At least one reviewer here states the film is not totally accurate in its presentation of the Barbara Graham story. (As if Hollywood ever got history correct.)
Though the reviewer did not mention this particular example, in the movie Graham categorically tells jailers that she never used drugs, but the reviewer claims she was, or had been, addicted to heroin.
Even heroin addiction, though, is not conclusive evidence, or evidence of any kind, that Graham was involved in the murder.
Worse, Graham is conned by her cell-mate into hiring the services of a man who, she says, will testify Graham was with him the night of the killing. He comes to the jail, insists on knowing where she really was, and also cons her into saying, reluctantly, that she actually did the murder.
Most likely today that would be thrown out, simply because case after case has shown such "confessions" in jail are just not true.
"I Want To Live" is, of course, told from the viewpoint of Graham and her insistence on her innocence. Apparently in real life there was enough doubt that the horror, the sheer barbarism of capital punishment should not have been inflicted.
I know two people sentenced to life without parole, on "evidence" that is purely circumstantial, with not one shred of solid evidence.
The so-called "evidence" was a lot of gossip, some just plain lies. In fact, some of the "witnesses" actually received the household goods -- such as the expensive refrigerator -- and even the children of the accused woman. No conflict of interest there!
At least they are still alive, although living in a cage would not be "alive" to me. Last I heard, they are not being allowed any more appeals, despite new evidence.
Our whole alleged "justice" system is badly flawed. Badly. And the killing of fellow human beings by government should be completely ended immediately.
For now, try to watch this excellent production. Susan Hayward gave one of her best performances. She was surrounded by some of the best actors in Hollywood, even if they seldom got the raves they deserve.
Though the reviewer did not mention this particular example, in the movie Graham categorically tells jailers that she never used drugs, but the reviewer claims she was, or had been, addicted to heroin.
Even heroin addiction, though, is not conclusive evidence, or evidence of any kind, that Graham was involved in the murder.
Worse, Graham is conned by her cell-mate into hiring the services of a man who, she says, will testify Graham was with him the night of the killing. He comes to the jail, insists on knowing where she really was, and also cons her into saying, reluctantly, that she actually did the murder.
Most likely today that would be thrown out, simply because case after case has shown such "confessions" in jail are just not true.
"I Want To Live" is, of course, told from the viewpoint of Graham and her insistence on her innocence. Apparently in real life there was enough doubt that the horror, the sheer barbarism of capital punishment should not have been inflicted.
I know two people sentenced to life without parole, on "evidence" that is purely circumstantial, with not one shred of solid evidence.
The so-called "evidence" was a lot of gossip, some just plain lies. In fact, some of the "witnesses" actually received the household goods -- such as the expensive refrigerator -- and even the children of the accused woman. No conflict of interest there!
At least they are still alive, although living in a cage would not be "alive" to me. Last I heard, they are not being allowed any more appeals, despite new evidence.
Our whole alleged "justice" system is badly flawed. Badly. And the killing of fellow human beings by government should be completely ended immediately.
For now, try to watch this excellent production. Susan Hayward gave one of her best performances. She was surrounded by some of the best actors in Hollywood, even if they seldom got the raves they deserve.