just took care of you two for two weeks... for nothing!
I think your mama and daddy
left you here for good.
They wouldn't do that.
Keep your mouth shut.
Lean over those.
Go on lean over.
- No! - Come on! Come on.
- Oh, no! - Get up!
- Gertie! - Come on!
- No let go of me! - Let me get hers.
Okay.
Come on.
Okay.
I need that money.
Come on Jennie.
It's not like we never had a spanking before.
You know that cheque's gonna come tomorrow, I swear.
- Johnny! - What? Give me the thing back!
Stop that!
Stop hurting me!
I'm fifteen I should be able to come.
Well somebody's gotta look after little ones.
I wonder if Bradley is gonna be there.
Freedom was in jeopardy...
when the struggling people had been brought
almost to their knees by aggression.
When William Westmoreland was called to urgent duty.
His mission was to deny aggression, it's conquest.
It was a mission simple enough to stake.
But to execute that mission.
He had to fight the most complex war
in all American history.
What're you gonna see tonight Stephanie?
We ain't gonna being seeing a movie Marie.
The only thing she'll be seeing
is Coys hand while she's pushing him away.
I might not be pushing to hard.
Yeah, yeah princess Grace.
You'd scream if he breathed on your blouse.
That's not true Paula, you know it.
Don't give Sylvia the wrong idea now.
Look I shot his eye out.
Why'd you do that?
Johnny get outta here!
You're dead.
That's crazy.
Listen God! This is crap!
There's nothing ever to do in this shit... hole town.
It ain't that bad Teddy.
Yeah it is.
Howdy!
You know, I don't know about you
but I'm staying out all night tonight.
Your parents ain't gonna like that.
They don't give a shit.
Do they?
- You like it here? - Yeah it's real nice.
He's here.
I'll be right back.
Maybe you shouldn't.
Hey!
Ricky.
You shouldn't sneak up on girls like that.
I'm sorry.
Hey the nursery is around the corner.
You might wanna get back before they miss you.
I brought some favours.
Give me some of that!
What're you doing here?
- I wanted to see you. - We already talked about this.
I'll just be right back.
Good.
I already told you my wife is back from her cousins house.
So that's it, okay.
Now be a good girl and go play with your friends.
You know my Mama... been calling you trash.
I'm starting to believe her.
You should listen to your momma Paula, she knows best.
I know you don't mean that.
Get off me!
- No! - Just a kiss.
- Is this what you want huh? - Stop it! Stop!
- Hey stop! - Get the hell outta here!
This is private conversation.
She's pregnant!
Don't try to pull that shit on me. You know it ain't true.
There ain't no way.
Stay away.
Paula I'm so sorry, I just wanted to...
- You're gonna pay for that! - I... Paula I just...
Is everything okay?
You quit following me!
Paula.
Honey you're crying!
- Mom! - What's wrong?
I ain't talking to him anymore.
Oh that's a good girl, that's a good girl, yes.
You know we're gonna find you a good man honey.
Not like Andy, or your daddy.
But Sylvia said.
What?
She tells horrible lies about me.
What kind of lies?
Telling everyone that I'm a slut.
You should have seen her with those boys.
How it went I was a slut!
Sylvia said that?
Don't worry.
Did you ever hear Sylvia use any vanity or vulgar language?
No sir.
Do you know how often Sylvia went to Sunday school or church?
She'd go every time we would.
- Does Sylvia have a bible? - Yes.
Did she dress up nice and clean?
Yes sir.
As Matthew said "Enter by the narrow gate".
"For the gate is wide and the way is easy"
"that leads to destruction".
"And those who enter by it are many".
"When the gate is narrow and the way is hard"
"that leads to life".
"And those who find it are few".
Jennie come sit with me.
I want you all down here.
Family meeting.
It's a lesson for all of you.
You need to apologize to Paula.
But Gertie I... I don't know...
I want you to apologize.
What she'd done momma?
She's been spreading lies about your sister.
I'm sorry.
Paula you have the right to get even.
What you wanna do?
I want you to punish her momma.
- You need to learn to fight your own battles baby. - I know I'm sorry!
Johnny grab her arm.
I said I was sorry!
I don't care what you said.
Go on she's got it coming.
That's it!
I'm sure she can defend herself.
I am not.
I will not.
- I am not. - She is not!
Damn it!
That's it.
Get up.
Get up!
She's learned her lesson.
That's what happens when you tell lies.
Go on.
You two get!
Are you awake?
You okay?
Did you say your prayers yet?
How about mamas favourite Psalm?
Turn on to me and be gracious to me Lord.
For I am lonely and afflicted.
Release the channels of my heart
and bring me out of my distresses.
Consider how many are my foes.
Thank you.
I will put my faith in thee.
Guard my life and deliver me.
Let me not be put to shame.
For I take refuge in thee.
Integrity and greatness be sure of me.
Amen.
I hear your sister's pregnant.
- Who's the guy? - You know that's not funny.
I didn't say it.
A lot of people are talking.
Why aren't you in school?
You er... doing okay?
Yeah.
It's er... Sylvia right?
Yeah.
Eric.
I er... I've seen you at church.
Yeah that's me.
You're going to the er... picnic on Saturday?
Well... I hope so.
Okay.
Maybe I'll see you there.
I better go.
Okay.
What was Mama so upset about the other day?
You heard.
I told everyone that Paula was a slut.
That's not true is it?
There's some worse rumours going around about her.
Do you think she's pregnant?
- What do you think? - Yeah she's real easy.
Thanks.
How's your momma?
Okay.
She still in the hospital?
Yeah.
Who's taking care of you?
I am.
You don't have a girlfriend?
I don't know.
- You don't know? - No... I don't.
And does she know?
You want a a sip?
I ain't old enough.
You ain't old enough to smoke either
and that's not stopping you.
Jennie.
I think we should call mom and dad.
How we're supposed to do that?
Here I found this in the trash.
So er... how long's Sylvia gonna be staying here?
You got a crush on Sylvia?
She is pretty.
When I was in high school.
I was popular with the boys too, they all chased me.
I believe you.
Thank you.
Oh your warm.
What're you doing home from school so early?
I'm not feeling real good.
Paula!
You better go.
Alright you first.
Hello?
- Mama? - Oh honey!
I was afraid you didn't get our letter.
Oh mama we miss you so much.
Oh I miss you too honey.
I'm gonna picking you up in two weeks.
So how is everything going there?
Oh Gertrude's awful strict momma.
We got in a whole lot of trouble.
What do you mean? Did she punish you?
What have those girls been getting in trouble again?
Let me talk to em. - She got mad
because your cheque's late.
Our cheque was late?
No it wasn't.
Let me talk to her.
Oh we gotta go.
Sylvia
Sylvia!
They're coming mama.
Calling your boyfriend Sylvia?
No.
Nobody special.
We miss our parents.
Thank you Jennie.
Where'd you get the money to make a long distance call?
I was just bottle picking in the Park and traded em in.
Honest that's all she did.
What she's gonna do?
What she always does when she catches you stealing.
Are you gonna lie to me again?
- No Gertie I... - You gonna steal is this household?
I don't steal from you Gertie.
What your gonna call your parents and warn them that.
Gertie doesn't treat you right?
No ma'am.
Arhh! Arhh...
I'm sorry!
Okay, okay that's a good girl, that's a good girl.
You wanna put some ice on that.
Now I think you stated Marie that your sister Paula.
You Volunteer that Paula was jealous of Sylvia.
Every time she looked at her, her eyes looked like she hated her.
Do you know what the word jealous means?
Angry at someone.
Can you assign a reason
as to why Paula might shoot Sylvia those angry, jealous glances?
I guess because Sylvia thought.
She was so much more important than Paula was.
Do you remember a time when you went to Bethany Baptist church
and had little sandwiches and something to drink?
I haven't seen at youth club in a few weeks.
Oh I'm sorry Mrs. Orbach I've... I had to work.
What's with your arm Paula?
I lost my temper with Sylvia.
So what'd you mean, what happened?
She's been doing some real terrible things.
I had to be real strict with her.
Its okay, it's okay come on.
Don't take too much.
Hey what're you doing here?
Came out for the free food.
And the women.
I hope you don't want any money because
-till John Senior has... - I'm not here for money.
Bradley send me.
About Paula.
- Did he say hi to the baby yet? - Uh huh.
- Look about yesterday... - It's fine it's fine.
Sylvia I'm really...
It's alright my momma be back by the end of this week.
Hey.
Hi.
A couple of my friends are eating over there, you wanna join us?
- Sure. - Okay.
Sylvia!
- Just one second. - No problem.
Ricky you know what I said the other day about Paula?
Did you say something?
No.
Because people are talking.
And Stephanie and Paula are blaming me.
No, no I wouldn't do something like that.
I better go.
I understand she's pregnant.
He says he's willing to pay for the abortion.
Shut up and keep your voice down please!
If Paula's willing to go through with it, anything to keep it quiet.
Here.
There's not gonna be an abortion because she's not pregnant.
He didn't even know about it.
But Sylvia is the one saying it.
That girl's been nothing but trouble since she came into my house.
If anyone is pregnant she is, I bet she is.
I gotta go.
Bye Kenny.
Bye.
He'll be back baby.
Hey!
Coming over to hang out with the grown up?
I've got some advice for you.
I wouldn't come between Gertie and her kids.
She won't like it much.
Alright.
You okay Gertie?
Yeah I'm fine.
A bunch of us gonna cruise the circle, you wanna come.?
Sure, I probably ask Gertie first.
You sure.
Come on let's get outta here!
Looks like Sylvia's going off with them boys.
You sound surprised Ricky Hobbs.
You shouldn't be.
Let me go again.
You can try Patty.
You sure you can't come to the drive in with us?
No I'm... I'm late as it is.
Let's go.
Well I guess I'll see you next Sunday then.
Shut that door.
I thought I taught you a lesson.
I don't understand.
Apparently you've been telling more lies about my daughter.
I haven't told any lies.
- And then you flirt with Andy. - I didn't.
I saw you!
Doesn't matter what you want you just... you'll just go take it.
No Gertie we were just talking.
That's all.
Who's in charge here?
You are momma.
That's right.
Paula told me about those boys in California.
Ricky did Sylvia tell you about all those boys in California?
No.
Well if you won't listen to me.
Maybe I can get through to your sister.
Keep her from making your mistakes.
Jennie do you wanna be like your sister?
No ma'am.
That's a good girl.
Patty then what did Mrs. Baniszewski do?
She handed her the bottle
and told her to pull all her skirt.
And then?
And then she said to put it up her.
Did Sylvia say anything when Mrs. Baniszewski ask her to do this?
All she said was... I can't.
What did Mrs. Baniszewski say?
She said "Come on you can do better than that".
And what did Sylvia do?
What Gertie told her to.
What the hell is going on?
Somebody clean up that mess!
Sylvia get upstairs!
Coy get her up there!
Wait!
I will not have her in the same room with my daughters.
Take her to the basement.
Please I'm sorry, I'm sorry!
- Open the door! - I'm sorry Gertie I'm sorry, Gertie I'm sorry!
Get her outta here!
No! Noooo...
It's best to stay out of there I think.
Don't worry Jennie momma's just teaching her.
- She won't go down. - I don't care! Just push her!
Hey Marie.
Sylvia.
I'm sorry Sylvia.
But I'm scared.
I tried talking with Gertie.
She... she said you could have your bible.
Jennie.
Mama wants you upstairs.
Family meeting.
I'll do what I can.
She said now.
John get me my medicine please.
Oh this neighbourhood, it's not good for my health.
Maybe we can move.
Where would we move to Shirley?
I don't know.
I don't wanna move.
I had a call with your parents today.
Are they coming for us?
Well they picked up the Florida Labour Day circuit.
So they won't be here for you until the end of November now.
Their cheques are coming in regular though.
My ironing slowed down... quite a bit.
So we all have to work together as a family.
Maybe I can eat more at Coys house mama, if that'll help.
Coy?
Mama won't mind.
She likes Stephanie a lot.
Thank you.
Paula.
Baby you gonna have to pick up more shifts at work.
Maybe quit tech for a while.
What about Stephanie?
- Why she have to go to school? - Because she's smarter than you.
- Shut up Johnny! - I'm smarter than you.
I'm smarter than the both of you!
Stop it!
You all stop it!
That's another thing we have to work on around here.
We all have to learn to get along better.
How until Sylvia is out of the basement?
Until she learns her lesson.
Momma.
She needs to be punished Paula.
Yes momma.
Now if anybody asks.
Sylvia... had to go to juvenile.
You got that Jennie?
Okay.
That's it.
Are you asleep?
You okay?
I can only come here for a little while.
Did you ever hear or see Sylvia talk back to any of those people
when these things were being done to her?
No I never.
When it first started did she say anything then?
No except she would say, I'm sorry or something like that.
As if she did something wrong, but
she never did anything wrong.
Did you yourself on any of these occasions do anything to Sylvia?
I just did what I was told.
Now then during the month of September did you see
anyone else do anything to Sylvia?
See I told you so.
Damn.
What'd she do?
She been real bad.
She's dirty.
Mama said she was a slut.
Johnny!
Don't worry about it.
She's used to it.
Watch this!
Arh...!
Nice huh?
You just burn her like that?
Yeah you can too.
- I don't want to. - What you're chicken?
It's okay.
Mama said you can.
Did you see Sally take cigarettes and actually burn Sylvia with them?
- Yes. - How many times?
She would do it every time she came over.
How many times did that happened?
Every day.
Did you go to 3850 East New York St
during the months of September and October?
Yes sir.
We go most days after school.
And did you see Sylvia Likens in the basement of that house?
Yes sir.
Did you do anything at all to help her?
No Sir.
What were the other children be doing around the house?
Playing around.
Did you ever tell some of the other kids that they should come over
to the house because everyone was having fun with Sylvia?
I just thought we were punishing her.
Where was John standing when he was washing her down.
Right in front of her.
What part of her body was he spraying?
- All over. - Who's hose was he using?
It was my hose sir.
Sally did you ever see some of the other neighbourhood kids hurt Sylvia?
Yeah.
Did you tell anybody you saw anything?
Not really.
So you told no one what was happening at the Baniszewski house?
Well I told my father.
Gertrude gave Sylvia an awful whipping.
But he just told me I shouldn't do whatever she did
or I get the same.
Shirley was your mother ever present
while some of the other people were doing these things to Sylvia?
Yes she was.
How many times?
She was there about all the time.
And what did she say when people were doing these things to Sylvia?
Nothing.
Did anyone order you to hit Sylvia?
No sir.
- Or tie her up? - No sir.
- Or wash her down? - No sir.
Then why did you do it Teddy?
I don't know sir.
I don't no sir.
You two go upstairs.
Yes mama.
Who is it?
You got any cigarettes?
Hear anything from Sylvia?
You really like her don't you?
She's not good for you honey.
You know when she's gonna be back?
Ricky I told you, she won't have anything to do with you.
She's too busy with other boys.
That's why I had to send her to juvie.
Hand me that!
Here's your money.
Thank you baby.
Paula.
Honey you are a good daughter, I'm so proud of you.
It don't matter what people say, you'd been holding your head up high.
We're getting through this.
What about Sylvia?
Look.
I've been praying
and I think maybe it's time to forgive her.
I think she's learned her lesson.
There are things in life we have to do
whether we like it or not.
Well I don't want any part of it.
Paula.
Come down here and talk to me!
Hey Sylvia I'm not gonna hurt you...
I'm not gonna hurt you.
I know what it's like to be sick Sylvia.
I've been sick for so long too.
I can't
discipline my kids the way that I should.
I'm punishing you I know, but
sometimes when I take medicine.
It's like as if I don't know what I'm doing.
And I care for you so much.
With Paula the thing is.
Paula is a lot like me.
I had her when I was just about your age.
And then Stephanie
and then all the others.
And... then John left.
And here I am I'm just...
Doing everything I can to keep my family together.
I want something better for Paula.
There has to be something better.
And I need to protect my children.
Do you understand that?
These kids
they're all I've got.
Thank you Sylvia.
Thank you.
Thank you for understanding, okay?
Thank you.
Oh Lord.
Okay.
Hello reverend.
I've been meaning to come by and visit
but when Paula came to the church to talk to me
it just pushed me a little.
Now what's that girl been bothering you with?
Well she's concerned about you and the whole house.
And umm... there's something else.
I think Paula may be pregnant.
Now I'm prepared to offer what support I can.
But I can't speak for the entire congregation.
Reverend I'm sorry, thank you
but that is a vicious lie and rumour.
Spread by that Likens girl.
Gertrude Paula talked to me herself.
Well reverend I don't understand that.
I'll try to get to the bottom of that with Paula.
But Sylvia has been a very bad influence on her
since she came in to my house.
And I have... I
I just cannot discipline that girl.
Well she did mention Sylvia as well.
But it wasn't clear but she said there were some problems.
And I haven't seen Sylvia in church in weeks.
So I thought I just should sit down and talk with her.
I'm afraid I had to send her to juvenile.
I just could not handle that girl.
I caught her stealing from me.
Have you spoken with her parents about this?
I tried, I... I wrote them, I called...
I haven't gotten a response.
Frankly I now I can understand.
Why they just dropped her with me.
I see.
I just can go by the juvenile centre.
And speak to Sylvia myself.
I'll try and arrange that.
- Hi Uncle Bill. - Hello reverend.
Hi kids.
Will you just see the little Kenny please.
We can continue this discussion later.
Thank you reverend.
I'll see you on Sunday then.
I'm excepting you in my office before the end of the week.
We need to talk about this.
Sure reverend.
Okay Gertrude.
Don't you have any sense?
- I'm doing this for you! - You let go off me!
I want everybody in the basement!
You know why you're here.
Sylvia!
Ricky she came back.
She came back from juvenile.
Then she started trouble again.
Stop!
Johnny hold her!
No please! Please!
Hold her still!
Sylvia if you move, it'll only be messy.
Light that
No! No! No!
Please! Please! Please!
- Stop it! - Have I got it right momma?
Make sure it's hot!
- I'm sorry! I'm sorry! - You Liar!
- No! No! - Hey.
Please no! Please...!
You branded my daughter.
Now I have to brand you.
Arh... Arh!
Arhh..
Ricky!
Come here, finish it!
Gertie I can't.
Ricky she's been with every boy, but you!
You can't let her get away with this.
Please help me Ricky.
Please! Please!
Good boy.
Ricky.
No Ricky! Pl...
What does it say?
It says "I'm a Prostitute and proud of it."
Please, please!
No! No! Stop it! No!
Arh...
Sylvia.
You've gotta get outta here.
You gotta leave.
You gotta get outta here, come on.
Oh I can't...
Shoosh.
Mama.
- You gotta get outta here! - I don't know where to go.
We'll find your parents.
And Jennie?
I gonna take care of Jennie, I'm gonna take care of Jennie
Paula.
No! No!
Go! Just go!
What ya doing?
- Just let me go! - Mama stop!
- Stop it! - What's going on?
Let's go in the house.
Sylvia!
Please, please don't...
No, no, no, no, I'm not gonna hurt.
I swear to God I promise, I promise.
Look I'm sorry.
I didn't know what the hell I was doing alright.
Look you gotta believe me, please!
Please!
Get outta here?
You wanna go? Let's go.
Come on.
Come on now you're alright.
Where're we going?
I don't know.
Police? You wanna go to the police? We can tell em everything.
I just wanna go to my mom.
Where's your momma?
I think she's in Portage.
We're going to Portage.
Damn it!
- Ricky? - Oh my God!
We're going! We're going!
I'll come with you.
No you gotta get back.
You gotta get back to Jennie and make sure nothing happens to her.
I won't let her outta of my sight
Thank you Ricky.
Daddy.
Cookie?
What ya you doing here?
Dad!
Oh my! What happened to you?
Oh my God.
They did this to you?
I'm so... so sorry.
I'm just so sorry I left you there.
We spoke to Jennie on the phone last week.
She said everything was fine.
She's scared of her.
We gotta back.
Let's just talk in the car.
Everything's gonna be taken care of Cookie.
You're with your family now.
Oh honey mama's here now.
Hey honey, we're here.
You stay here Cookie.
No I...
I gotta do this.
I just gotta go in.
She's not breathing momma.
She'll wake up okay, don't worry yourself.
Wake up please!
Stephanie.
- She's not breathing! - She's faking it.
Somebody please do something! Because she's not breathing!
- She's faking it. - Johnny bring that water?
- Bring me some water baby. - Give me it!
She okay?
Please somebody, she's not breathing!
Liar, liar, liar, liar...
Mama she's not faking it!
She came into my house and just told lies.
Stephanie what's wrong?
Mama we gotta do something!
Please Sylvia, please breath.
Sylvia.
Surely it'll be okay, it'll be okay.
Somebody please do something! She's not breathing!
Shut up Stephanie, she's lying!
She's been laying there.
Oh my god.
Ricky do something!
Look out!
Here try this.
Sylvia! Wake up!
Come on breath!
You go get Andy baby, he'll know what to do okay.
Wake up Sylvia!
She'll be okay, she's just faking.
Please Sylvia breath.
She's cold.
Somebody better call the police!
Don't call the police.
Go!
She's not dying!
Somebody get me more water, colder this time!
Babies come here.
She's lying baby, she's just...
Mama she's not faking it!
I need the police!
Yeah there maybe a dead girl in a house.
She's dead.
Jesus Christ.
What's the problem?
Get me out of here, I'll tell you everything.
Jennie did you ever see
Sylvia do anything to Mrs. Baniszewski?
No I didn't see anything.
Did you ever see her do anything to Paula?
No.
Did you ever see her do anything to Johnny Baniszewski?
Jennie you saw your sister being hit.
Beaten, struck.
Why did you not call the police?
Well er Gertie threatened me that if I told anybody.
I'd get the same treatment that Sylvia was getting.
You could have told anyone up and down on the street.
I was scared and I guess, I just...
did what she told me to do. I wish I hadn't.
Did you ever see Sylvia cry?
They said she didn't have no feelings.
But I knew better.
I've seen her cry before.
I imagine the reason why she didn't cry was.
Because she didn't have enough water.
The trial lasted twenty four days.
Gertrude was the last one to take the stand.
What was your physical condition in July and August of last year?
Pretty run down physically.
Pretty upset mentally and emotionally.
What do you mean?
If you got as many children
around your home all the time as I do.
Arguing and carrying on.
You'd be pretty upset mentally and emotionally too.
What medicine did you take?
Phenobarbital Sulphate and Coricidin.
I was trying to take care of myself.
Because I could not afford to go to a doctor.
Now then getting to the first week of September.
Was there any change in your physical condition
or in the condition of that house?
No sir.
What about the third week of September.
Do you remember that?
You mean anything specific that might happen in September?
Yes anything specific.
The kids were fighting a lot.
The kids were fighting a lot?
My children and the neighbours children.
Were coming in and fighting Sylvia.
My children fighting other children so on, so forth.
What did you do when they were fighting?
I did not see this fighting then.
I was barely able to stay up at all.
I did not even feel like getting up.
Did you have any knowledge of any mistreatment
going on with Sylvia?
No sir.
Did you commit any indignity making marks on that girls body?
No sir.
Do you know how those wounds got on her body?
No sir.
You're telling the jury that you don't know who did it?
No.
Did you hear the testimony of Jennie?
Yes I did.
Did you hear some of your children state
that before Sylvia died you started branding this girl?
Yes I heard that.
Did they all lie?
That is right.
Fact is you're lying isn't it?
No sir.
Did you hear John Baniszewski state
that you burned her with matches and cigarettes?
Yes I heard that statement.
Did he tell the truth?
He is not telling the truth.
You're saying you did not do it?
That's right.
You were in bed a great deal of the time
when the children were doing things you did not know they were doing.
I imagine they were doing a great deal of things
that I did not know.
Why did Johnny lie?
I imagine he is a pretty scared little boy.
Are you scared?
I've been scared by a lot of things for a long time.
She sacrificed me to protect her children.
And sacrificed them to protect herself.
Will the defendent please rise.
We the jury find Gertrude Baniszewski
guilty of first degree murder.
Sentencing her to life in prison.
The case got a lot of attention.
It even made Time Magazine.
And all these people started talking
about things they used to ignore.
The others were tried later.
Paula was found guilty as an accomplice
and served a couple of years.
She had that baby and named it Gertrude.
Johnny was convicted too.
He was the youngest inmate
in the history of the Indiana State Reformatory.
He would later become a real Minister.
One way of telling the story I guess.
Ricky Hobbs was found guilty of manslaughter.
He served time at the reformatory.
He died at age twenty one of lung cancer.
Coy also served a couple of years.
He went onto a life of crime
and was in and out of prison.
I don't know what happened to any of the rest of them.
Mom and dad went back on the road.
and they left Jennie with the district attorney and his family.
They helped her get back on her feet.
Gertrude served twenty years of that sentence.
She was released on parole in 1985.
Before she died five years later.
She took responsibility for everything that had happened.
And me?
I returned to the carnival.
The one place I always felt save.
Reverend Bill used to say.
"For every situation God always has a plan".
I guess I'm still trying to figure out what that plan was.
Subtitle errors corrected and translated to English UK by gonedigital62