The Witness and the History of 911 - CB - S1E25

Cinematic Brotastic Movie Podcast

Stumbling across an article about the history of 911, Andrew discovered an eye opening documentary about the infamous murder of Kitty Genovese in 1964. Is it true that over 30 witnesses to a heinous crime saw and yet did nothing? Is this film biased from the perspective of the brother left behind? Listen in and find out? The Witness (2015) is a documentary directed by James Solomon. It follows William Genovese, the younger brother of the victim of one of the most studied murders in recent American history. He sorts through court documents and police records over 50 years old to discover that all the reports from newspapers about the 38 witnesses who did nothing, may not be entirely true. Philip and Andrew discuss their thoughts on the documentary and its presentation. Both are shocked by multiple reveals about possible faulty reporting by esteemed journalists and witnesses saying they made multiple calls to the police. The film barely mentions that the murder of Kitty Genovese helped in the birth of the 911 emergency system. however, since the documentary was discovered while reading an article about 911's history, Philip and Andrew talk briefly about how the idea of 911 was around in the late 1950's, but didn't go into effect until 1968. It is believed that the shock of 38 witnesses not calling the police, pushed the agenda to get 911 out there. Landline 911 calls immediately inform the dispatcher who is calling and from where, but cell phones don't. Facebook and Google can locate a user's phone with high degrees of accuracy, yet 911 can't. Philip and Andrew both go into personal accounts where they called 911 from their cell phone and had difficulty getting authorities to their location because of circumstances beyond their control. Until next time, we'll see you at the movies. And don't forget to check your ticket stubs.