The Boston Strangler (film) and prosecution of De Salvo." The Boston Strangler (film) The Boston Strangler is a 1968 American neo-noir film loosely based on the true story of the Boston Strangler and the book by Gerold Frank. It was directed by Richard Fleischer, and stars Tony Curtis as Albert DeSalvo, the strangler, and Henry Fonda as John S. Bottomly, the chief detective who came to fame for obtaining DeSalvo's confession. Curtis was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for his performance. The cast also featured George Kennedy and the film debut of Sally Kellerman. After three murders of elderly women, with all victims
The Boston Strangler (film) defense counsel, that none of what comes to light is admissible in court, Bottomly is allowed a final round of interviews with DeSalvo. After several sessions, Bottomly manages to reveal DeSalvo's hidden personality to himself. Reeling from the shock, DeSalvo slips into a catatonic state. Film rights to Frank's book were bought for $250,000. Terence Rattigan was hired to do the script but the producer was unhappy with it. Edward Anhalt was then brought in. Film critic Roger Ebert gave three stars out of four but criticized the film's content: ""The Boston Strangler" requires a judgment not only on the