The True Story Behind the Hulu Documentary The Jewel Thief

Murder Files Unsealed

The Jewel Thief, a documentary set to premiere on Hulu on July 13, explores the life of Gerald Blanchard, who was once referred to as the world’s most ingenious thief. The film not only recounts Blanchard’s infamous crown jewel heist but also reveals the intricate web of his criminal activities that spanned decades and the detectives who ultimately apprehended him.
Filmmaker Landon Van Soest first became aware of Blanchard in 2007, when he gained national attention for returning the Sisi Star, an Austrian crown jewel he had stolen in 1998. In creating the documentary, Van Soest aimed to uncover the deeper narrative surrounding Blanchard and his illicit endeavors. As I investigated further, I realized that the jewel was merely the tip of the iceberg, revealing a lifetime filled with criminal obsession and ambition, he shared with TIME. He continually escalated to larger, more intricate, and more elaborate heists.
Blanchard, who features in the documentary, expresses pride in his controversial journey. My story is likely very captivating because many people wish they could accomplish what I have, he states in the film. As children, people fantasize about robbing banks. I believe it is a dream that most individuals harbor, yet few have acted upon it as I have.