In this collection of essays, true-crime historian Schechter reveals the real-life stories behind classic movies.
Chicago's Jazz Age crime of passion; the fatal hookup in Looking for Mr. Goodbar; the high school horrors committed by the costumed slasher in Scream. These and other cinematic crimes have become part of pop-culture history-- but found inspiration in true events. Schechter explores the real-life headline-making psychos, serial murderers, thrill-hungry couples, and lady-killers who inspired a century of classic films. Take a trip down the crossroads of fact and fiction, and discover the sensational real-life stories that are more shocking, taboo, and fantastic than even the most imaginative screenwriter can dream up. -- adapted from jacket