An American Crime (2007)

Catherine Keener: Gertrude Baniszewski

Photos 

Quotes 

• Gertrude Baniszewski : There are things in life we have to do, whether we like it or not.

• Leroy K. New : Are you scared?

  Gertrude Baniszewski : I've been scared about a lot of things for a long time.

• Gertrude Baniszewski : You know what it's like to be sick, Sylvia. I've been sick for so long, too. I can't... discipline my kids they was I should. I punish them I know, but... sometimes with my medicine I gets so I don't know what I'm doing.

  [begins to cry] 

  Gertrude Baniszewski : And I care for them so much. Paula, the thing is... Paula's a lot like me. I had her when I was just about your age. Then Stephanie. Then all the others. Then John left... And here I am on medicine, doing whatever 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...

  [cries] 

  Gertrude Baniszewski : Do you understand that? You kids... you're all I've got... Thank you, Sylvia. Thank you for understanding, thank you.

• Gertrude Baniszewski : [preparing to write the tattoo onto Sylvia's belly]  Ricky... she came back from juvenile! Started stirring up trouble again... Johnny hold her!

  Sylvia Likens : No, please, please!

  Gertrude Baniszewski : Keep her still!

  Marie Baniszewski : If you move, it'll only be messy.

  Gertrude Baniszewski : [gives Marie a lighter and a safety pin]  Light that.

  Sylvia Likens : No! No! No! Please! No! No! Please! Please!

  Gertrude Baniszewski : Stop it!

  Shirley Baniszewski : You got it right, mama?

  Gertrude Baniszewski : Make sure it's hot!

  Sylvia Likens : I'm sorry! I'm sorry!

  Gertrude Baniszewski : You liar!

  Sylvia Likens : Please stop, please no! Please!

  [Marie gives Gertrude the safety pin] 

  Gertrude Baniszewski : You branded my daughters... now I have to brand you.

• Gertrude Baniszewski : Who's in charge here?

  Johnny Baniszewski : You are, mama.