Crime of the Century:
Leopold & Loeb
Crime of the Century: Leopold & Loeb - When Nathan Met Richard
Genre: Crime
Executive Producer: Bennett Miller
Writer: Lon Charles
Cast:
Alex Wolff .... Nathan Leopold
Nick Robinson .... Richard Loeb
Joseph Fiennes .... Nathan Leopold (Old)
David Schwimmer .... Albert Loeb
Blake Jenner .... Allan Loeb
Virginia Gardner .... Peggy
Plot: 1958. A gray-haired older Nathan Leopold (Joseph Fiennes) sits before the parole board at Stateville Penitentiary in Joliet, Illinois. The board asks Leopold how he would plan to conduct himself on the outside world if granted parole. Leopold tells them that he believes he could be a useful member of society. He already knew 15 languages upon his incarceration and has used his 33 years behind bars to master 12 more. Leopold starts listing more of his credentials, like redesigning the prison library, taught classes, learned to be a medical technician, and has prayed to God for forgiveness every day for the past 20 years behind bars. The board asks Leopold to clarify if he is saying he is sorry for the murder of Bobby Franks. Leopold nods his head and says he is sorry for the actions he performed as a much younger man. The board asks him what he intends to do with himself if he is granted parole, and Leopold tells them that he has been offered a job as a medical technician in Puerto Rico at a church hospital. The board asks him to go back to the subject of his remorse, and ask exactly what he is remorseful for.
1923. While attending the University of Chicago for graduate course work, Nathan Leopold (Alex Wolff) spots a childhood acquaintance Richard Loeb (Nick Robinson) across a courtyard. Leopold follows Loeb around for the better part of the day, until Leopold loses Loeb in a crowd. Leopold gives up and sits down on a park bench. Loeb then sits down beside Leopold and asks why he was following him. Leopold tries to claim he was just bird watching around the campus and pulls out an ornithology text book. Loeb says he recognizes Leopold, who reveals that they had an undergraduate class together a few years prior. Loeb starts flipping through the ornithology text while Leopold also reveals that he grew up in the same area as Loeb, Kenwood on the South Side of Chicago. Loeb says he's as big a fan of memory lane as the next person, but he has places to be and people to see. He tosses the book back to Leopold and invites him to a party that night.
Loeb is getting ready for the party at his parents' house. Loeb's brother Allan (Blake Jenner) is home for a break from law school out east. Allan makes fun of the amount of effort Loeb is putting into picking out clothes for a party, commenting that it is something a woman or a queer would do. Their father, Albert Loeb (David Schwimmer) happens by and asks what's so funny. Allan jokes that Loeb is turning queer. Loeb gets mad at his brother and lunges at him, and Albert tells his sons to calm down. He says it would be impossible for any Loeb men to be homosexual anyway, so it's a pointless joke to make.
Prohibition seems to not have affected the upper class of Chicago, as the booze are free flowing at the party when Leopold arrives. He notices Loeb holding court with a group of people gregariously telling them the story of the axe murderer Lizzie Borden. Leopold watches from across the room as Loeb has the entire group waiting on his every word. Leopold fixes himself a drink as Loeb goes into a bit too much detail describing how Borden hacked her father and stepmother to death. The group starts to lose interest, but Leopold lets out a hearty laugh.
As the party starts to die down, a young woman, Peggy (Virginia Gardner), asks Loeb to walk her home. Loeb tells her that he already has plans after the party to go bird watching with Leopold, who is surprised by this comment since he hasn't so much as spoken to Loeb that night. Loeb gives Peggy a kiss on the cheek and tells her to get home safe and that he'll see her in class next week. Peggy puts on her coat and leaves the now sparsely populated party. Loeb looks over at Leopold and asks if he's ready to go.
Leopold and Loeb drunkenly walk down the icy Chicago streets in the middle of the night. They share a bottle of whiskey as they walk. Leopold asks Loeb if he's ever read any of Friedrich Nietzsche's work. Loeb tells Leopold to enlighten him. Leopold tells Loeb that he is particularly fascinated by one idea of Nietzsche's, the concept of "supermen". He goes on to say that a superman is someone who, on account of superior intellect and other qualities, is exempted from the ordinary laws which govern men. These supermen are not liable for anything they may do because they are above the unimportant, average populace. Loeb says he likes the sound of that and suggests they should test it out. Loeb picks up a rock and throws it through the window of a storefront, shattering it. Leopold is startled by the act and asks why Loeb did it. Loeb says he's testing out to see if Leopold is a "superman" or some unimportant, average person. Leopold suggests they get out of the area before any police arrive, but Loeb grabs Leopold by the groin and asks Leopold what he is. Leopold smiles, picks up a stone, and throws it through another storefront window. A light turns on above the store, and Loeb says now is when they should run away.
Genre: Crime
Executive Producer: Bennett Miller
Writer: Lon Charles
Cast:
Alex Wolff .... Nathan Leopold
Nick Robinson .... Richard Loeb
Joseph Fiennes .... Nathan Leopold (Old)
David Schwimmer .... Albert Loeb
Blake Jenner .... Allan Loeb
Virginia Gardner .... Peggy
Plot: 1958. A gray-haired older Nathan Leopold (Joseph Fiennes) sits before the parole board at Stateville Penitentiary in Joliet, Illinois. The board asks Leopold how he would plan to conduct himself on the outside world if granted parole. Leopold tells them that he believes he could be a useful member of society. He already knew 15 languages upon his incarceration and has used his 33 years behind bars to master 12 more. Leopold starts listing more of his credentials, like redesigning the prison library, taught classes, learned to be a medical technician, and has prayed to God for forgiveness every day for the past 20 years behind bars. The board asks Leopold to clarify if he is saying he is sorry for the murder of Bobby Franks. Leopold nods his head and says he is sorry for the actions he performed as a much younger man. The board asks him what he intends to do with himself if he is granted parole, and Leopold tells them that he has been offered a job as a medical technician in Puerto Rico at a church hospital. The board asks him to go back to the subject of his remorse, and ask exactly what he is remorseful for.
1923. While attending the University of Chicago for graduate course work, Nathan Leopold (Alex Wolff) spots a childhood acquaintance Richard Loeb (Nick Robinson) across a courtyard. Leopold follows Loeb around for the better part of the day, until Leopold loses Loeb in a crowd. Leopold gives up and sits down on a park bench. Loeb then sits down beside Leopold and asks why he was following him. Leopold tries to claim he was just bird watching around the campus and pulls out an ornithology text book. Loeb says he recognizes Leopold, who reveals that they had an undergraduate class together a few years prior. Loeb starts flipping through the ornithology text while Leopold also reveals that he grew up in the same area as Loeb, Kenwood on the South Side of Chicago. Loeb says he's as big a fan of memory lane as the next person, but he has places to be and people to see. He tosses the book back to Leopold and invites him to a party that night.
Loeb is getting ready for the party at his parents' house. Loeb's brother Allan (Blake Jenner) is home for a break from law school out east. Allan makes fun of the amount of effort Loeb is putting into picking out clothes for a party, commenting that it is something a woman or a queer would do. Their father, Albert Loeb (David Schwimmer) happens by and asks what's so funny. Allan jokes that Loeb is turning queer. Loeb gets mad at his brother and lunges at him, and Albert tells his sons to calm down. He says it would be impossible for any Loeb men to be homosexual anyway, so it's a pointless joke to make.
Prohibition seems to not have affected the upper class of Chicago, as the booze are free flowing at the party when Leopold arrives. He notices Loeb holding court with a group of people gregariously telling them the story of the axe murderer Lizzie Borden. Leopold watches from across the room as Loeb has the entire group waiting on his every word. Leopold fixes himself a drink as Loeb goes into a bit too much detail describing how Borden hacked her father and stepmother to death. The group starts to lose interest, but Leopold lets out a hearty laugh.
As the party starts to die down, a young woman, Peggy (Virginia Gardner), asks Loeb to walk her home. Loeb tells her that he already has plans after the party to go bird watching with Leopold, who is surprised by this comment since he hasn't so much as spoken to Loeb that night. Loeb gives Peggy a kiss on the cheek and tells her to get home safe and that he'll see her in class next week. Peggy puts on her coat and leaves the now sparsely populated party. Loeb looks over at Leopold and asks if he's ready to go.
Leopold and Loeb drunkenly walk down the icy Chicago streets in the middle of the night. They share a bottle of whiskey as they walk. Leopold asks Loeb if he's ever read any of Friedrich Nietzsche's work. Loeb tells Leopold to enlighten him. Leopold tells Loeb that he is particularly fascinated by one idea of Nietzsche's, the concept of "supermen". He goes on to say that a superman is someone who, on account of superior intellect and other qualities, is exempted from the ordinary laws which govern men. These supermen are not liable for anything they may do because they are above the unimportant, average populace. Loeb says he likes the sound of that and suggests they should test it out. Loeb picks up a rock and throws it through the window of a storefront, shattering it. Leopold is startled by the act and asks why Loeb did it. Loeb says he's testing out to see if Leopold is a "superman" or some unimportant, average person. Leopold suggests they get out of the area before any police arrive, but Loeb grabs Leopold by the groin and asks Leopold what he is. Leopold smiles, picks up a stone, and throws it through another storefront window. A light turns on above the store, and Loeb says now is when they should run away.
Crime of the Century: Leopold & Loeb - The Elements
Genre: Crime
Executive Producer: Bennett Miller
Writer: Lon Charles
Cast:
Alex Wolff .... Nathan Leopold
Nick Robinson .... Richard Loeb
Joseph Fiennes .... Nathan Leopold (Old)
David Schwimmer .... Albert Loeb
Blake Jenner .... Allan Loeb
Eddie Jemison .... Jacob Loeb
Plot: 1958. The older Nathan Leopold (Joseph Fiennes) is still sitting in front of the parole board at Stateville Penitentiary trying to find the words to describe his remorse. He begins trying to give an eloquent speech to the board, but he decides to change course and simply say that he was young and did something foolish and unforgivable. He tells the board that he is not asking them for their forgiveness, he is just asking that they believe he is reformed enough to be released from prison to spend the rest of his life as a productive member of society.
1923. Nathan Leopold (Alex Wolff) and Richard Loeb (Nick Robinson) run out of a building laughing as it begins to become engulfed in flames. They run across the street and hide in some bushes as the building burns in front of their eyes. They try to suppress their laughter as they hear the sirens and bells of the fire engine approaching. Leopold and Loeb begin groping each other, illuminated by the flames of the building they set on fire. Loeb stops Leopold when he tries to kiss him. Loeb tells Leopold to be quiet and smiles as the fire engine pulls up in front of the burning building.
Leopold and Loeb walk through the city streets later that night. Leopold asks Loeb if he wants to get up to anything the next day, but Loeb tells him that he has plans to go out on the lake with some of the men in his family. Leopold turns to begin walking home when Loeb shouts out that he can come along if he wants. Leopold shows up at Loeb's family's house first thing in the morning ready to go. Loeb introduces Leopold to his father Albert (David Schwimmer), his uncle Jacob (Eddie Jemison) and his brother Allan (Blake Jenner).
The men are out on Lake Michigan on the Loeb family sailboat. Allan notices that Leopold seems very attached to his brother. He pulls his brother aside and asks if Leopold is hot on him. Loeb scoffs at Allan's question, saying that Leopold is just a bit odd, but not queer. Allan laughs and yells over to Leopold, asking if he's sweet on his brother. Loeb is furious and grabs Allan by the throat and threatens to throw him overboard. Leopold watches with a smile on his face as Jacob and Albert struggle to get Loeb off of Allan.
The rest of the boat trip is very quiet, with Albert having banished his two sons to different sides of the boat until they are ready to be civil to one another. Albert and Jacob ask Leopold about himself, but he gives cagey answers to most of their questions - especially those about his plans for the future. When the boat gets back to the dock, Loeb asks Leopold if he wants to come over to the house. Leopold agrees.
Loeb takes Leopold into his bedroom and locks the door. He pulls a box out of his closet that contains a notebook. Leopold asks what the notebook is, and Loeb tells him that it is full of plans for crimes he has plotted out. He thinks that they should team up to perform one of them. Leopold is intrigued and asks for an example. Loeb turns to a page and tell Leopold that they should rob his former fraternity house at the University of Michigan.
Genre: Crime
Executive Producer: Bennett Miller
Writer: Lon Charles
Cast:
Alex Wolff .... Nathan Leopold
Nick Robinson .... Richard Loeb
Joseph Fiennes .... Nathan Leopold (Old)
David Schwimmer .... Albert Loeb
Blake Jenner .... Allan Loeb
Eddie Jemison .... Jacob Loeb
Plot: 1958. The older Nathan Leopold (Joseph Fiennes) is still sitting in front of the parole board at Stateville Penitentiary trying to find the words to describe his remorse. He begins trying to give an eloquent speech to the board, but he decides to change course and simply say that he was young and did something foolish and unforgivable. He tells the board that he is not asking them for their forgiveness, he is just asking that they believe he is reformed enough to be released from prison to spend the rest of his life as a productive member of society.
1923. Nathan Leopold (Alex Wolff) and Richard Loeb (Nick Robinson) run out of a building laughing as it begins to become engulfed in flames. They run across the street and hide in some bushes as the building burns in front of their eyes. They try to suppress their laughter as they hear the sirens and bells of the fire engine approaching. Leopold and Loeb begin groping each other, illuminated by the flames of the building they set on fire. Loeb stops Leopold when he tries to kiss him. Loeb tells Leopold to be quiet and smiles as the fire engine pulls up in front of the burning building.
Leopold and Loeb walk through the city streets later that night. Leopold asks Loeb if he wants to get up to anything the next day, but Loeb tells him that he has plans to go out on the lake with some of the men in his family. Leopold turns to begin walking home when Loeb shouts out that he can come along if he wants. Leopold shows up at Loeb's family's house first thing in the morning ready to go. Loeb introduces Leopold to his father Albert (David Schwimmer), his uncle Jacob (Eddie Jemison) and his brother Allan (Blake Jenner).
The men are out on Lake Michigan on the Loeb family sailboat. Allan notices that Leopold seems very attached to his brother. He pulls his brother aside and asks if Leopold is hot on him. Loeb scoffs at Allan's question, saying that Leopold is just a bit odd, but not queer. Allan laughs and yells over to Leopold, asking if he's sweet on his brother. Loeb is furious and grabs Allan by the throat and threatens to throw him overboard. Leopold watches with a smile on his face as Jacob and Albert struggle to get Loeb off of Allan.
The rest of the boat trip is very quiet, with Albert having banished his two sons to different sides of the boat until they are ready to be civil to one another. Albert and Jacob ask Leopold about himself, but he gives cagey answers to most of their questions - especially those about his plans for the future. When the boat gets back to the dock, Loeb asks Leopold if he wants to come over to the house. Leopold agrees.
Loeb takes Leopold into his bedroom and locks the door. He pulls a box out of his closet that contains a notebook. Leopold asks what the notebook is, and Loeb tells him that it is full of plans for crimes he has plotted out. He thinks that they should team up to perform one of them. Leopold is intrigued and asks for an example. Loeb turns to a page and tell Leopold that they should rob his former fraternity house at the University of Michigan.
Crime of the Century: Leopold & Loeb - A Written Contract
Genre: Crime
Executive Producer: Bennett Miller
Writer: Lon Charles
Cast:
Alex Wolff .... Nathan Leopold
Nick Robinson .... Richard Loeb
Joseph Fiennes .... Nathan Leopold (Old)
David Schwimmer .... Albert Loeb
Blake Jenner .... Allan Loeb
Jorja Fox .... Anna Loeb
Virginia Gardner .... Peggy
Plot: 1958. The older Nathan Leopold (Joseph Fiennes) waits in a hallway of the Stateville Penitentiary in shackles. A guard calls him back in to sit in front of the parole board. The board announces that they have come to a decision on the matter. He holds his head down, ready to be denied parole yet again, but much to his surprise the parole board informs Leopold that they have decided to grant him parole. Leopold sheds a tear. He thanks the parole board and leaves the room, shackles jangling with each step.
1923. Nathan Leopold (Alex Wolff) and Richard Loeb (Nick Robinson) are driving up toward Ann Arbor, Michigan, to the University of Michigan campus. Leopold is the one driving, utilizing one of his family's town cars. While Leopold drives toward their target, Loeb gives him a handjob. When they arrive at Loeb's former fraternity house, they sit out in the car and wait for the fraternity brothers to leave the house for a party. Loeb then leads Leopold through the house's backdoor. They sneak from room to room, grabbing anything they can find of value. They become frustrated by the lack of cash in any of the bedrooms, only finding a total of $80 in loose cash and change. Leopold, however, perks up when he notices an Underwood 3 portable typewriter. Leopold lifts the typewriter and carries it out of the fraternity house and back out to the car where Loeb is waiting for him with the cash.
On the drive back to Chicago in the middle of the night, Leopold is angry about the failure of their endeavor. He says that they're never going to prove that they are Superman with penny ante tasks like robbing a fraternity house of pocket change. Loeb tells Leopold to relax, but Leopold continues by stating the their relationship feels too one-sided. He's always going along with Loeb's escapades, but rarely gets anything out of it outside of the rare tug. Loeb asks Leopold if it would make him happy if they set their sights on a bigger crime, something that would set all of Chicago talking. Leopold says that would be vastly preferable to driving 12 hours for $80 and a typewriter.
When they pull up outside of Loeb's house, Loeb asks Leopold if he wants to come inside. Given that it is the middle of the night, Loeb and Leopold sneak up to his bedroom. They speak at whisper volumes in the bedroom. Loeb pulls out a piece of paper and begins writing out a contract for him and Leopold. The contract states that they will be bound together in their quest to be supermen and to complete the perfect crime together - as long as they are partners in crime they will also be sexual partners, something Leopold insists on being in the contract. Loen cuts his hand with a letter opener and signs the contract in his blood. Leopold then grabs the knife and does the same thing.
Loeb and Leopold sit in the bedroom whispering about what crime they could possibly commit that would be worthy of their intellect. Loeb suggests that they could kidnap and murder a child. He says people would really freak out about something like that. Leopold suggests they could also ask for a ransom after the crime to throw the police off of the real motive. Leopold and Loeb have sex in Loeb's bed and fall asleep. In the morning, Leopold tries to sneak out, but Albert Loeb (David Schwimmer), his wife Anna Loeb (Jorja Fox) and their son Allan Loeb (Blake Jenner) are already awake and notice Leopold as he attempts to sneak out the front door. They choose not to say anything to Leopold, just look at him as he passes. Leopold notices the family seeing him, but he opts to just keep walking. Allan comments to his parents that he told them Richard is a queer. Anna tells her son to not say such hurtful things about family. She suggests that maybe they were just up late studying and fell asleep - stranger things have happened.
Leopold is unable to get a hold of Loeb for a few days. Frustrated, he shows up to a party where he finds Loeb drunkenly making out with Peggy (Virginia Gardner). Jealous, Leopold throws a bottle of liquor to the floor and storms out of the party. Peggy is startled by the commotion and asks Loeb what's wrong with his friend Leopold. Loeb says that Leopold is just a bit too tightly wound sometimes.
Genre: Crime
Executive Producer: Bennett Miller
Writer: Lon Charles
Cast:
Alex Wolff .... Nathan Leopold
Nick Robinson .... Richard Loeb
Joseph Fiennes .... Nathan Leopold (Old)
David Schwimmer .... Albert Loeb
Blake Jenner .... Allan Loeb
Jorja Fox .... Anna Loeb
Virginia Gardner .... Peggy
Plot: 1958. The older Nathan Leopold (Joseph Fiennes) waits in a hallway of the Stateville Penitentiary in shackles. A guard calls him back in to sit in front of the parole board. The board announces that they have come to a decision on the matter. He holds his head down, ready to be denied parole yet again, but much to his surprise the parole board informs Leopold that they have decided to grant him parole. Leopold sheds a tear. He thanks the parole board and leaves the room, shackles jangling with each step.
1923. Nathan Leopold (Alex Wolff) and Richard Loeb (Nick Robinson) are driving up toward Ann Arbor, Michigan, to the University of Michigan campus. Leopold is the one driving, utilizing one of his family's town cars. While Leopold drives toward their target, Loeb gives him a handjob. When they arrive at Loeb's former fraternity house, they sit out in the car and wait for the fraternity brothers to leave the house for a party. Loeb then leads Leopold through the house's backdoor. They sneak from room to room, grabbing anything they can find of value. They become frustrated by the lack of cash in any of the bedrooms, only finding a total of $80 in loose cash and change. Leopold, however, perks up when he notices an Underwood 3 portable typewriter. Leopold lifts the typewriter and carries it out of the fraternity house and back out to the car where Loeb is waiting for him with the cash.
On the drive back to Chicago in the middle of the night, Leopold is angry about the failure of their endeavor. He says that they're never going to prove that they are Superman with penny ante tasks like robbing a fraternity house of pocket change. Loeb tells Leopold to relax, but Leopold continues by stating the their relationship feels too one-sided. He's always going along with Loeb's escapades, but rarely gets anything out of it outside of the rare tug. Loeb asks Leopold if it would make him happy if they set their sights on a bigger crime, something that would set all of Chicago talking. Leopold says that would be vastly preferable to driving 12 hours for $80 and a typewriter.
When they pull up outside of Loeb's house, Loeb asks Leopold if he wants to come inside. Given that it is the middle of the night, Loeb and Leopold sneak up to his bedroom. They speak at whisper volumes in the bedroom. Loeb pulls out a piece of paper and begins writing out a contract for him and Leopold. The contract states that they will be bound together in their quest to be supermen and to complete the perfect crime together - as long as they are partners in crime they will also be sexual partners, something Leopold insists on being in the contract. Loen cuts his hand with a letter opener and signs the contract in his blood. Leopold then grabs the knife and does the same thing.
Loeb and Leopold sit in the bedroom whispering about what crime they could possibly commit that would be worthy of their intellect. Loeb suggests that they could kidnap and murder a child. He says people would really freak out about something like that. Leopold suggests they could also ask for a ransom after the crime to throw the police off of the real motive. Leopold and Loeb have sex in Loeb's bed and fall asleep. In the morning, Leopold tries to sneak out, but Albert Loeb (David Schwimmer), his wife Anna Loeb (Jorja Fox) and their son Allan Loeb (Blake Jenner) are already awake and notice Leopold as he attempts to sneak out the front door. They choose not to say anything to Leopold, just look at him as he passes. Leopold notices the family seeing him, but he opts to just keep walking. Allan comments to his parents that he told them Richard is a queer. Anna tells her son to not say such hurtful things about family. She suggests that maybe they were just up late studying and fell asleep - stranger things have happened.
Leopold is unable to get a hold of Loeb for a few days. Frustrated, he shows up to a party where he finds Loeb drunkenly making out with Peggy (Virginia Gardner). Jealous, Leopold throws a bottle of liquor to the floor and storms out of the party. Peggy is startled by the commotion and asks Loeb what's wrong with his friend Leopold. Loeb says that Leopold is just a bit too tightly wound sometimes.
Crime of the Century: Leopold & Loeb - A Plan in Action
Genre: Crime
Executive Producer: Bennett Miller
Writer: Lon Charles
Cast:
Alex Wolff .... Nathan Leopold
Nick Robinson .... Richard Loeb
Joseph Fiennes .... Nathan Leopold (Old)
Gabriel Bateman .... Bobby Franks
Paul Sparks .... Jacob Franks
Kristin Lehman .... Maria Franks
David Arquette .... Detective Gortland
Plot: 1958. The older Nathan Leopold (Joseph Fiennes) gathers his belonging from his prison cell at the Stateville Penitentiary. The guards escort him to the prison's outer gates where a bus is waiting to take him away from the prison. Several reporters and photographers are waiting at the gates to try to secure an interview with Leopold. He walks past them all, trying to ignore their presence. Leopold boards the bus and slumps down in his seat, trying to avoid being seen. The driver asks him if he's some kind of a celebrity, but Leopold tells him that he just wants to get away from the commotion of it all.
1924. Richard Loeb (Nick Robinson) meets Nathan Leopold (Alex Wolff) on the campus of the University of Chicago and tells him that he's ready to step things up a notch and really prove they're supermen. They sit down on an empty park bench and Loeb tells him that he has the whole thing planned out. Leopold is annoyed that Loeb only comes around when he wants something and hasn't come around for a while, but agrees to hear Loeb out. Loeb says he wants to do the plan they previously talked about: kidnapping and murdering a child, making it look like a hostage situation gone wrong. Leopold reminds Loeb that it was his idea to ask for a ransom to throw the cops off the real motive of the crime. Loeb asks Leopold if he's ready to get to work, and Leopold nods his head. They decide on asking for a $10,000 ransom from the parents of the kid they kidnap, meaning they'll have to kidnap a kid from a wealthy neighborhood. Loeb asks how they should set about trying to collect the ransom, and Leopold says they could tell the kid's father to throw the money from a train, pick it up in a car and escape with the cash.
Leopold and Loeb drive around the affluent Kenwood neighborhood looking for potential victims. Leopold drives the car while Loeb tries to convince several different kids to enter the car to no avail. Loeb gets frustrated and tells Leopold to go ahead and start driving away, they'll have to try again some other day. As Leopold starts driving away, Loeb suddenly sees Bobby Franks (Gabriel Bateman), his second cousin, walking on the opposite side of the road. Loeb tells Leopold that Bobby's father is a wealthy businessman who will definitely be able to afford the ransom they'll demand. Loeb tells Leopold to turn the car around and pull up next to Bobby. As Leopold pulls the car up next to Bobby, Loeb sticks his head out the window and shouts out for Bobby's attention. Bobby looks over, and Loeb offers him a ride home. Bobby turns it down, saying he's just a few blocks from home so there'd be no point in a ride. Loeb, remembering that Bobby is a tennis player, tells him that he wants to talk about tennis rackets because he wants to get one for his brother as a present. Bobby shrugs his shoulders and gets into the front passenger seat.
Once he's inside the vehicle, Loeb asks Bobby if he knows Leopold. Bobby shakes his head and says he doesn't recognize him. Bobby turns to face Loeb and begins talking about a tennis match he had the day before. Loeb smiles and banters back and forth with his distant relative. While keeping his eyes on Bobby, Loeb begins feeling around the seat next to him trying to find a chisel he had brought along. Loeb finally finds the chisel and grabs it and waits for Bobby to look away. Leopold turns down a side street, and Bobby faces the front of the car. Loeb reaches over the seat and grabs Bobby from behind and covers his mouth. With his free hand, Loeb begins smashing the back of Bobby's head with with the chisel. Bobby twists around to protect himself from the blows. Loeb starts hitting Bobby in the forehead with the chisel. All the while, Leopold continues to slowly drive down a deserted alleyway. Bobby begins bleeding profusely from his forehead. The blood goes everywhere, spreading across the seat of the rental car, splashing on Leopold, and spilling onto the floor. Loeb expresses frustration that somehow Bobby is still conscious despite the repeated blows to the head with a chisel. Loeb grabs a rag and shoves it down Bobby's throat. He then tapes the boy's mouth shut. Bobby begins to suffocate on the rag, and finally his moans and cries stop, much to the relief of Leopold and Loeb.
Leopold drives the car to a culvert in a remote area several miles south of Chicago. Leopold and Loeb lift the body of Bobby Franks out of the car and ditch it in the culvert. Unbeknownst to Leopold, his glasses fall out of his pocket as they carry the body, falling into a mud puddle near the body. Leopold and Loeb take cleaning supplies out of the trunk of the car and begin cleaning the blood out of the rental car. Once they are satisfied with the cleanliness of the car, the two young men get back inside and drive back to the city. Leopold pulls the car over next to a post box. Loeb addresses the ransom note to Bobby's parents and drops it in the post box. They return the rental car and go lay low at Loeb's house.
The next morning, Bobby's parents Jacob Franks (Paul Sparks) and Maria Franks (Kristin Lehman) open their mail and discover the ransom note. They immediately call the police, and not long later Detective Gortland (David Arquette) arrives at their house. They are panicking and tell the detective that they thought Bobby told them he was staying the night at the house of a tennis teammate, but now they aren't so sure if that was yesterday or if Bobby was asking for today. Gortland is understandably a little frustrated with the family's lack of information regarding their son's disappearance, but he assures them he will do everything in his power to make sure their son is recovered and his kidnappers are brought to justice. Gortland asks Jacob Franks if he has the amount of money requested. Jacob says he does, but that he doesn't understand why he'd need it if the police are involved. Gortland explains that they will try to arrest the culprits as they attempt to recover the ransom from the drop site, but that just in case the criminals manage to get away they prefer that the drop involve real money so that the kidnappers don't kill their hostage. He tells the Franks that if they put fake money in the bag and the kidnappers manage to get away with it, they are almost certain to kill their hostage out of anger. Maria is crying uncontrollably at the thought and orders her husband to get the money together. Jacob sighs and gets on the phone with his bankers.
Genre: Crime
Executive Producer: Bennett Miller
Writer: Lon Charles
Cast:
Alex Wolff .... Nathan Leopold
Nick Robinson .... Richard Loeb
Joseph Fiennes .... Nathan Leopold (Old)
Gabriel Bateman .... Bobby Franks
Paul Sparks .... Jacob Franks
Kristin Lehman .... Maria Franks
David Arquette .... Detective Gortland
Plot: 1958. The older Nathan Leopold (Joseph Fiennes) gathers his belonging from his prison cell at the Stateville Penitentiary. The guards escort him to the prison's outer gates where a bus is waiting to take him away from the prison. Several reporters and photographers are waiting at the gates to try to secure an interview with Leopold. He walks past them all, trying to ignore their presence. Leopold boards the bus and slumps down in his seat, trying to avoid being seen. The driver asks him if he's some kind of a celebrity, but Leopold tells him that he just wants to get away from the commotion of it all.
1924. Richard Loeb (Nick Robinson) meets Nathan Leopold (Alex Wolff) on the campus of the University of Chicago and tells him that he's ready to step things up a notch and really prove they're supermen. They sit down on an empty park bench and Loeb tells him that he has the whole thing planned out. Leopold is annoyed that Loeb only comes around when he wants something and hasn't come around for a while, but agrees to hear Loeb out. Loeb says he wants to do the plan they previously talked about: kidnapping and murdering a child, making it look like a hostage situation gone wrong. Leopold reminds Loeb that it was his idea to ask for a ransom to throw the cops off the real motive of the crime. Loeb asks Leopold if he's ready to get to work, and Leopold nods his head. They decide on asking for a $10,000 ransom from the parents of the kid they kidnap, meaning they'll have to kidnap a kid from a wealthy neighborhood. Loeb asks how they should set about trying to collect the ransom, and Leopold says they could tell the kid's father to throw the money from a train, pick it up in a car and escape with the cash.
Leopold and Loeb drive around the affluent Kenwood neighborhood looking for potential victims. Leopold drives the car while Loeb tries to convince several different kids to enter the car to no avail. Loeb gets frustrated and tells Leopold to go ahead and start driving away, they'll have to try again some other day. As Leopold starts driving away, Loeb suddenly sees Bobby Franks (Gabriel Bateman), his second cousin, walking on the opposite side of the road. Loeb tells Leopold that Bobby's father is a wealthy businessman who will definitely be able to afford the ransom they'll demand. Loeb tells Leopold to turn the car around and pull up next to Bobby. As Leopold pulls the car up next to Bobby, Loeb sticks his head out the window and shouts out for Bobby's attention. Bobby looks over, and Loeb offers him a ride home. Bobby turns it down, saying he's just a few blocks from home so there'd be no point in a ride. Loeb, remembering that Bobby is a tennis player, tells him that he wants to talk about tennis rackets because he wants to get one for his brother as a present. Bobby shrugs his shoulders and gets into the front passenger seat.
Once he's inside the vehicle, Loeb asks Bobby if he knows Leopold. Bobby shakes his head and says he doesn't recognize him. Bobby turns to face Loeb and begins talking about a tennis match he had the day before. Loeb smiles and banters back and forth with his distant relative. While keeping his eyes on Bobby, Loeb begins feeling around the seat next to him trying to find a chisel he had brought along. Loeb finally finds the chisel and grabs it and waits for Bobby to look away. Leopold turns down a side street, and Bobby faces the front of the car. Loeb reaches over the seat and grabs Bobby from behind and covers his mouth. With his free hand, Loeb begins smashing the back of Bobby's head with with the chisel. Bobby twists around to protect himself from the blows. Loeb starts hitting Bobby in the forehead with the chisel. All the while, Leopold continues to slowly drive down a deserted alleyway. Bobby begins bleeding profusely from his forehead. The blood goes everywhere, spreading across the seat of the rental car, splashing on Leopold, and spilling onto the floor. Loeb expresses frustration that somehow Bobby is still conscious despite the repeated blows to the head with a chisel. Loeb grabs a rag and shoves it down Bobby's throat. He then tapes the boy's mouth shut. Bobby begins to suffocate on the rag, and finally his moans and cries stop, much to the relief of Leopold and Loeb.
Leopold drives the car to a culvert in a remote area several miles south of Chicago. Leopold and Loeb lift the body of Bobby Franks out of the car and ditch it in the culvert. Unbeknownst to Leopold, his glasses fall out of his pocket as they carry the body, falling into a mud puddle near the body. Leopold and Loeb take cleaning supplies out of the trunk of the car and begin cleaning the blood out of the rental car. Once they are satisfied with the cleanliness of the car, the two young men get back inside and drive back to the city. Leopold pulls the car over next to a post box. Loeb addresses the ransom note to Bobby's parents and drops it in the post box. They return the rental car and go lay low at Loeb's house.
The next morning, Bobby's parents Jacob Franks (Paul Sparks) and Maria Franks (Kristin Lehman) open their mail and discover the ransom note. They immediately call the police, and not long later Detective Gortland (David Arquette) arrives at their house. They are panicking and tell the detective that they thought Bobby told them he was staying the night at the house of a tennis teammate, but now they aren't so sure if that was yesterday or if Bobby was asking for today. Gortland is understandably a little frustrated with the family's lack of information regarding their son's disappearance, but he assures them he will do everything in his power to make sure their son is recovered and his kidnappers are brought to justice. Gortland asks Jacob Franks if he has the amount of money requested. Jacob says he does, but that he doesn't understand why he'd need it if the police are involved. Gortland explains that they will try to arrest the culprits as they attempt to recover the ransom from the drop site, but that just in case the criminals manage to get away they prefer that the drop involve real money so that the kidnappers don't kill their hostage. He tells the Franks that if they put fake money in the bag and the kidnappers manage to get away with it, they are almost certain to kill their hostage out of anger. Maria is crying uncontrollably at the thought and orders her husband to get the money together. Jacob sighs and gets on the phone with his bankers.
Crime of the Century: Leopold & Loeb - Hinge
Genre: Crime
Executive Producer: Bennett Miller
Writer: Lon Charles
Cast:
Alex Wolff .... Nathan Leopold
Nick Robinson .... Richard Loeb
Joseph Fiennes .... Nathan Leopold (Old)
Paul Sparks .... Jacob Franks
Kristin Lehman .... Maria Franks
Gabriel Bateman .... Bobby Franks
David Arquette .... Detective Gortland
Drew Carey .... Robert Crowe
David Schwimmer .... Albert Loeb
Chris Isaak .... Ezra Thomas
Plot: 1958. Older Nathan Leopold (Joseph Fiennes) rides the bus toward Chicago, free for the first time in over 33 years. When the bus arrives in Chicago, he gets off and looks around. The city is a different beast than it was in 1924. He walks down the only somewhat familiar streets until he gets to the Chicago First Church of the Brethren. Leopold knocks at the door and is welcomed inside by Ezra Thomas (Chris Isaak), leader of the congregation. Thomas tells him that he has a bed made up for him in the back of the church building. Leopold walks to the back of the church and finds small cot with a quilted blanket on top of it. Leopold lays on the cot and closes his eyes.
1924. A group of school children on their way to school cut through a vacant lot along a culvert south of Chicago. One of them slips in mud, and while standing up notices a boy laying in the culvert. He goes over to get a closer look, only to find the dead body of Bobby Franks (Gabriel Bateman). The boys run off to call the police from a nearby payphone. It isn't long before police and press alike have descended on the scene. The press crowds around the body, with the police on the scene struggling to push them back away from potential evidence.
Det. Gortland (David Arquette) is busy prepping a squad to stake out the ransom drop-off area when he is informed that a body matching the description of Bobby Franks is waiting to be identified at the morgue. Gortland heads down to the Franks residence and asks Jacob (Paul Sparks) and Maria Franks (Kristin Lehman) to come downtown with him. When they arrive at the morgue, Jacob and Maria break down crying at the site of their dead son. Gortland takes the parents away from the body and offers to drive them back home. As they walk out to the car they are bombarded by press asking about the dead boy. Gortland is furious that word of Franks' body got out to the press so quickly since the ransom pick-up would have still been the easiest way to capture the suspects if they had not been able to learn that the body was discovered. Gortland apologizes to the Franks, and says that he will do everything in his power to catch those responsible and make them fry for what they've done.
Nathan Leopold (Alex Wolff) is walking toward the Loeb residence when he notices several police cars in the neighborhood. When he finally arrives at his destination he finds Richard Loeb (Nick Robinson) beside himself. He says they're screwed now that the body has been found. Leopold tells Loeb to relax - there isn't any physical evidence tying them to the crime scene. As they start to relax, Loeb comments that he was really looking forward to the ransom collection of their plan. Leopold adds that it would have been a nice way of showing their intellectual superiority over the Franks and the police, but that's not going to happen now. Loeb's father, Albert Loeb (David Schwimmer), walks into the room and asks his son if he heard about his cousin Bobby being killed. Loeb nods his head. Albert begins ranting about what the world has come to where children can't even walk home from school without being abducted and butchered by a madman.
Gortland arrives at the culvert where the body was discovered. Looking around at the scene, he sees that countless police officers and press and god knows who else have trudged through the muddy crime scene, making it completely impossible to discern any possible prints from the murderer. He takes a look at the exact location the body was found, but he realizes pretty quickly that the murder didn't happen in the culvert due to the lack of any signs of a struggle. Gortland gets up and begins walking back toward his car when he notices a pair of glasses in a puddle. He carefully collects the glasses and takes them with him. When Gortland gets back to the station, he finds the state attorney Robert Crowe (Drew Carey) waiting for him. Crowe tells Gortland that the Franks are a fairly important family in this town so it is of the utmost importance that they make swift work of the investigation and put the responsible party behind bars sooner rather than later. Gortland shows Crowe the glasses he found at the dump site, saying it is really the only valuable clue found at the site the body was found at. Crowe notices that the glasses have a unique looking hinge mechanism and comments that he doubts too many people have glasses with such a hinge.
While sharing a bottle of vodka, Leopold and Loeb start talking about potential alibis - just in case. They joke about various possibilities, but ultimately decide to say that they were together and took some girls out on the town. That night, Leopold and Loeb go out into a field and burn everything that could possibly tie them to the murder. They burn the clothes they wore that night. As the fire is raging, Leopold goes to his car and grabs the typewriter they stole from the fraternity house and used to write the ransom note. He drops the typewriter onto the flames. The two young men sit with their bottle of vodka and watch as the typewriter burns and melts in the fire.
Genre: Crime
Executive Producer: Bennett Miller
Writer: Lon Charles
Cast:
Alex Wolff .... Nathan Leopold
Nick Robinson .... Richard Loeb
Joseph Fiennes .... Nathan Leopold (Old)
Paul Sparks .... Jacob Franks
Kristin Lehman .... Maria Franks
Gabriel Bateman .... Bobby Franks
David Arquette .... Detective Gortland
Drew Carey .... Robert Crowe
David Schwimmer .... Albert Loeb
Chris Isaak .... Ezra Thomas
Plot: 1958. Older Nathan Leopold (Joseph Fiennes) rides the bus toward Chicago, free for the first time in over 33 years. When the bus arrives in Chicago, he gets off and looks around. The city is a different beast than it was in 1924. He walks down the only somewhat familiar streets until he gets to the Chicago First Church of the Brethren. Leopold knocks at the door and is welcomed inside by Ezra Thomas (Chris Isaak), leader of the congregation. Thomas tells him that he has a bed made up for him in the back of the church building. Leopold walks to the back of the church and finds small cot with a quilted blanket on top of it. Leopold lays on the cot and closes his eyes.
1924. A group of school children on their way to school cut through a vacant lot along a culvert south of Chicago. One of them slips in mud, and while standing up notices a boy laying in the culvert. He goes over to get a closer look, only to find the dead body of Bobby Franks (Gabriel Bateman). The boys run off to call the police from a nearby payphone. It isn't long before police and press alike have descended on the scene. The press crowds around the body, with the police on the scene struggling to push them back away from potential evidence.
Det. Gortland (David Arquette) is busy prepping a squad to stake out the ransom drop-off area when he is informed that a body matching the description of Bobby Franks is waiting to be identified at the morgue. Gortland heads down to the Franks residence and asks Jacob (Paul Sparks) and Maria Franks (Kristin Lehman) to come downtown with him. When they arrive at the morgue, Jacob and Maria break down crying at the site of their dead son. Gortland takes the parents away from the body and offers to drive them back home. As they walk out to the car they are bombarded by press asking about the dead boy. Gortland is furious that word of Franks' body got out to the press so quickly since the ransom pick-up would have still been the easiest way to capture the suspects if they had not been able to learn that the body was discovered. Gortland apologizes to the Franks, and says that he will do everything in his power to catch those responsible and make them fry for what they've done.
Nathan Leopold (Alex Wolff) is walking toward the Loeb residence when he notices several police cars in the neighborhood. When he finally arrives at his destination he finds Richard Loeb (Nick Robinson) beside himself. He says they're screwed now that the body has been found. Leopold tells Loeb to relax - there isn't any physical evidence tying them to the crime scene. As they start to relax, Loeb comments that he was really looking forward to the ransom collection of their plan. Leopold adds that it would have been a nice way of showing their intellectual superiority over the Franks and the police, but that's not going to happen now. Loeb's father, Albert Loeb (David Schwimmer), walks into the room and asks his son if he heard about his cousin Bobby being killed. Loeb nods his head. Albert begins ranting about what the world has come to where children can't even walk home from school without being abducted and butchered by a madman.
Gortland arrives at the culvert where the body was discovered. Looking around at the scene, he sees that countless police officers and press and god knows who else have trudged through the muddy crime scene, making it completely impossible to discern any possible prints from the murderer. He takes a look at the exact location the body was found, but he realizes pretty quickly that the murder didn't happen in the culvert due to the lack of any signs of a struggle. Gortland gets up and begins walking back toward his car when he notices a pair of glasses in a puddle. He carefully collects the glasses and takes them with him. When Gortland gets back to the station, he finds the state attorney Robert Crowe (Drew Carey) waiting for him. Crowe tells Gortland that the Franks are a fairly important family in this town so it is of the utmost importance that they make swift work of the investigation and put the responsible party behind bars sooner rather than later. Gortland shows Crowe the glasses he found at the dump site, saying it is really the only valuable clue found at the site the body was found at. Crowe notices that the glasses have a unique looking hinge mechanism and comments that he doubts too many people have glasses with such a hinge.
While sharing a bottle of vodka, Leopold and Loeb start talking about potential alibis - just in case. They joke about various possibilities, but ultimately decide to say that they were together and took some girls out on the town. That night, Leopold and Loeb go out into a field and burn everything that could possibly tie them to the murder. They burn the clothes they wore that night. As the fire is raging, Leopold goes to his car and grabs the typewriter they stole from the fraternity house and used to write the ransom note. He drops the typewriter onto the flames. The two young men sit with their bottle of vodka and watch as the typewriter burns and melts in the fire.
Crime of the Century: Leopold & Loeb - Cocky
Genre: Crime
Executive Producer: Bennett Miller
Writer: Lon Charles
Cast:
Alex Wolff .... Nathan Leopold
Nick Robinson .... Richard Loeb
Joseph Fiennes .... Nathan Leopold (Old)
John Lithgow .... Clarence Darrow
David Arquette .... Detective Gortland
Drew Carey .... Robert Crowe
David Schwimmer .... Albert Loeb
Chris Isaak .... Ezra Thomas
Eddie Jemison .... Jacob Loeb
Plot: 1958. Older Nathan Leopold (Joseph Fiennes) wakes up in the back of the church in time for the regular Sunday service led by Ezra Thomas (Chris Isaak). After the service Leopold asks Thomas when he will be able to head down to the organization's Puerto Rico congregation to begin work in their hospital. Thomas tells Leopold that he should have the plane ticket arranged by the end of the week. Leopold nods his head and sits among the pews of the church.
1924. State attorney Robert Crowe (Drew Carey) informs Detective Gortland (David Arquette) that he has discovered that the special hinge on the glasses found at the crime scene has only been purchased by three customers in Chicago - and one of those three is a young man who lives in the same neighborhood as the Franks family. This catches Gortland's attention and he decides to have a word with the young man in question.
When Gortland arrives at the Leopold residence, he is greeted by the family's chauffeur who lets the detective inside and calls for Leopold. When Nathan Leopold (Alex Wolff) comes down the stairs to the foyer and smiles at the detective. Gortland asks where he was the day of the murder, and Leopold asks if he is investigating the Bobby Franks murder. Gortland confirms this, which makes Leopold laugh. Leopold says that he was out with his friend Richard Loeb that night. They went out and picked up a couple girls in his car and drove around most of the night. Gortland asks for the names of the girls, but Leopold admits that they didn't catch the girls' last names. Gortland takes down Loeb's address and thanks Leopold for answering his questions so willingly. Before Gortland leaves, Leopold says that he didn't kill Franks, but if he were to kill anybody, it would be just such a cocky little son of a bitch as Bobby Franks. The comment catches Gortland completely off-guard and he leaves the house. Outside Gortland sees the chauffeur outside working on Leopold's car. Gortland asks him if he can confirm that Leopold took the car out on May 21st. The chauffeur says that would be impossible since he was working on the car that night, so nobody could have been driving it. Gortland begins feverishly writing in his notebook as he walks toward his car. Gortland then goes to the Loeb residence where he is greeted by Albert Loeb (David Schwimmer) and Jacob Loeb (Eddie Jemison). They insist on being present for any conversation Gortland has with Richard Loeb (Nick Robinson). Loeb gives Gortland the same story as Leopold - they took Leopold's car out and fooled around with a couple girls whose last names they didn't catch.
Gortland presents Crowe with what he learned from talking with Leopold and Loeb and tells Crowe that he thinks one of them must have done it based on how they were acting and that their alibi was quickly proven to be a fabrication. Gortland says they should arrest them if for no other reason than Leopold being a creepy little prick. Crowe agrees with Gortland's instincts and tells Gortland to bring both young men down to the station for more formal questioning.
Sitting across from Gortland and Crowe in the interrogation room, Richard Loeb quickly cracks. He insists that Leopold had planned the whole affair and was the one who killed Bobby Franks. Loeb says that he was just the one driving the car. Later, in another interrogation room, Gortland informs Leopold that Loeb has told them that he is the killer of Bobby Franks. Leopold becomes very angry and begins yelling that Loeb is the one who killed the Franks boy and had planned everything. Leopold tries to convince Gortland that he was just tagging along as a sidekick of sorts to Loeb. Gortland asks Leopold why they had killed Franks in the first place. Leopold admits that he and Loeb had discussed what it would be like to kill someone. He goes on to say that they felt that a thirst for knowledge is highly commendable, no matter what extreme pain or injury it may inflict on others. Gortland looks over at Crowe and asks if he understands what the hell Leopold is talking about.
Leopold and Loeb are formally arrested and charged with the kidnap and murder of Bobby Franks. Crowe boasts to the press when announcing their arrest and confession that it would be the most complete case he has ever presented to a jury. Albert Loeb goes to the office of famed lawyer Clarence Darrow (John Lithgow). Albert asks Darrow if he's heard the news about his son Richard. Darrow confirms he has and it isn't pretty in the least. Loeb asks Darrow if he would be willing to represent Richard in the trial. Darrow says he doesn't work cheap, and Albert insists that money is no object in this matter. Albert and Darrow head to the jail to talk with Richard, who insists that any lawyer has to also represent Leopold in the case. Darrow says they have a lot of work to do since Leopold and Loeb did themselves no favors in their interactions with the police.
Genre: Crime
Executive Producer: Bennett Miller
Writer: Lon Charles
Cast:
Alex Wolff .... Nathan Leopold
Nick Robinson .... Richard Loeb
Joseph Fiennes .... Nathan Leopold (Old)
John Lithgow .... Clarence Darrow
David Arquette .... Detective Gortland
Drew Carey .... Robert Crowe
David Schwimmer .... Albert Loeb
Chris Isaak .... Ezra Thomas
Eddie Jemison .... Jacob Loeb
Plot: 1958. Older Nathan Leopold (Joseph Fiennes) wakes up in the back of the church in time for the regular Sunday service led by Ezra Thomas (Chris Isaak). After the service Leopold asks Thomas when he will be able to head down to the organization's Puerto Rico congregation to begin work in their hospital. Thomas tells Leopold that he should have the plane ticket arranged by the end of the week. Leopold nods his head and sits among the pews of the church.
1924. State attorney Robert Crowe (Drew Carey) informs Detective Gortland (David Arquette) that he has discovered that the special hinge on the glasses found at the crime scene has only been purchased by three customers in Chicago - and one of those three is a young man who lives in the same neighborhood as the Franks family. This catches Gortland's attention and he decides to have a word with the young man in question.
When Gortland arrives at the Leopold residence, he is greeted by the family's chauffeur who lets the detective inside and calls for Leopold. When Nathan Leopold (Alex Wolff) comes down the stairs to the foyer and smiles at the detective. Gortland asks where he was the day of the murder, and Leopold asks if he is investigating the Bobby Franks murder. Gortland confirms this, which makes Leopold laugh. Leopold says that he was out with his friend Richard Loeb that night. They went out and picked up a couple girls in his car and drove around most of the night. Gortland asks for the names of the girls, but Leopold admits that they didn't catch the girls' last names. Gortland takes down Loeb's address and thanks Leopold for answering his questions so willingly. Before Gortland leaves, Leopold says that he didn't kill Franks, but if he were to kill anybody, it would be just such a cocky little son of a bitch as Bobby Franks. The comment catches Gortland completely off-guard and he leaves the house. Outside Gortland sees the chauffeur outside working on Leopold's car. Gortland asks him if he can confirm that Leopold took the car out on May 21st. The chauffeur says that would be impossible since he was working on the car that night, so nobody could have been driving it. Gortland begins feverishly writing in his notebook as he walks toward his car. Gortland then goes to the Loeb residence where he is greeted by Albert Loeb (David Schwimmer) and Jacob Loeb (Eddie Jemison). They insist on being present for any conversation Gortland has with Richard Loeb (Nick Robinson). Loeb gives Gortland the same story as Leopold - they took Leopold's car out and fooled around with a couple girls whose last names they didn't catch.
Gortland presents Crowe with what he learned from talking with Leopold and Loeb and tells Crowe that he thinks one of them must have done it based on how they were acting and that their alibi was quickly proven to be a fabrication. Gortland says they should arrest them if for no other reason than Leopold being a creepy little prick. Crowe agrees with Gortland's instincts and tells Gortland to bring both young men down to the station for more formal questioning.
Sitting across from Gortland and Crowe in the interrogation room, Richard Loeb quickly cracks. He insists that Leopold had planned the whole affair and was the one who killed Bobby Franks. Loeb says that he was just the one driving the car. Later, in another interrogation room, Gortland informs Leopold that Loeb has told them that he is the killer of Bobby Franks. Leopold becomes very angry and begins yelling that Loeb is the one who killed the Franks boy and had planned everything. Leopold tries to convince Gortland that he was just tagging along as a sidekick of sorts to Loeb. Gortland asks Leopold why they had killed Franks in the first place. Leopold admits that he and Loeb had discussed what it would be like to kill someone. He goes on to say that they felt that a thirst for knowledge is highly commendable, no matter what extreme pain or injury it may inflict on others. Gortland looks over at Crowe and asks if he understands what the hell Leopold is talking about.
Leopold and Loeb are formally arrested and charged with the kidnap and murder of Bobby Franks. Crowe boasts to the press when announcing their arrest and confession that it would be the most complete case he has ever presented to a jury. Albert Loeb goes to the office of famed lawyer Clarence Darrow (John Lithgow). Albert asks Darrow if he's heard the news about his son Richard. Darrow confirms he has and it isn't pretty in the least. Loeb asks Darrow if he would be willing to represent Richard in the trial. Darrow says he doesn't work cheap, and Albert insists that money is no object in this matter. Albert and Darrow head to the jail to talk with Richard, who insists that any lawyer has to also represent Leopold in the case. Darrow says they have a lot of work to do since Leopold and Loeb did themselves no favors in their interactions with the police.
Crime of the Century: Leopold & Loeb - Trials and Tribulations
Genre: Crime
Executive Producer: Bennett Miller
Writer: Lon Charles
Cast:
Alex Wolff .... Nathan Leopold
Nick Robinson .... Richard Loeb
Joseph Fiennes .... Nathan Leopold (Old)
John Lithgow .... Clarence Darrow
David Arquette .... Detective Gortland
Drew Carey .... Robert Crowe
David Schwimmer .... Albert Loeb
Blake Jenner .... Allan Loeb
Eddie Jemison .... Jacob Loeb
Robert John Burke .... Judge Caverly
Plot: 1958. Older Nathan Leopold (Joseph Fiennes) gets off a plane in sunny Adjuntas, Puerto Rico. The colors and sunshine are a shocking contrast the dreary tones of Stateville Penitentiary and of the cold and the wind of Chicago. For the first time since in a long time, Leopold manages a smile. When he arrives at the Castañer General Hospital, run by the Church of the Brethren, he is led to the x-ray examination area where he will be working. Leopold introduces himself to his new co-workers as Nate.
1924. Clarence Darrow (John Lithgow) sits across from Nathan Leopold (Alex Wolff) and Richard Loeb (Nick Robinson). Darrow informs the two young murderers that the state will do everything in their power to have them executed for the crimes they've been charged with. Leopold and Loeb are surprised by this. Darrow adds that since they both confessed to the murder, they aren't left with a whole lot of viable defenses. He explains to them that a victory in the trial will simply be the avoidance of hanging or the electric chair. Life in prison is the best case scenario, but a jury will definitely want to see them executed as well. Leopold asks if the plan is an insanity defense, but Darrow says no. Their best bet is to plead guilty. This makes Loeb angry, but Darrow asks if Loeb wants to die. Loeb sits down and shakes his head no. Darrow tells the two young men that if they let him do his job they won't be killed.
The night before the trial is set to begin, Albert Loeb (David Schwimmer) has a heart attack. His wife Anna Loeb (Jorja Fox) quickly contacts an ambulance and has him rushed to the hospital. While laying in a hospital bed with his family all around visiting him, Albert asks to speak to his brother Jacob Loeb (Eddie Jemison) and son Allan Loeb (Blake Jenner) alone. Albert confides in them that he is going to need them to keep an eye on Richard and keep him posted on the trial while he's stuck in the hospital or at home since the doctors don't want him to deal with the stress of a trial. Jacob and Allan agree to Albert's request.
The trial begins and is presided over by Judge Caverly (Robert John Burke). When the judge asks Darrow how the defendants plea, Darrow announces that they have elected to enter a plea of guilty. The entire courtroom is shocked, even state attorney Robert Crowe (Drew Carey). Darrow asks that in return for the plea of guilty that the state considers the sentence of life imprisonment for his clients. Crowe seems particularly offended by this notion. He argues that the defendants committed a horrifically brutal crime. The murder rate in Chicago is higher than ever, yet Darrow wants to do away with punishment. Crowe argues that criminals are fully responsibly for their actions and should be treated as such. He informs Darrow and Judge Caverly that despite the guilty plea, that he and his office will still be seeking capital punishment in the case. As court adjourns for the day, Crowe leaves the courtroom still furious about the guilty plea since it will keep a jury out of the trial. As Darrow is gathering his things, Leopold asks him when he and Loeb will get to go on the stand. Darrow says that is the worst thing they could possibly do. He needs Leopold and Loeb to sit next to him quietly without hurting the case.
As the trial wages on, Darrow argues that crime is a medical problem. Crowe and Judge Caverly are both confused by this statement. Darrow continues on that any one who would commit such a murder, which his clients have already admitted responsibility for, would have any number of mental illnesses. He asserts that the courts should be determining a proper course of medical treatment for such criminals rather than simply putting them down via execution. Darrow calls up several psychiatrists to the stand to help prove his point, but then Crowe calls up his own psychiatrists to the stand who contradict Darrow's experts and leave Judge Caverly scratching his head in confusion, along with everyone in the audience including Jacob and Allan Loeb. Allan asks his uncle who he thinks is winning in the trial, and Jacob says that he isn't sure if either of the sides are winning - they're just confusing everyone at this point.
For his closing argument, Clarence Darrow gives an impassioned plea against capital punishment. He talks about how inhuman the methods used are. He adds that he sees no point in the destruction of the two young boys on trial. Sure, they murdered a child, but they are barely more than children themselves. Between their privileged upbringing and their constant scholarly pursuits they've never been given the chance to grow into men. He tells Judge Caverly that he admittedly isn't sure how much can be salvaged of Leopold and Loeb, but that the purpose of the courts is to see to the welfare of the community. He argues that the community would not benefit said community and implores the courts to temper justice with mercy and to overcome hate with love. Crowe takes a look at his watch. Darrow finishes his plea and apologizes for going on so long.
Genre: Crime
Executive Producer: Bennett Miller
Writer: Lon Charles
Cast:
Alex Wolff .... Nathan Leopold
Nick Robinson .... Richard Loeb
Joseph Fiennes .... Nathan Leopold (Old)
John Lithgow .... Clarence Darrow
David Arquette .... Detective Gortland
Drew Carey .... Robert Crowe
David Schwimmer .... Albert Loeb
Blake Jenner .... Allan Loeb
Eddie Jemison .... Jacob Loeb
Robert John Burke .... Judge Caverly
Plot: 1958. Older Nathan Leopold (Joseph Fiennes) gets off a plane in sunny Adjuntas, Puerto Rico. The colors and sunshine are a shocking contrast the dreary tones of Stateville Penitentiary and of the cold and the wind of Chicago. For the first time since in a long time, Leopold manages a smile. When he arrives at the Castañer General Hospital, run by the Church of the Brethren, he is led to the x-ray examination area where he will be working. Leopold introduces himself to his new co-workers as Nate.
1924. Clarence Darrow (John Lithgow) sits across from Nathan Leopold (Alex Wolff) and Richard Loeb (Nick Robinson). Darrow informs the two young murderers that the state will do everything in their power to have them executed for the crimes they've been charged with. Leopold and Loeb are surprised by this. Darrow adds that since they both confessed to the murder, they aren't left with a whole lot of viable defenses. He explains to them that a victory in the trial will simply be the avoidance of hanging or the electric chair. Life in prison is the best case scenario, but a jury will definitely want to see them executed as well. Leopold asks if the plan is an insanity defense, but Darrow says no. Their best bet is to plead guilty. This makes Loeb angry, but Darrow asks if Loeb wants to die. Loeb sits down and shakes his head no. Darrow tells the two young men that if they let him do his job they won't be killed.
The night before the trial is set to begin, Albert Loeb (David Schwimmer) has a heart attack. His wife Anna Loeb (Jorja Fox) quickly contacts an ambulance and has him rushed to the hospital. While laying in a hospital bed with his family all around visiting him, Albert asks to speak to his brother Jacob Loeb (Eddie Jemison) and son Allan Loeb (Blake Jenner) alone. Albert confides in them that he is going to need them to keep an eye on Richard and keep him posted on the trial while he's stuck in the hospital or at home since the doctors don't want him to deal with the stress of a trial. Jacob and Allan agree to Albert's request.
The trial begins and is presided over by Judge Caverly (Robert John Burke). When the judge asks Darrow how the defendants plea, Darrow announces that they have elected to enter a plea of guilty. The entire courtroom is shocked, even state attorney Robert Crowe (Drew Carey). Darrow asks that in return for the plea of guilty that the state considers the sentence of life imprisonment for his clients. Crowe seems particularly offended by this notion. He argues that the defendants committed a horrifically brutal crime. The murder rate in Chicago is higher than ever, yet Darrow wants to do away with punishment. Crowe argues that criminals are fully responsibly for their actions and should be treated as such. He informs Darrow and Judge Caverly that despite the guilty plea, that he and his office will still be seeking capital punishment in the case. As court adjourns for the day, Crowe leaves the courtroom still furious about the guilty plea since it will keep a jury out of the trial. As Darrow is gathering his things, Leopold asks him when he and Loeb will get to go on the stand. Darrow says that is the worst thing they could possibly do. He needs Leopold and Loeb to sit next to him quietly without hurting the case.
As the trial wages on, Darrow argues that crime is a medical problem. Crowe and Judge Caverly are both confused by this statement. Darrow continues on that any one who would commit such a murder, which his clients have already admitted responsibility for, would have any number of mental illnesses. He asserts that the courts should be determining a proper course of medical treatment for such criminals rather than simply putting them down via execution. Darrow calls up several psychiatrists to the stand to help prove his point, but then Crowe calls up his own psychiatrists to the stand who contradict Darrow's experts and leave Judge Caverly scratching his head in confusion, along with everyone in the audience including Jacob and Allan Loeb. Allan asks his uncle who he thinks is winning in the trial, and Jacob says that he isn't sure if either of the sides are winning - they're just confusing everyone at this point.
For his closing argument, Clarence Darrow gives an impassioned plea against capital punishment. He talks about how inhuman the methods used are. He adds that he sees no point in the destruction of the two young boys on trial. Sure, they murdered a child, but they are barely more than children themselves. Between their privileged upbringing and their constant scholarly pursuits they've never been given the chance to grow into men. He tells Judge Caverly that he admittedly isn't sure how much can be salvaged of Leopold and Loeb, but that the purpose of the courts is to see to the welfare of the community. He argues that the community would not benefit said community and implores the courts to temper justice with mercy and to overcome hate with love. Crowe takes a look at his watch. Darrow finishes his plea and apologizes for going on so long.
Crime of the Century: Leopold & Loeb - The Rest of Their Lives
Genre: Crime
Executive Producer: Bennett Miller
Writer: Lon Charles
Cast:
Alex Wolff .... Nathan Leopold
Nick Robinson .... Richard Loeb
Joseph Fiennes .... Nathan Leopold (Old)
John Lithgow .... Clarence Darrow
Drew Carey .... Robert Crowe
Robert John Burke .... Judge Caverly
James Ransone .... James Day
Patricia Velasquez .... Gertrude
Plot: 1924. Nathan Leopold (Alex Wolff) and Richard Loeb (Nick Robinson) sit beside their attorney Clarence Darrow (John Lithgow). On the other side of the courtroom sits state attorney Robert Crowe (Drew Carey). All the parties are awaiting the return of the judge. Everybody is ordered to rise as Judge Caverly (Robert John Burke) returns to the courtroom to read his ruling. He tells everyone to have a seat. He thanks Darrow for his impassioned speech, but says that ultimately his ruling came down to past precedent and the age of the defendants. Everyone is on the edge of their seats as Judge Caverly announces that he is sentencing Leopold and Loeb to life in prison. Darrow holds his hand out to shake Crowe's hand, but Crowe quickly shuffles past Darrow and out of the courtroom. Even though they won and won't be executed, Leopold and Loeb find little reason to be excited with the outcome.
Outside of the courthouse, Crowe is accosted by reporters asking for a statement on the outcome. Crowe, clearly angry, calls Leopold and Loeb degenerates of the worst type. They felt they were above the law and today they proved that they indeed are above the law of man and the law of God. He tells the reporters that it is unfortunate for the welfare of the community, to use Darrow's words, that they were not sentenced to death.
Leopold and Loeb are both taken into custody for transfer to Joliet Prison. The guards make an active effort to try to keep the two away from each other, but much like they were before prison Leopold and Loeb prove inseparable. One day, Loeb asks Leopold to admit that he was the one who killed Bobby Franks. Leopold asks why he would do something like that, and Loeb says that his mother hasn't spoken to him since before the trial and he thinks it would give her some emotional relief. Leopold refuses, which angers Loeb. Not too long later, Leopold is transferred to Stateville Penitentiary.
1936. Prison life has begun to wear away at Richard Loeb's youthful good looks. One day he is in the shower when he is propositioned by another inmate, James Day (James Ransone). Loeb kisses Day, but when Day wants more Loeb is reluctant. Day tries to force Loeb to perform oral sex on him. Loeb refuses and Day begins beating Loeb. With Loeb on the ground, Day pulls out a straight razor and offers Loeb one more chance to do the right thing. When Loeb doesn't immediately get up, Day begins slashing and stabbing Loeb with the razor. Day then exits the showers, leaving Loeb bloody and lifeless on the floor.
1963. Older Nathan Leopold (Joseph Fiennes) has been living in Puerto Rico for years now and he looks tanner and healthier than when he first arrived. He looks full of life. He has begun a relationship with a widow named Gertrude (Patricia Velasquez). One day they are walking along the beach when Gertrude points out some birds off in some trees. Leopold begins telling her all about the particular species of birds. Gertrude is impressed with his knowledge and he explains that he used to be quite the birdwatcher back in his youth. She once again expresses how impressed she is, but Leopold downplays it as a silly youthful hobby. She suggests he write a book about the birds that live in Puerto Rico. Leopold tries to playfully reject the idea, but he admits that such a book would be intriguing.
Older Nathan Leopold travels back to Chicago for the first time since he left for Puerto Rico. He walks through the old South Side neighborhood near the university. He stops by a florist and purchases some flowers. He then walks to the cemetery. He walks through all the graves until he finds what he was looking for. He stops and places the flowers on the graves of his mother Anna Loeb, father Albert Loeb and brother Allan Loeb. He walks over by the grave of Bobby Franks. Leopold hesitates for a moment, but ultimately decides not to stop.
Genre: Crime
Executive Producer: Bennett Miller
Writer: Lon Charles
Cast:
Alex Wolff .... Nathan Leopold
Nick Robinson .... Richard Loeb
Joseph Fiennes .... Nathan Leopold (Old)
John Lithgow .... Clarence Darrow
Drew Carey .... Robert Crowe
Robert John Burke .... Judge Caverly
James Ransone .... James Day
Patricia Velasquez .... Gertrude
Plot: 1924. Nathan Leopold (Alex Wolff) and Richard Loeb (Nick Robinson) sit beside their attorney Clarence Darrow (John Lithgow). On the other side of the courtroom sits state attorney Robert Crowe (Drew Carey). All the parties are awaiting the return of the judge. Everybody is ordered to rise as Judge Caverly (Robert John Burke) returns to the courtroom to read his ruling. He tells everyone to have a seat. He thanks Darrow for his impassioned speech, but says that ultimately his ruling came down to past precedent and the age of the defendants. Everyone is on the edge of their seats as Judge Caverly announces that he is sentencing Leopold and Loeb to life in prison. Darrow holds his hand out to shake Crowe's hand, but Crowe quickly shuffles past Darrow and out of the courtroom. Even though they won and won't be executed, Leopold and Loeb find little reason to be excited with the outcome.
Outside of the courthouse, Crowe is accosted by reporters asking for a statement on the outcome. Crowe, clearly angry, calls Leopold and Loeb degenerates of the worst type. They felt they were above the law and today they proved that they indeed are above the law of man and the law of God. He tells the reporters that it is unfortunate for the welfare of the community, to use Darrow's words, that they were not sentenced to death.
Leopold and Loeb are both taken into custody for transfer to Joliet Prison. The guards make an active effort to try to keep the two away from each other, but much like they were before prison Leopold and Loeb prove inseparable. One day, Loeb asks Leopold to admit that he was the one who killed Bobby Franks. Leopold asks why he would do something like that, and Loeb says that his mother hasn't spoken to him since before the trial and he thinks it would give her some emotional relief. Leopold refuses, which angers Loeb. Not too long later, Leopold is transferred to Stateville Penitentiary.
1936. Prison life has begun to wear away at Richard Loeb's youthful good looks. One day he is in the shower when he is propositioned by another inmate, James Day (James Ransone). Loeb kisses Day, but when Day wants more Loeb is reluctant. Day tries to force Loeb to perform oral sex on him. Loeb refuses and Day begins beating Loeb. With Loeb on the ground, Day pulls out a straight razor and offers Loeb one more chance to do the right thing. When Loeb doesn't immediately get up, Day begins slashing and stabbing Loeb with the razor. Day then exits the showers, leaving Loeb bloody and lifeless on the floor.
1963. Older Nathan Leopold (Joseph Fiennes) has been living in Puerto Rico for years now and he looks tanner and healthier than when he first arrived. He looks full of life. He has begun a relationship with a widow named Gertrude (Patricia Velasquez). One day they are walking along the beach when Gertrude points out some birds off in some trees. Leopold begins telling her all about the particular species of birds. Gertrude is impressed with his knowledge and he explains that he used to be quite the birdwatcher back in his youth. She once again expresses how impressed she is, but Leopold downplays it as a silly youthful hobby. She suggests he write a book about the birds that live in Puerto Rico. Leopold tries to playfully reject the idea, but he admits that such a book would be intriguing.
Older Nathan Leopold travels back to Chicago for the first time since he left for Puerto Rico. He walks through the old South Side neighborhood near the university. He stops by a florist and purchases some flowers. He then walks to the cemetery. He walks through all the graves until he finds what he was looking for. He stops and places the flowers on the graves of his mother Anna Loeb, father Albert Loeb and brother Allan Loeb. He walks over by the grave of Bobby Franks. Leopold hesitates for a moment, but ultimately decides not to stop.