Touhy Killing
Identifier
F.2012-03-0081
Date Of Production
1959
Abstract
Newsreel footage from three different news stories regarding the release and subsequent death of Roger Touhy, an Irish-American mob boss from Chicago who was imprisoned at Stateville Prison for 26 years. Touhy and his bodyguard were gunned down by mob hit men on December 16, 1959, 22 days after his release from prison.
Description
The film begins with black-and-white footage of news reporters discussing the parole of convicted child murderer Nathan Leopold, Jr., who was released the same day as Touhy. Followed by a news conference with Touhy and the warden of Statesville Prison, who discuss Touhy's behavior as a prisoner. A man then reads a statement from Leopold. Silent footage of Touhy holding his autobiography, The Stolen Years, which was released that fall.
This is followed by silent footage of newspaper headlines announcing Touhy's death, including one from the Chicago Sun-Times that reads "TOUHY SLAIN - Ex-Cop Shot In Ambush - 2 GUNMEN ESCAPE." Silent footage of the scene of the murder at 125 N. Lotus Avenue. Shot of a bloody staircase followed by footage of police investigating the area. Silent footage inside a morgue, including a shot of a body, presumably Touhy's, under a sheet. A man is interviewed about why he thinks Touhy was murdered. Footage in a police station, and an interview with a detective describing the crime. More silent footage of detectives at the scene of the murder. A large crowd at the Coroner's Inquest Room as men answer questions from reporters.
This is followed by silent footage of newspaper headlines announcing Touhy's death, including one from the Chicago Sun-Times that reads "TOUHY SLAIN - Ex-Cop Shot In Ambush - 2 GUNMEN ESCAPE." Silent footage of the scene of the murder at 125 N. Lotus Avenue. Shot of a bloody staircase followed by footage of police investigating the area. Silent footage inside a morgue, including a shot of a body, presumably Touhy's, under a sheet. A man is interviewed about why he thinks Touhy was murdered. Footage in a police station, and an interview with a detective describing the crime. More silent footage of detectives at the scene of the murder. A large crowd at the Coroner's Inquest Room as men answer questions from reporters.
Run Time
8 min 24 sec
Format
16mm
Extent
300 feet
Color
B&W
Sound
Optical
Reel/Tape Number
1/1
Has Been Digitized?
Yes
Language Of Materials
English
Element
Print
Genre
Form
Subject
Related Collections
Related Places
Distributor
Main Credits
Koza, Frank (is filmmaker)
Participants And Performers
Touhy, Roger (is participant)
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