The fate of Christine Collins

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I’ve had several emails this weekend asking about the fate of Christine Collins’ the real life woman played by Angelina Jolie in Clint Eastwood’s “The Changeling.”

Perhaps the best answer is on Roxanne Adam’s blog, “Dispatch from the Third World of Los Angeles.” Adams came across some records that indicate a Christine M. Collins died in 1996 in a tiny East Bay community. Here’s a portion of the entry:

One Christine M. Collins, born on April 24th 1900, died in 1996 in Lafeyette, a city located in Contra Costa County, California; this is the only official public record I could find. Since her son was nine years old when he disappeared in 1928, it’s entirely reasonable that she was born in 1901.

And the photo caption:

Walter Collins’ mother, Mrs. Christine Collins, who confronted Gordon Northcott in jail concerning her son. “I did not kill Walter,” he told her. “I believe you,” she replied. Later, when Arthur Hutchens claimed to be her son and she did not accept him, she was sent to a psychopathic ward. She later filed suit against the police for this action.

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300 thoughts on “The fate of Christine Collins

  1. You have it inncorrect. She was sent to psycho ward after refusing the boy, BEFORE the ranch and murders were discovered.

  2. The 1920 Federal census lists Christine Collins with husband Conrad J Collins and 3 yr old son Walter.
    Home was 1110 Second Avenue, Venice township, Los Angeles, California. She reported her age as 29 and is listed as having no occupation.

    In the 1930 census, Christine I. Collins is listed as a roomer at 2614 N. Griffin Ave, Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, California. She reported her age as 37 and occupation was supervisor, telephone company.

    Some sources on the internet state that she died in the 1940’s.

  3. She remarried and moved several times. Her last known address to be in the 1950’s. After that it’s relatively unclear what happened to her. She was born in 1891 and could not have lived long enough to die in 1996

  4. When Walter collins was kiddnapped by a killer they say in the story that Walter Collins escape from the killer when one of the boy was found and I wonder if she ever did find her son when she never gave up hope?

  5. Actually, Georgia, it looks like you are relying on the chronology of the movie, rather than the real stroy. I just found an actual newspaper article from the Marion Iowa Gazette, 1929 on the very day the identified Arthur Hutchens as the imposter, with Hutchens’ photo. The article talks about the ongoing murder investigation at the Wineville Chicken Coop AND says Christine was at that very moment “believed to be in the Los Angeles County Hospital pyschiatric ward.” The police were doubting Sanford Clark’s confession because he named Walter Collins as one of the victims and they believed Collins was safe and sound, but the discovery (incidentally by the evil Captain Jones) that the fake Walter was really Hutchens “gives further credence to Sanford Clark’s claim that Walter Collins was one of the victims” at the chicken coop. The internet articles also show that Nortcott was found guilty of 3 murders, but not guilty of Walter Collins’s murder. But — wow — his mother was found guilty of Walter Collins murder. She lived on the property, too, and confessed to the killing. She served a life term and died in prison.

  6. To all who brought this story to the big screen, thank you. Amazing job!!!

    Christine Collins was a fighter, she finished what they started, what courage.

    In the end, though, she still lost the most precious thing to her heart, her son Walter.

  7. To all who brought this story to the big screen, thank you. Amazing job!!

    As tragic as this story is, Christine Collins was a fighter, she finished what they started, how courageous!!

    In the end, she in her heart had hope that her son was still alive somewhere. I hope that gave her, at least a little peace.

  8. Why does one article say the mother died in prison and another says she was paroled? Shouldn’t that be documented in prison records?

  9. there has just been a book released this year: Nothing is Strange with You: The Life and Crimes of Gordon Stewart Northcott by James Jeffrey Paul. jeff paul has researched this case for 15yrs. he reports that northcotts “mother”, who turned out to be his grandmother, was paroled after slightly less than 12yrs. because she was of “the fairer sex” she was “saved” from hanging. you can read his post about this at: http://www.amazon.com/tag/true%20crime/forum/ref=cm_cd_dp_rt_tft_tp?%5Fencoding=UTF8&cdForum=Fx3HV7JY5PR8LKG&cdThread=Tx6NT2U8RRDL1H

  10. there has just been a book released this year: Nothing is Strange with You: The Life and Crimes of Gordon Stewart Northcott by James Jeffrey Paul. jeff paul has researched this case for 15yrs. he reports that northcotts “mother”, who turned out to be his grandmother, was paroled after slightly less than 12yrs. because she was of “the fairer sex” she was “saved” from hanging. you can read his post about this at: http://www.amazon.com/tag/true%20crime/forum/ref=cm_cd_dp_rt_tft_tp?%5Fencoding=UTF8&cdForum=Fx3HV7JY5PR8LKG&cdThread=Tx6NT2U8RRDL1H

  11. This movie could have gone in so many directions but for me, I am so glad that the focus was kept on the mother, Christine and her missing child, Walter.

  12. Whether or not things happened in the order that the movie depicts, the fact is people are interested now in educating themselves on what did, or did not, happen at that ranch and to Christine. Anything that encourages people to learn history is a good thing. It breaks my heart, though, to know that she died never knowing for sure if her son was one of the boys murdered – even though chances are good that he was. But then again, maybe not knowing gave her a sort of peace that maybe, just maybe, he escaped and just never made it home.

    In any case – the movie was amazing and Angelina Jolie was phenomenal.

  13. What ever happened to Sanford Clark, Northcott’s nephew? Was he imprisoned and released and back to Canada?
    Thank you

  14. A great movie, loved every moment. Angelina was great, but what happened to her son, and the boy who told the story….

  15. When the movie ended, I was left with a pit in my stomach. I have two little boys of my own and to have no closure would slowly kill me. The pain and surrering that Christine went through will remain with me forever. It was unfortunate that she did not have family around for emotional support. I was so hopefull that Walter would be alive in the end.

  16. I wonder if DNA analysis couldn’t help identify those remains that couldn’t be ID’d back then?

  17. Was the Preacher a real character? If so, he was a real hero! It must have been very risky to constantly “watch dog” the LAPD. those people helped change the laws forever with regard to how people with mental illness are treated. Thank you. Lynn

  18. There is a Christine I. Dunne living in Seattle, Wash. in the 1910 census. Her father was b. in Ireland and her mother was b. in England. Christine told her son Walter that his father was in Seattle to explain his absence. (Oakland Tribune 4/11/1928)
    There is a Christine D. Collins who died in Los Angeles on 12/8/1964. (age 73) Christine is misspelled as Christin.(Rootsweb)

  19. Marie is quite correct,

    Collins’ maiden name was Christine I. Dunne. I have been trying for sometime to figure out why she was not coming up in the death index. When I saw the misspelling of Christin Collins, mystery solved. It links to the SS death index, under the name of Kathleen Collins. Collins noted in a letter that this was one of several aliases that she used after the high profile trial.

    Curiously in the early 1930’s Collins was staying with a friend her family in Oakland, having first met them in Hawaii in the early part of the century. She was staying there in order to be closer to San Quentin Prison, in order to question Gordon Northcutt.

    Collins’ was listed as staying with James C. Borton in the 1930 census. Borton was a friend of her father, Frances W. Borton. Borton took in Collins because he and Borton were members of the Knights of Pythias, a fraternal organization.

    Good job Marie, you helped solve the mystery!

    Chris

  20. I would like to know also if the preacher was a real person and hero as shown in the movie. The movie was terrific. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Clint Eastwood is a MASTER story teller.

  21. good to see that Marie solved the mystery surrounding what happened to Christine Collins. Also good to know about Sanford Clark. This was indeed a remarkable movie and I really hope it gets nominated (and wins!) at this next year’s Oscar’s… not to mention, the actors, as well.

    Just one correction: Chris states that Christine was staying in Oakland in the 30’s to be closer to the San Quentin prison so she could speak to Northcott. However, Northcott was hanged in 1930 itself; his mother, Louisa Northcott, was in the San Quentin prison for the next 12 years. Perhaps she went to speak to her, as well? I’d be interested to know what went down during that meeting…

  22. I live in Cypress park, which is next door to Ave. 23 where Christine and her son Walter lived right before the kidnapping.(The house no longer exists).This story moved me so much. From the beginning to the end that I became a little detective. I researched her former addresses and only to find out she lived so so close. The theatre her son went to the day he was kidnapped is still standing but its a sandwich shop now. 3232 N.Figueroa St. The telephone company on Daly St. where Christine worked is still standing. (THOUGH THE BUILDING HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR YEARS) The psycho ward of general hospital where she was locked up for days no longer exists because it was torn down a few years ago. I”M glad this story was made into a movie. She was a strong woman who didn’t give up. I”M sorry she never found her son. And its given our community something to tlk about.

  23. What is unclear to me is the law enforcement jurisdiction involved. The movie portrays the LAPD as cracking the case and finding the bodies in Riverside County. Why wouldn’t the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department been the law enforcement agency involved in digging up the bodies, rather than the LAPD? The RCSD has been around since 1893. If anyone knows, please share that information.

  24. I watched the movie this afternoon and I balled! The most touching thing was when Walter went back to help the other kid while the older kids ran away – and hats off to the preacher who dared to speak boldly about politics on the pulpit. Angelina was amazing.

  25. What is the address of the telephone company on Daly Street where she worked?

    What became of the two crusaders of the movie – Deputy Ybarra or Pastor Gustav Briegleb? I read somewhere where Briegleb died in 1943. http://www.pres-outlook.com/news-and-analysis/1/8085.html
    Can anyone look up his obit in the paper and post it? I looked on Findagrave.com and didn’t find him.

    I saw on Wikipedia where Chief Jones got his job back and later served as chief again and died at age 102. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_E._Davis_(police)

    Are we sure the Collins that died in 1964 is the same one? Has anyone got to her obituary yet and found out what it says? Where was she buried?

    I read where Eastwood wanted to leave the ending open as to not reveal what happened to a lot of the characters. I really want to know too.

  26. These are all really interesting questions, but their was another child in the story,Arthur Hutchens.
    What happened to him? Did he go back to his real parents?

  27. I always like to watch movies about real events. The story was portrayed very well. However I thought the movie moved a little slow and of course it left me feeling disturbed. It makes me wonder about corruption in today’s society and it makes me wary to trust those placed in position to uphold the law. Of course as a movie goer I wanted a happy ending, but I guess real life doesn’t always end happy.

  28. To Bruce:
    You are pathetic. It’s a shame so many men are pigs. Why would you put a comment like that into a serious conversation? You wish Christine Collins was PRETTIER???? Get a life and maybe get yourself one of those blow-up dolls. Then you can be with a woman the same intelligence level.

  29. She was probably killed by the LAPD.

    It’s amazing that no one can trace her relatives and ask them.

  30. What an incredible tribute to Christine Collins a courageous woman. Once again Clint Eastwood shows his passion for humanity and justice. Angelina Jollie is a gifted actor, what a truly moving performance! Clint’s score was hauntingly beautiful. I believe Christine and Walter are united in heaven and at peace. We will all keep our children a little closer. I am saddened that there is not more information about this real life hero. I also feel great hope in that everyone of us has it in us to effect great change in “The system”. We need not wait for tragedy to strike, we can be moved and motivated by this true story, and every injustice we have knowledge of. I am grateful this film was made.
    Amye WIlliams

  31. A Walter J. Anson was arrested in 1923 for robbery. He was using Walter J. Collins as an alias. (Los Angeles Times 9/27/1923)

    Anson was born in Nebraska and is about the same age as
    Christine’s husband.

  32. It just goes to show that there were evil wicked people who did terrible things to children back then too.
    There just wasn’t the press to let everyone know about it.
    My thoughts go out to anyone who has had to deal with this type of evil.
    Also, Walters father was never mentioned in this film, what became of him?

  33. Thanks to everyone who gathered info on this case. I was curious about the facts. What she must have felt not being able to report a missing child for 24hrs. I am a mother of three boys, thank god for the amber alert.

  34. Marie & Chris were having an interesting discussion about the apparent death of Christine Collins aka Kathleen Collins aka Christine I. Dunne, on 8 December 1964. Has anyone seen the obit for her, or know if she was buried and if so where? I’m just confused over what name she died under. After all this discussion, I see a findagrave.com listing for her sometime in the near future.

    John
    Oakland, CA

  35. Marie & Chris were having an interesting discussion about the apparent death of Christine Collins aka Kathleen Collins aka Christine I. Dunne, on 8 December 1964. Has anyone seen the obit for her, or know if she was buried and if so where? I’m just confused over what name she died under. After all this discussion, I see a findagrave.com listing for her sometime in the near future.

    John
    Oakland, CA

  36. Such a sad story.

    There are so many monsters in the world who cause pain and suffering and at the same time there are human beings who are like angels to others as a source of comfort.
    This movie shows the big contrast between the two.
    In life we can choose to sit back and do nothing and let monsters prevail or we can choose to be someone’s angel and look out/after someone.

  37. Terrific movie – incredible true story including the fight for truth verses corrupt men in positions of power to supposedly protect and look after us. Is it not time that each and every one of us make sure that positions of power are no longer abused and that these men become accountable? Did Christine Collins, and others like her throughout history, not stand for something? If this woman could endure so much all the while racked with tremendous pain and grief for her missing child, can WE not follow in her footsteps and demand truth and honesty as she did, and refuse to back down or give in? Nothing less than truth is ever acceptable and must NOT be tolerated. Corruption, greed and lying egotistical men, women, politiicans, doctors, lawyers and media sources MUST be confronted and removed from power, otherwise there is no hope for the world. When a movie is made such as this, when a movie such as this deeply touches your soul, it is for a reason, and it is not to be forgotten… the masses need to wake up! Silence is not always golden. No amount of money in the world can replace love, or hide truth forever. The question is, are these things, love and truth, important to you or not?

  38. im too young to understand most of this but as far as a 14 yr old could tell it was depressing. i could only imagine the pain she must have went through. i am also curious about wat happened. as a girl who wants a lot of kids i could only guess at how agonozingly painful that must have been. to answer some questions, i believe tht gordon northcott was walter collins’ father. i have done absolutley no research and do not intend to, but as far as i understood from gordon’s trial in the movie, thts wat i got. also bruce ur an idiot and nikki ur funny as hell! my deepest sympathies go out 2 christine collins…at least now we KNOW their together..

  39. Sometimes it makes me wonder why human people like ourselves do such thing as lie. Not knowing the truth from the lie can drive a person insane. I am also young… watching this movie horried me terrified me as a young mom of a four year old baby girl I watched movie holding hope christine would find her son. But not even the people you confine in you can’t trust. I searched on the web because just like you I was curious but to find myself with more question in why people make up so much stories. Not only did Chrstines pain hurt the rest of the world but if it’ true like they say the lives of innocent young boys were cut short they were brutally murdered what about them, their parents, their families…. I’m young and it’s the people that have nothing better else to do to lie, murder, hungry for money that kill that hope that trust that love in a human….

  40. Sometimes it makes me wonder why human people like ourselves do such thing as lie. Not knowing the truth from the lie can drive a person insane. I am also young… watching this movie horried me terrified me as a young mom of a four year old baby girl I watched movie holding hope christine would find her son. But not even the people you confine in you can’t trust. I searched on the web because just like you I was curious but to find myself with more question in why people make up so much stories. Not only did Chrstines pain hurt the rest of the world but if it’ true like they say the lives of innocent young boys were cut short they were brutally murdered what about them, their parents, their families…. I’m young and it’s the people that have nothing better else to do to lie, murder, hungry for money that kill that hope that trust that love in a human….

  41. Wow, this was an amazing story! I so wanted Christine Collins to be reunited with her son, Walter. I was stunned at the LAPD and how corrupt they were. How can you try and convince a mother that a boy who is not her son…is in fact her son? A mother KNOWS her child! That monster who killed those children, I really hope the real one was just as afraid and whimpering like the actor did in the movie…on his way to be executed. It’s odd that the grandmother…as sick as she was…was not portrayed at all in the film. Angelina Jolie and John Malkovich did an excellent job on this film. Eastwood is the best! GREAT film…but heartbreaking.

  42. Such a horrific tragedy. I too, like another poster here, just wonder that with todays DNA tests/forensics, if they could do a dental identification on some of the skulls found. His dentist in the movie said that Walter had a distinct pattern with his teeth that did not match the imposter child so that means there are dental records, right? I know it is considered a “cold” case by now but if it could be resolved, that poor little boy needs to be buried proper beside his Mom with his name on a headstone. Just a thought because she never got the closer she needed.

    Lamb

  43. What about the fact that she left a 9 year old child alone at home? was that ok back then? this was never brought up? maybe this was not even a fact? what is real – who knows?

  44. I was wondering after watching the movie if she ever found her son walter?? i guess not after reading everything posted.. but now i am confused i read that christine collins served a life time sentence for the murder of her son walter.. If thats true why make a movie about it and change the whole story?? Jenny i think your right i just watched the movie and i was wondering the sme exact thing why leave a 9 year old home alone that long??? i dont know i wish i could get all of these answers im just very curious!!! I saw that smeone put can they figure out the remains of the bodies and to whom they belonged to.. I was wondering the same exact thing!! I was wondering cause now days they have so much technology n dna testing that someone could figure this out if they really wanted to! if i could i would just to answer everyones questions or whether or not walter collins was one of the boys who was murdered on that ranch!! If he was and the movie is correct he was a very brave litle boy for saving davids life!!! Thank you!!

  45. Ok i think i read it wrong maybe it meant that the killers mother served the sentence for walters murder.. im not sure but i still would like 2 know whether he died at that ranch or did he infact get away???

  46. Um to the comment above…..it would be possible for her to have lived till 1996 being born in 1891…..i had a resident born in 1896 that died in 2007….so yes it was possible…..I just pray she had some type of closier in the end.

  47. The movie was great,but what was the outcome of walter collins. Did his mother kill him and why did she leave him alone while she went to work. she could have got a neighbor to watch him.

  48. Why didnt they just ask Sanford if the 2 boys got away that night? In the movie it shows him getting into he truck to go look for them.

    Great Movie!

  49. Watched the movie today and have spent hours since reading up on the stories. Its such an incredible story. The only mistake i saw in the movie was there was a gap in it. On the night the boys tried to escape in the movie they showed sandford and Northcott going after them in a truck. So surely sandford would have been able to remember if they managed to catch the other 2 boys that night and tell christeen. However i think this was just the dramatisation and that what happened in reality was different in that sandford mustn’t have been aware of the attempted escape otherwise he would surely have remembered it. This could mean Northcott went after and found the boys himself without sandford knowing or it could mean the boys all actually escaped which is a possibility. To the comments relating to her leaving her child at home. From my reading i see her husband was in jail at the time and she was on her own just trying to survive. She had a low paid job with a very low salary, so was just trying to survive. I think she had no choice but to leave her son at home and go to work.
    Anyone looking for more info here are a few good links:
    http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/thedailymirror/2008/12/voices—-chr-2.html
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wineville_Chicken_Coop_Murders
    Would love to hear the definate conclusion as to what happened Walter, i’m not 100% convinced he was killed.

  50. Sanford told the detective twice that he was sure the Walter was killed. He put the photo on the desk which was the one time he indicated he was one of the victims, and the detective picked up the picture and showed it to him again and said are you sure he was one of the victims and Sanford said yes. So I think that would answer the question of why didn’t they ask Sanford. Sanford already said he was one of the victims. But I was really hoping in the end she would find him, I found it almost cruel that Davey’s mother called her down to the station saying they found a boy, and it was not Walter. But what a great story and as tragic as it was for Christine to have to go through that, a lot of good came out of it in the end. It just goes to show that everything does happen for a reason even if you don’t understand why at first. If it would have been someone else’s son who got kidnapped, they may not have been as strong willed and none of that would have ever happened. Kudos to Christine, I wanted to punch that cop in the face!

  51. Yes but remember that christene wasn’t 100% convinced by sandford saying walter was dead. She even said it. That there were a few boys that looked like walter in those photos. Had she went back and asked sandford if they caught the boys that night he could have told her whether they did. If he said they did then she would have known 100% for sure that her son was dead. If he said they didnt then she would have known 100% for sure that her son was alive. Also the scene in the movie may not have been fully accurate regarding whether sandford stated twice that walter was dead. We dont know what was said there. We just know sandford somehow identified walter as one of the victims. All we do know for sure is that however certain sandford was that walter was a victim, he didnt manage to convince christene otherwise she would not have continued her search.

  52. I thought her lawyer worked pro-bono but I never saw in the movie where she got any money. For what she went through she should have been paid a trillion bucks. Does anyone know? Also, who gathered the information for this movie? Where/who was their source(s)?

  53. hey this story is avesome and sad 🙁 but i have a question – is there any photo of Christine grave?

    eeh but i wonder what happened to her son eeh maybe we never have the answer

    (sorry 4 my english)

  54. After watching the movie, I cannot help but be curious to know more of the facts regarding the case. I’m foreign to this place, but this event inspired me to be stronger and more passionate about what I believe in. The title is not that striking though, but still, because of the actors this made me want to see the movie and well, it was worth it!! I could not believe this kind of evil could exist.. but somehow, the psycho killer needs a drop of pity. He was after all also a victim of abuse, and no wonder he turned out to be a monster! Too bad this person was not helped..(his death sentence and his grandmother’s penalty could never be enough) I was also glad that his nephew Sanford led a normal life after this tragedy– he deserved it! For the minister, I am positively sure he is already in heaven! As for Christine, and her lost son Walter, I know that wherever they are now, they surely have found peace and happiness already. Two thumbs up to the movie…(well, this can be an interesting crime to be investigated in the geographic or discov channel using all the necessary tech to dolve the mystery!!) this type of movie is what we need to stimulate our hearts to be more in touch with what humanity is all about!!! Mabuhay 2 CLIINT!!!

  55. After watching the movie, I cannot help but be curious to know more of the facts regarding the case. I’m foreign to this place, but this event inspired me to be stronger and more passionate about what I believe in. The title is not that striking though, but still, because of the actors this made me want to see the movie and well, it was worth it!! I could not believe this kind of evil could exist.. but somehow, the psycho killer needs a drop of pity. He was after all also a victim of abuse, and no wonder he turned out to be a monster! Too bad this person was not helped..(his death sentence and his grandmother’s penalty could never be enough) I was also glad that his nephew Sanford led a normal life after this tragedy– he deserved it! For the minister, I am positively sure he is already in heaven! As for Christine, and her lost son Walter, I know that wherever they are now, they surely have found peace and happiness already. Two thumbs up to the movie…(well, this can be an interesting crime to be investigated in the geographic or discov channel using all the necessary tech to solve the mystery!!) this type of movie is what we need to stimulate our hearts to be more in touch with what humanity is all about!!! Mabuhay 2 CLINT!

  56. After seeing this movie I have become intrigued with finding out as many details as possible. As such, I have began doing my own research. I have read some of the previous posts and have to say that many details are incorrect based on what I have found. Christine was legally Christine I. Collins and was married to Walter J. Collins. Their son…Walter Collins. Walter J Collins was in prison when and after all this took place. He was imprisoned at Represa. Reverend Briegleb was an actual person. He wrote the the Prison Board of California on November 8, 1930 on the behalf of Christine regarding Walter’s parole(her husband) In the following link you will find numerous letters from Christine, friends, Rev, Briegleb, etc regarding her son as well as her husband. Enjoy

    Here is one of the many as an example of what you will find…
    San Gabriel, Calif.
    May 3, 1929

    Mr. A Eichoff
    San Francisco, Calif.

    Dear Sir:

    I am writing to you in regard to my husband, Walter J. Collins # 12824 imprisoned at Reprisa, Calif. I would like to make you a personal call and explain matters definitely but I am unable to on account of financial circumstances as well as ill health.

    Mr. Collins was convicted of robbery on circumstantial evidence in 1923. I was forced to work to support our boy and myself in spite of my very nervous condition. On March 10, 1928, our poor boy disappeared and has not [illegible] Stewart Northcott on his Wineville ranch.

    I am sick and grief-stricken over our son’s disappearance. In August 1928 a boy was found in the east who posed as our boy and because I would not accept him as our son I was treated most inhumanly, called a lair, damn fool, crook and almost everything by the police here and finally throw into the psychopathic ward of the General Hospital among the maniacs for five days and nights.

    The stigma of being in the insane ward caused me to lose my position that I had held for over five years, consequently I am without means of support.

    Mr. Collins (#12824) is to appear for hearing before the board of directors soon and I wish Mr. Eichoff that you will give this your kind consideration. The poor man is not deserving of the terrible sentence meted out to him when he was sentenced. The judge was told to give Mr. Collins the limit because he would not plead guilty to one count of robbery and so Mr. Collins was charged with several which was not fair. And to make matters worse the counts were made to run consecutively instead of concurrently.

    Mr. Collins has taken up a course in civil engineering during his incarceration and I am sure he will be qualified to fill a very good position if released, which I hope that he will be thru your kind consideration.

    I am under a doctor’s care and have been for some time due to a terrible nervous strain.

    Hoping you will decide favorably for a release for Mr. Collins so as he may come home to take care of me. I ask this in the name of humanity and sincerely hope you will grant me this request.

    Thanking you for your time, which I know is valuable and hoping for a favorable reply, I am

    Very sincerely.

    Mrs. Walter J. Collins
    811 E. Park St.
    San Gabriel, Calif.

    http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/thedailymirror/changeling/index.html

  57. Wow ! Thank you all for your informative answers, I too saw the film when it first was released. As a single parent at the age of 24, for 25 yrs, I raised and supported all 3 of my children. I have one son, and two daughters. I dont know how I kept us safe,but I never did let any of my children out of my sight-no matter what. Iam sure in Christine’s case, she did not mean to be gone long. And why would Walter just run off ? surely, I think he was kidnapped by Norcott. Hanging didnt do him justice! and Norcott’s “mother” ? she should of NOT be released early- she got more humane treatment than the true victims here- Christine and her son Walter-Iam appalled at how the Police Dept. treated her. She should have or at least any remaining relations of Christine Collins should of gotten some sort of compensation. ( Not that money solves anything? ) But what she went through should of never happend. Thank you for listening!
    a young Grandmother-

  58. i have just seen the movie ,

    i live in berkshire in the uk

    it has left me low but very eager to find out more

    was the movie made from a book ?

    can anyone direct me to any info on the mothers remaining years

    stuart from the uk

  59. I agree with Joey, as I left the movie thinking that:

    Stanford in the investigations said that 2 or 3 boys escaped (he didnt mention if they were caught)
    Also On the night the boys tried to escape in the movie they showed sandford and Northcott … and they didnt show if they caught any of them,
    So , why Stanford wasnt at least asked if any of the boys was caught?

    Could be to keep audience thinking?
    Or Maybe Stanford said that 2 or 3 boys escaped, meaning they were never caught?
    If this is the case, then his confession that Colin was killed is not accurate,

    Overall it is good to watch .

  60. I agree with Joey, as I left the movie thinking that:

    Stanford in the investigations said that 2 or 3 boys escaped (he didnt mention if they were caught)
    Also On the night the boys tried to escape in the movie they showed sandford and Northcott … and they didnt show if they caught any of them,
    So , why Stanford wasnt at least asked if any of the boys was caught?

    Could be to keep audience thinking?
    Or Maybe Stanford said that 2 or 3 boys escaped, meaning they were never caught?
    If this is the case, then his confession that Colin was killed is not accurate,

    Overall it is good to watch .

  61. agree with Joey, as I left the movie thinking that:

    Stanford in the investigations said that 2 or 3 boys escaped (he didnt mention if they were caught)
    Also On the night the boys tried to escape in the movie they showed sandford and Northcott … and they didnt show if they caught any of them,
    So , why Stanford wasnt at least asked if any of the boys was caught?

    Could be to keep audience thinking?
    Or Maybe Stanford said that 2 or 3 boys escaped, meaning they were never caught?
    If this is the case, then his confession that Colin was killed is not accurate,

    Overall it is good to watch .

  62. I agree with Joey, as I left the movie thinking that:

    Stanford in the investigations said that 2 or 3 boys escaped (he didnt mention if they were caught)
    Also On the night the boys tried to escape in the movie they showed sandford and Northcott … and they didnt show if they caught any of them,
    So , why Stanford wasnt at least asked if any of the boys was caught?

    Could be to keep audience thinking?
    Or Maybe Stanford said that 2 or 3 boys escaped, meaning they were never caught?
    If this is the case, then his confession that Colin was killed is not accurate,

    Overall it is good to watch .

  63. This movie was so disturbing that I have not been able to stop reading anything I could find dating back to the original reports and investigations. I just wish that the scumbag mother got a chance to swing from the gallows, or better yet, her piece of garbage son, should have been axed to death, dismembered and shoved back up his mothers box. Back inside the sewer he came out of!!!!

  64. The best thing about the movie is that it is based on a true story.I couldnt forget the fact that this is all real,and that christine collins existed.I wish i can visit the city she lived in..one of the best movies!

  65. I don’t think he’s alive. I recently bought the book, “Nothing is Strange With You” by James Jeffrey Paul and it goes into complete depth, police photos, official interviews that were recorded, and Gordon stated that Walter was held in captivity for about a week, whereas then Gordon’s mother decided Walter had to die, and that each of them; (Gordon, the mother, Gordon’s nephew) would each swing a blow to Walter so that no one could be charged individually for his murder.

    He was struck three times and buried, dug up several times to be moved to new graves, once dug up a week later, Gordon’s nephew stated that he had already started decomposing a bit, they poured quicklime over him and reburied him.

    I think that whenever Christine went to visit Gordon at jail, she was looking for some sort of hope and clung to the fact he told her he didn’t murder Walter, but he did and he was only playing with her mind. Gordon was a very sick individual. If you read the book about him, there is A LOT of things that are not mentioned in the movie (Obviously because it was more geared towards focusing on Christine and her son– but I think also because the things he did was so revolting.)

    For example he would quote: “bring little boys back to the chicken coop to ‘do them’ and then let them go.”

  66. I saw the Changeling, and I felt Christine’s pain.

    What concerns me are the PEDOPHILES who live in our Nation and around the world. Thank God for the ‘Amber Alert’. Yet, hundreds of children are missing, many are never found, so sad!

    I advise all parents to keep their children close.

    God bless and protect all children.

  67. The movie was great on the whole but the most interesting aspect was the depiction of the functioning of a police state. How if permitted, power can corrupt resulting in police thuggery, psycho wards and the inability of ordinary folks to fight such a system unless some people have the courage to challenge the oppressors and make sacrifices if necssary. Christine Collins and Rev Briegleb were the true heroes.

  68. wow..i thought i was looking at a simple missing child story..thinking. he was going to be found any minutes..to discover that it was really a horror story…Some people ,s lives are really amazing…as a mother i felt revulsion.for that child killer.hanging was too good for him .and sadness..and admiration for this brave woman…I look all over the net to see if she ever found her son and there was no signed of him.. you just couldn’t make up a story like that..no one would believe it…life is strange than fiction every time… i fell sick after i watch that film ..but angelina jolie was really at her best…she won me at last..

  69. I enjoyed the movie very much and like others have dived into the internet to find info about the case. I found out that the Northcott ranch still exists today and it is about 15 minutes down the freeway. I live in south corona and the ranch is outside of Norco. The house is very old and run down. The original lot that it sits on was subdivided and the chicken coops were removed. Another house was built next store. It’s feels strange to view it. Apparently the people who reside in the home now knew nothing about it’s horrible past. The house is on Wineville road off of Limonite outside of Norco and the 15 frwy. The town is now called Mira Loma.

  70. Northcott ranch is on Wineville rd off Limonite outside of Norco. I live in Corona and drove to see it. The house is very run down. The chicken coops are gone and another house sits on the property next door to the original. It’s interesting to see.

  71. this was a great movie by mr. Eastwood but he sure left out somethings like gordon ‘s mother or grandmother .
    as i’m reading these articles in here well i see why mr.Eastwood left them out obviously he wants walter to correct them by turning himself in i don’t think he’s gonna do that first: why would walter turn himself in to us but not to his own mother , that would be the first reason why walter would not turn himself in at the age of 89 because thats what we would be asking him . so mr. Eastwood should’ve known that and put the mother/grnmother in the movie,… so america would learn something from the movie ,that mothers are not going to tolerate this kind of atrocity in their homes that would’ve been a great positive message because we really don’t know if the mother knew of his [ gordon the dumb ass whaco ]doing, if she did know then she is just as a dumb ass as he is for thinking he’s going to get away from something like this .nice try mr. eastwood i wouldn’t hold my breath for walter to reveal himself to us if he’s still alive knowing the media they’d probably kill him with questions.

  72. This is a time I wish my grandmother, who was 20 and living in Riverside at the time this occured, was still alive. Would have been interesting to hear what she had heard about it. In the 20’s Riverside and the surrounding area was sparsely populated desert with a lot of orange groves and small farms. Everybody knew everybody. The word would have spread like wildfire.

  73. Something that seemed like a massive plot hole in the film is that there seemed to be no search for Arthur?

    Presumably authorities were looking for him and someone from the Hutchins camp would’ve seen the pix in the paper and heard about the story of the “wrong boy.”

    You’d think someone would’ve put 2 &2 together.

  74. Saw the film yesterday and thought the story was intriguing but like other CE films (such as Million Dollar Baby) the characters were one dimensional, soem of the settings (such as the asylum ) cliched beyond belief) the morals of the story too clearly spelled out and way too much schmaltz (the triumphant freeing of the girls in the asylum as just one example – there are ways of portraying those events without enacting it like you’ve just destroyed the Deathstar in Star Wars.

    Cliche’s too with the way Northcote was portrayed – killers are often pretty normal and I think it’s time someone reminded the stranger danger brigade out there out there that statistically most kids come to harm at home or from someone they know and trust.

    Abductions happen but child abuse generally happens at home.

    Some good info about the case on Wikipedia. My last comment is that as hot as AJ is I think the movie would’ve been more effective with an unknown actor playing Christine – so it wasn’t so much a series of AJ in Asylum, AJ on roller skates, AJ distraught shots and there could have been more focus on the character.

    Whaddaya reckon?

  75. No 1. I would never leave my kid alone at home that young in the first place than and now. To many sickos out there.
    But, I do feel for her, I really do think he got away and hid out of fear. I think they they really needed to go back and talk to the boy (cousin) to find out what really happen that night when they had to chase Walter, when he escaped..Did he or did he not shoot him with his gun? they case, was never solved in my eyes.

  76. I just saw the movie yesterday & am now hungry for more information on this incredible woman. I cannot believe the audacity of the LAPD trying to convince a mother that a stranger is her son. The kid could have been identical to Walter & a mom would have known it was not her son. Maybe the reason it is difficult to find more information about Christine Collins is she wanted it that way. After the horrific ordeal she went through, with all the public scrutiny she probably wanted to live the rest of her life in peace & anonymity.

    To the guy who said he wished Christine Collins were prettier: If you went through what she did, you would not be very pretty either. She probably aged beyond her years due this tragedy.

  77. I havnt seen the movie YET…. but from what i have heard and seen it will be good .
    it just shows that bad things do happen and its all very sad i have raised my nephew and to think of him gone one day is just heart breaking. now i have idk what a question or a theray idk…. but what if Walter did manager to get away? think about this its 1928 something horrible has happened to him and the things he saw we will never know now to a 9 yr old boy(shoot anyone) thats alot! it could be it was too much for him so he blocked it all out and simply forgot who he was? or maybe thought that he was damaged and could not go home
    i have know some people who have been touched in a VERY bad way and feel that they are dirty and damaged (even though that is the farthest from the truth)and i mean who knows ? who knows what was going through that lil guys mind? could be he didnt want to go home because they threatened his mom children will go and do alot for there parents so as to what really happened the world most likely wont know but these are a fue ideas for me of what happened
    1. amnesia
    2.thought he couldnt go home because of what happened
    3.didnt want anything to happen to his mom thought to protect her

    what do you think??
    here is a site i found it has more info
    http://www.crimeandinvestigation.co.uk/famous_crime/117/the_crime/1/Gordon_Stewart_Northcott_The_Wineville_Chicken_Murders.htm

  78. i have just a few questions. #1 what was David so afrad of that he wouldnt go home after exscaping? #2 if all 3 boys got away why were the other 2 never found? #3 if walter did get away then why the hell didnt he ever go home? I mean look at it this way, if walter did get away then why would he have not went home after seeing in the papers and hearing on the radio of what his mother was going through, if he did get away what He was puttong his mother through. thats the big ? in my eyes..

  79. After watching this movie I cried my eyes out, I couldn’t imagine going through what Ms. Collins went through. Before going to bed I kissed my sleeping 7 year old son at least 100 times. To lose a beloved child that way, I don’t think I would have the strength to go on like Ms. Collins did, I’d just die of a broken heart.

  80. So much unanswered, up to the human mind and soul to make it’s own conclusions. Horrific tragady that I hope to God history will never repeat itself. Maybe we can all learn a little something from this? Protect your children, they are the most precious in life.

  81. this movie was very touching and anglina jolie did an excellent job and the movie deserves an oscar . i wasn’t to fond of the ending though it leaves you hanging it would of been nice if they told you what happened to her and if they ever found out more on her son . did the autopsy find one of the remains to be of him or was he still alive it left me hanging .but still i am going to buy the dvd and do more research .

  82. They say three bodies were found at the ranch, were others later found? Can they not do floricent science on the bones of the deceased childrens remains, finally set these other families, including Watler to rest. How about the young man who helped with the slayings, did he ever say that the evening when the young boys escaped did Northcott recapture any of the boys? or was that made up for the movie. I sure would be nice to know more of what happen to finally put these young men to rest. I cheer for Christine for not giving in, and finish the fight the corupt LAPD started.

  83. There is another site that puts her being born in 1891.

    http://chickenmurders.blogspot.com/

    I looked up on ancestry.com and there is a census record that matches her, her husband, and walter’s name exactly. It says she was born about 1891.

    Unfortunately, there is no other information on ancestry.com on her.

  84. I just watched this movie for the first time last night, on “On Demand” on Charter. I found it fascinating. I, too, notice AJ’s red lips. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but I had to laugh when I read other people’s comments about her lips as well. Actually, I enjoyed her make-up and and the clothes she wore; I found it very true to the times, and historically interesting. I especially enjoyed the scenes at the phone company when she was rollerskating, and wore the headset with the phone around her neck. Didn’t realize operators did that. (roller skated). I too, looked up some of the actual details surrounding this case, and even though there are some differences, I found the movie very engrossing; you can only be so accurate with 2 1/2 hours of viewing time. I thought AJ was excellent, and that once again, Clint Eastwood was compelling as director. I could watch this several more times. It does seem strange though, that the case of Walter Collins was never really solved. What became of the remains of the boys found at that ranch? Wouldn’t it be something if now, with modern forensic science, that the remains could be exhumed and somehow identified with old DNA samples, or samples from living relatives. I do wonder why the cousin or nephew that admitted to helping kill those children was never questioned by Christine Collins, or maybe he was, but nothing came of it? Great movie.

  85. I just watched this movie for the first time last night, on “On Demand” on Charter. I found it fascinating. I, too, notice AJ’s red lips. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but I had to laugh when I read other people’s comments about her lips as well. Actually, I enjoyed her make-up and and the clothes she wore; I found it very true to the times, and historically interesting. I especially enjoyed the scenes at the phone company when she was rollerskating, and wore the headset with the phone around her neck. Didn’t realize operators did that. (roller skated). I too, looked up some of the actual details surrounding this case, and even though there are some differences, I found the movie very engrossing; you can only be so accurate with 2 1/2 hours of viewing time. I thought AJ was excellent, and that once again, Clint Eastwood was compelling as director. I could watch this several more times. It does seem strange though, that the case of Walter Collins was never really solved. What became of the remains of the boys found at that ranch? Wouldn’t it be something if now, with modern forensic science, that the remains could be exhumed and somehow identified with old DNA samples, or samples from living relatives. I do wonder why the cousin or nephew that admitted to helping kill those children was never questioned by Christine Collins, or maybe he was, but nothing came of it? Great movie.

  86. I am not a Angelina Jolie fan, however, I do enjoy the way Client Eastwood tells a story. So I was drawn to this movie because of him. After watching the story which I was drawn into, I was truly rivited about the story and some of the unanswered questions which the ending leaves you wanting to know more.
    I thought the Cinematography captured the mood and to backstep a little on Angelina Jolie…. I felt that she did a terrific job of protraying the character of Christine Collins.
    I have enjoyed reading all the posts here on the website as it has filled in some of the gaps which were missed in the story. My hats off to Client Eastwood for telling a wonderful story which makes you want to know more… Most of all, my hats off to all the people he selected to protray all the characters. Believing in the character to me is #1 in making you wanting to believe in the story….

  87. They didn’t ask the killer whether he caught the 2 other boys because their escape didn’t come to light until February 27, 1935 (according to the movie) – he was hanged October 2, 1930.

    I don’t believe that they boys escaped. I think that the little boy lied. All of the information that he shared with the police that day would have been public knowledge. He didn’t offer up any new info except for this alleged escape and ….

    Excellent Movie!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I thought that they would have changed the 24 hour waiting period for reporting missing children. Too bad it took many more years and deaths to change that.

    God bless their souls!

  88. I agree. What a horrible thing for any mother to go through, and the horror that her son must of went through. This poor woman could only hope and pray that her son would be returned to her. I am sure that there has to be some direct relatives to this case out there somewhere. I hope that after all the media hype about the movie and the old case that they will insist on the now availiable forensics to find some closer for poor Walter and his Mother. Even though they are gone there spirit needs justice.

  89. Why couldn’t DNA testing be done now on the remains of the bones found on the property? Modern Technology would certainly identify the remains of Walter Collins.

  90. I DON’T CARE THIS WOMAN IS A STRONG MOTHER WHO TRULY LOVED HER SON I GIVE HER PROPS ON DOING EVERYTHING SHE COULD FOR THE FINDING OF HIM.. IF I WERE A MOTHER AND MY CHILD HAD GONE MISSING I WOULD HONESTLY DO THE SAME EXACT THING EVEN IF THE POLICE HAD FOUND A CHILD THAT FITS THE DESCRIPTION OF MINE, BUT I DO HOWEVER THINK IT IS WRONG FOR PUTTING HER IN AN INSTITUTE SOMETHING SHE DID NOT NEED… TO ME SHE IS A HERO, A HERO FOR EVERY MOTHER OUT THEIR WHO HAD LOST THEIR CHILD AND STRUGGLED TO FIND THEM.. SHE IS ONE EVERY MOTHER SHOULD LOOK UP TO BECUSE SHE HAD FOUGHT FOR HERSELF AND FOR HER CHILD!!!

  91. this story was so incredible i dont see why they dont make this a a educational item in history classes.it teaches how the cops were currupt during that period.i read somewhere that christine died in 1935. but im not sure.either way im gald this story was given the attention that it needed.i never heard anything about this case until this movie….

  92. I found who I believe is Christine I. Dunne, parents Frances W. Dunne b. 1838 Ireland, Clara E. b 1858 England, sibliings Naomi G. Dunne b 1887 Ca. Francis W. b 1891 CA, Amy G b 1894 Hawaii and Dorothy M. b 1897 Hawaii.

    I find them in 1910, Seattle Washington, The father was a house builder, children Naomi and Christine work for the Telephone company * Amy and Dorothy not working at that time. I see in 1920 both Dorothy and Amy are living in Honolulu and noted as Octoroon as a race. I look at the photo of Christine and she could have had mixed heritage. In thoes days if you were of mixed race and could pass as white you did, the parents are noted as White in 1910, Clare E. noted mother of 15 children born, 9 living. By the time Walter was kidnapped it looks like the sisters were gone and living away from Los Angeles, perhaps this is why no family is mentioned.

  93. Walter Collins was murdered, Sarah Louise the mother of Gordon confessed and served time for it. CE did a great job in ending the movie with an unknown fate of Walter, that’s why most of us are either reading and/or writing in this forum.

  94. I am just curious how anybody else reacted when Gordon started to sing “silent night” before he was hanged? I was actually laughing.

  95. i kinda got got a kick out of it at first. but then it was just eerie. of all the songs…. very strange

  96. I liked the movie, although like another poster, I find CE’s movies get a little “preachy” and melodramatic…I mean really, a lawyer coming into a psych ward and demanding release of the patients? Come on!

    But it was an interesting story, although AJ’s lips were too loud and red, even for a grieving single mom.

    Sad story, though, and you really felt for Christine’s character.

  97. i just watched this movie a few hours ago and it gave me chills. i believe that davids(the boy who escaped and was found years later)story is true. i dont believe that he would lie about walter helping him escape. theirs no reason to. and i believe that walter could also have still been alive, because clark states that 2 or 3 escape. and david states that walter escaped with him. maybe, walter being only 9 was scarred and affraid just like david. alot of cases now children are affraid because of their attackers and are affraid to be attacked again. as for the grandmother or mother of that syco i think shes crazy too. they victimized to many kids, how would she recall specifically which ones which.and why would anyone want to believe that evil women.

  98. I just viewed the Angelina Jolie movie Changeling directed by Clint Eastwood and like any true ( ? ) story done by Hollywood , I deceided to investigate how accurate the details were from reality.
    I found the biggest problem of “artistic license” was in the area of virtually leaving any reference to Gordon Stewart Northcott’s mother Louisa out of the story.
    The back story on her I felt was integral to the storyline due to her involvement and also because I believe it was her insane idea of how to rear her son that directly resulted in him becoming the monster he was.
    Fruit never falls far from the tree and although Christine Collins was portrayed as the poster child of everything a mother should be ; I believe it was equally important to at least mention that Gordon’s mother and family were everything a mother should not be.
    I also found it strange and more then just a little gender bias that she ( Louisa) was basically given a slap on the wrist ( 12 years imprisonment ) for her role in this gruesome crime when in my mind she is the one who created and protected the monster her son became.
    EQUALITY has become the quest for many in our society and as long as some issues are considered sacred to defend ( gender bias ) we will continue to be a sick society.
    In summation , I enjoyed the movie and the knowledge I received but did not appreciate the protection the moved provided Louisa Northcott for her role in the murders.

  99. I COULDN’T BELIVE THAT THE POLICE WOULD ACT LIKE THAT. A MOTHER KNOWS THIER OWN CHILD.NOW I UNDERSTAND WHY THEY HAVE AMBER ALERTS NOW. THAT WAS A GREAT MOVIE. I JUST WISH THEY WOULD OF FIND HER SON.

  100. For those who fault her for leaving her son at home while she went to work, you must remember this was 1928 most people didn’t even lock their doors. Crimes such as this were unheard of. My mother was raised in Los Angeles in the 1930’s and the difference between life then and now is so vast it’s relly hard to comprehend.

  101. I believe that the police could have made things easier if they would’ve just tested Arthur Hutchens’s finger prints to confirm if he was or wasn’t Walter Collins.

  102. I just watched this movie and was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I am so glad this story was told, for Christine’s bravery, courage and unwillingless to give up, even when she was being told at every turn that the boy brought back to her was supposed to be her son. A mother knows her own child! I also noticed a post earlier from somone commenting on how she could leave a 9yr old home alone, and their (grandmother?) was right; times were completely different back then. And if you paid attention, she said she would have someone come check on him every couple of hours. (This is when Walter said he didn’t need a babysitter, and she assured him they were checking on the house, not him…) I thought the story was excellent, the actors were great and was definatly the best movie I have seen in a long time!!!!

  103. I will be 60 this year.And for all of you who are younger. Life was different even for me as a child, we didnt have or at least know the things we do now.We could trick or treat till 11:oo pm back then and no worries.So even though now i wouldnt leave a child alone like the poor mother did then. back then as a lot said we didnt even lock our doors.So i guess things havent changed in some ways for the better. Wonderful movie. But dont think we will ever know what happened to pooor Walter. just have to say God Bless him and hope he found at least someone to treat him well.And bless you Clint for your wonderful stories.

  104. Ok here is my questions.
    1: David said 3 of them escaped and walter helped him. So should we believe him?
    2: Sanford said 2 or 3 escaped, did they escape and never get caught ?
    3: Why did we not ask Sanford these questions ?
    4: David returned home – he remembered Walters name, did he remember the other childs name?
    5: What happened to the other child that escaped with Walter, and who was he ?

  105. this is why you shoud never kill! if u were killed you would never come out into this world again. so killing is not right. you wouldn’t like it if u were killed so then dont do it to someone else

    and i saw the movie. it was sad. poor poor woman living her whole life trying to find her son but never did find him

  106. Wow. I saw this movie last night and I too was in awe as this this story unfolded. But to me it was more than
    just that. Underneath the story were significant dates
    and events that told a even more compelling story. There were references many times to the 20 dates. Also the 27 day. It is interesting that 1928 also adds up to an 11. 2009 does the same. Without going into all this right now does anyone know the following. Walter Griffins birthdate. From the movie I know he was 9 on the day he dissapeared which was apparently 3/10/1928.
    If Christine Collins birthday was on 4/24/1900 it would tell me she was a taurus and she had a 1 attitude. No wonder she never gave up looking for him.
    There is a lot more about her blueprint but lets see if anyone knows walters birthday or any other dates of significance around this story. Quite possibly there is someone out there that does. If he was nine at the time, If this is correct he would have he would have been born in 1919. If he was still alive he would be now be this year 90 years old. Underneath the veil of life lies many mysteries, but sometimes with a little bit more digging they all come up.

  107. they did just a wonderful job on the movie. i can not belive what they put her through.

  108. It is interesting. As a reviewed my text above I noted that I had asked for Walter Griffins birthdate info.
    His name was Walter Collins. Sorry for the error. I have also since learned the following by doing my own research. Walter was born on september 23, 1918. Christine Collins was born on June 13, 1891. Angela Jolie who plays her in the movie is born on June 4, 1975. Clint Eastwood is born on May 31, 1930. The house that Christine Collins lived in 1930 was located at 2614 Griffin. 2+6+1+4/13/4. All these birthdays and the Griffin address each add up to the #4. There was another reference to her living in Apt 23 as well. This would tie in to Walters #23 birthday date. Also prior to writing my first comment I had no knowledge of this Griffin address. That was its own mystery. Dates and numbers whether we care to acknowledge or not can and do tell us about life’s mysteries. And there is a lot more that I have not written about or including yet about these tie ins. Please let me know your thoughts regarding these connections. Would love to open this up for more discussion.

  109. I just want too know if Walter Collins died I just got done watching Changeling it NEVER told us if Walter Collins was found or not…. or if he dies that night… 🙁

  110. just finished watching changeling and like many of you, i am compelled to find out more. what an amazing movie. what an amazing story. it definintely leaves you with many questions. but i’m baffled by those who say things like ‘it never told us if walter collins was found or not’ or ‘what happened to him, it never says’… that’s because this is a TRUE STORY and his body was never found, therefore no one knows. obviously that’s why the movie ends like it does- you are to draw your own conclusion as to what happends, because no one really knows.
    amazing movie, i’m so glad there are writers, producers, and directors out there to make GOOD movies and to tell the stories of those who are voiceless.

  111. I watched the movie 3 days ago..been thinking a lot about it ..it broke my heart and it breaks my heart just thinking about all the monsters out there that commit these acts of violence on children…i live on Griffin Ave and Christine died the day before my birthday, (if she did pass in 64)… i’m a single mom with a young son. I’m going to go look at the house tomorrow.
    When they showed the scenes of Northcott w/ the axe i thought i was going to throw up. The way the actor protrayed Northcott reminded me of Ted Bundy..so cowardly at the end going to his death..i thought the actor did a great job. When a film moves me like this i know it was good…this makes me want to get my son microchipped, they can do that now or you can get a watch or some thing that you can put on your child so they can be traced if abducted.

  112. No one knows if walter was killed or not…the grandmother confessed then recanted like two or three times. Even if he was one of the boys who escaped that night, he very well could have died in the desert trying to make his way back, either way he was never recovered.
    As for christine leaving her 9 year old home alone, that was perfectly acceptable back then, in fact it’s quite acceptable now depending on where you live and how safe the community is, and in ’28 a los angeles suburb was probably very safe.
    My grandmother used to leave my uncle (who was 12) home alone all the time to baby sit my mom (a newborn) in ’64….

  113. Wow what a movie. Eastwood knocks it out of the park yet again!

    Gotta love movies that make you rush to the computer to do further research about the events.

  114. I just watched the movie. I am glad Clint Eastwood focused on Christine’s courage. Anyway…sadly Walter was never seen again so something happened. We know he would of returned to his mother if he was able too.
    Did Christine really live such a secluded life that her life after that is such a mystery? sad. They are together now, in any case.

  115. I just saw this movie today in Australia. It left a huge impact on me. I have a 10 year old boy, and I can only imagine the horror and pain this poor mother must have suffered. I heard that Christine died quite young. I can only imagine that she would have suffered terribly, and it would have been hard for her to find joy again in this life. I cried through some of the movie. Angelina played such a believable role. RIP Christine and may you meet with your beloved son again one day real soon, in a much better place then this rotten old world!

  116. This movie had a huge impact on me. Two weeks ago I saw Grand Tarino which was absolutely fantastic but this movie was special! I cried through a lot of the movie. I have a 10 year old son, and I could just imagine the pain, horror, anguish, frustration that Christine went through. I read that Christine died quite young. I can imagine that the heartbreak would have killed her. RIP Christine as you will meet your precious son again one day! And it will be in a much better place then this rotten old world.

  117. Christine Collins died in 1935. Walter most likely was killed at the ranch and if he did make a run for it, he was caught and brought back. There’d be no reason for him to survive and not come forward as to who he was.

  118. Its too bad they didn’t have DNA test back then. I wonder if any of the evidence or human remains are still around somewhere, and if they could test them against any possible living relatives. It is obvious Christine was not the only mother left not knowing the fate of her son. Just goes to show, there were Gacys and Dalmers back in the 20’s as well.

  119. this is one of the best movies i have ever seen.
    christine fought for her son and she did not let anyone tell her different. wonderful movie

  120. GREAT MOVIE! SHOULD HAVE STUCK TO THE TRUTH, LEFT TO MANY QUESTIONS (DID SHE KILL HER OWN SON? DID HE LIVE? WHEN DID SHE DIE?). CLINT EASTWOOD WROTE AND DIRECTED THE MOVIE, HE SHOULD HAVE THE ANSWERS TO OUR QUESTIONS. ITS SUPPOSE TO BE BASED ON A TRUE STORY, WHAT IS THE TRUTH.

  121. GREAT MOVIE! SHOULD HAVE STUCK TO THE TRUTH, LEFT TO MANY QUESTIONS (DID SHE KILL HER OWN SON? DID HE LIVE? WHEN DID SHE DIE?). CLINT EASTWOOD WROTE AND DIRECTED THE MOVIE, HE SHOULD HAVE THE ANSWERS TO OUR QUESTIONS. ITS SUPPOSE TO BE BASED ON A TRUE STORY, WHAT IS THE TRUTH.

  122. Christine was truely an amazing women. I just saw the movie, and it is haunting. Times were different in the 1920’s. People trusted people. There was no question why Walter was left alone. Terrible tragegy. As a Mom, you would always wonder, if I didn’t leave my child, he would be here with me. I can’t imagine her pain. Everyday of her life. It would be interesting to really know what happened to Christine. Kudos to Angelina Jolie for playing Christine and to Clint Eastwood for making this movie.

  123. This is what I found since last weekend when I watched this wonderful movie. Like everyone else I became interested in this true story.
    Christine I. Dunne b 14 Dec 1888 in California. Her family moved from Hawaii to California to Seattle Washington then back to Hawaii. Clara Dunne was living with oldest daughter Clara J Dunne who married George Howard, 1920 Census. Looks like Agnes G., Aimee Grace & Dorothy M. Dunne never married. Or they used maiden name. In 1910 Census, Clara had 5 children living with them but had 9 children living. Can’t find Christine after 1941.
    But found many nice letters & other references from the newspapers to confirm this was a great story about a couragous woman. Her husband died in 1932 at Folsom Prison, burial at Represa, 21 Aug. His military enlistment, Walter Joseph Anson. Later using Collins as an Alias. Birth year 1 Feb 1888 or 1890. This part is a mystery why another name? Still not able to find their marriage record or Walter “Sonny’s” birth record. Did they have another alias? In one letter to the Warden, Christine said she was using one of her alias, Kathleen Collins.
    I love mysteries… this is a good one. Don’t want to loose sight of a Mother’s love for her son & search for the truth to the heart.
    How sad for the other mother’s who lost their son’s during this time too.
    Just more questions now, but happy to search.
    Great Movie. Thanks.

  124. Was it true that Walter went back to save David Clay (as in did David Clay really mention that)? Did Christine really manage to get the female patients under code 12 in the asylum released? Or are these just fiction to spice up the movie?

  125. Changeling was a great movie and they told the story of Christine Collins and the Chicken Coop murders very well!!!! But I do wonder if Walter really went back to save David Clay? Or if the females in the asylum under code 12 really were released because of Christine?

  126. i know i’m only 11 but i wonder if Walter Collins is still alive? Anyway I love Angelina J.

  127. First of all, keep in mind that it is not “based on a true story” the cover says “A True Story” So none of the movie is BS’d. Second, why are some of you focusing on the fact that she left her 9 year old son at home? We don’t know how things were in the late 1920’s, maybe that wasn’t socially frowned upon back in that day. And third, every that happened in that movie was an actual event, doesn’t matter what order it was in, it was all true. Lastly, the only thing I don’t get is… if Walter WAS still alive, wouldn’t he eventually come forward to the press at least to get the word out to find his mother? Think logically people. As an adult, he could have easily reunited with his mother.

  128. I only wish that they had found a different actress than Jolie to play that part. Crying the whole movie was not for me….after all, we have to get by that and look at the historical story and that was very enthralling. However, there are so many better actresses that could have portrayed C. Collins!

  129. im 16 and i love that movie it was really emotional for me . my mom bought it for me cause i wanted to see it so bad . it was really sad but i love when Gorden dies.

    props to the movie

  130. im 16 and i love that movie it was really emotional for me . my mom bought it for me cause i wanted to see it so bad . it was really sad but i love when Gorden dies.

    props to the movie

  131. OMG i just watched this movie last night and i couldnt get any sleep after. it was absolutely INCREDIBLE.i did not know anything about this case before the movie, and it certainly opened my eyes. Clint Eastwood did the most amazing job and I cannot even begin to describe how inspiring and talented Angelina Jolie was—i feel she portrayed Christine Collins and her situation in the best way possible. This movie impacted me more than any other movie i have ever seen. Just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes.
    I could never fatham being in Collin’s shoes throughout this entire situation; and her actions were incredibly inspiring…to lose a son and never know his fate would be my worst nightmare.
    If,God forbid,Walter did pass I know now though that he and Christine are at last finally re-united in heaven.

    Incredible Story. Incredible movie.

  132. OMG i just watched this movie last night and i couldnt get any sleep after. it was absolutely INCREDIBLE.i did not know anything about this case before the movie, and it certainly opened my eyes. Clint Eastwood did the most amazing job and I cannot even begin to describe how inspiring and talented Angelina Jolie was—i feel she portrayed Christine Collins and her situation in the best way possible. This movie impacted me more than any other movie i have ever seen. Just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes.
    I could never fatham being in Collin’s shoes throughout this entire situation; and her actions were incredibly inspiring…to lose a son and never know his fate would be my worst nightmare.
    If,God forbid,Walter did pass I know now though that he and Christine are at last finally re-united in heaven.

    Incredible Story. Incredible movie.

  133. I wonder if anyone with psychic powers can tell what they think. I know lots of people don’t believe in them but out of curiousity- I am interested.

    They might have not had Walter’s fingerprints on file, but could have lifted them off his belongings…

    This movie was very intriguing. I do also question modern day’s technology and why they couldn’t do some DNA research. We reconstructed dinosaurs- anything is possible!!!

  134. I wonder if anyone with psychic powers can tell what they think. I know lots of people don’t believe in them but out of curiousity- I am interested.

    They might have not had Walter’s fingerprints on file, but could have lifted them off his belongings…

    This movie was very intriguing. I do also question modern day’s technology and why they couldn’t do some DNA research. We reconstructed dinosaurs- anything is possible!!!

  135. I have seen many mentions of doing DNA testing on the bones. Are they still around. Are they kept in a vault pf some sort. Or were they thrown away? Anyone have any info on this?

  136. I’ve enjoyed reading a lot of these posts (just saw the movie last nite on DVD) and after watching the movie needed to reserach the real story online. One thing that hit home to me was how much better things are now (than back then) when dealing with missing children. CODE ADAM in WalMart, AMBER ALERT on the highway, so many new things and new technologies and ways of making sure the largest amount of people are aware and can look for suspicious things or people are available now. I was floored at the movie’s portrayal of how the laws were then and how these types of things were not as organized back then. Thank goodness changes for the better have been and continue to be made in this country. The sad part, though, is near the end of the film in the courtroom where the lawyer says something to the effect of ‘while you were reassuring Mrs Collins this boy was indeed her son, the REAL Walter was up in Wineville being brutally murdered and you could have saved him and the others if you would have done your jobs’

  137. Due to his single-minded obstinacy in refusing to countenance the possibility of errors on his part (which prevented further investigation being performed), Captain Jones was criminally responsible for some of the deaths of the Wineville Chicken Coop Murders. In the 1960’s, he would’ve been fragged.

  138. I just finished watching the movie/DVD,did a bit of reading about the case,and I too am so glad that it was told.I get very upset about how police handled things in the past,and I’m retired from law enforcement.Thank God things have moved forward.This is just another example of the Dark Ages in our past and the things people had to go through.Everyone in the production of this film should be commended for the work done to bring it to the forefront.

  139. dear frank, i just have one question, after all this time of searching i know christine collins is dead but………..did they ever found walter collins??????

  140. After Gordon was hanged, wouldn’t that had made it easier for the survivors to come forward, to the police and identify themselves? That was a great movie, the saddest part is of course, the unknown fate of Walter Collins and the pain that the mother had to go through from day one.

  141. After Gordon was hanged, wouldn’t that had made it easier for the survivors to come forward, to the police and identify themselves? That was a great movie, the saddest part is of course, the unknown fate of Walter Collins and the pain that the mother had to go through from day one.

  142. Hi i watched this movie a few wks ago,and in the credits i thought i had seen that Walter Collins had changed his name..

    So i thought i would do some searching to see if thats the case,but have found nothing..

    so can anyone here tell me if i read right pls!

  143. I have not seen the movie but I have heard alot about it and am so interested in finding anyt info on this case. It is very interesting and sad what happened. To bruce your an idiot a pig and a loser. Why in thw rold would your only thought on thisbe that you wish Christine was prettier. her looks had nothing to do with this. how would you feel if you had and lost a child and the only thing anyione said was he could be cuter. Well her looks if she was prettier wouldnt have gotten her son back ok. Have sympathy for people you pig idiot loser bruce.

  144. The movie was AMAZING. I feel horrible for Christine, though. I really thought that in the end she was going to be reunited with her son :[

  145. i dont think anyone has said anything about this yet… but when Christine Collins was called in for work she said to Walter that “name” and “name” would be stopping by to check up on things. Walter goes on to say “i dont need to be checked up on, im responible blah blah blah” and Christine says “they arent coming to check up on you walter, they are coming to check up on the house”……..

    did those people actually check up on the house… and if so…. didnt they see if Walter was missing or still there???

  146. I think ppl are getting confused .. Changeling is BASED on a true story it’s not a nonfiction piece of work. Some of the events may have been made up, some real, some embellished, or a mixture, etc.

  147. First off this was obviously a horrific tragedy but the story was portrayed amazingly and Angelina did an amazing job. Although, I am not understanding why some of you think that it should have been a different actress playing Christine? Angelina Jolie performed incredibly and I could not think of anyone who could have possibly done any better! Also, not understanding why there is a complaint about the red lips. That was the look back then(wondering if it would not have been mentioned, had she had smaller lips) I did not see anything wrong at all with that look and besides if you are really into the movie you would not be putting more focus on the physical attributes rather than the emotion and the story. With that said, yes I too wonder whatever happened to poor Walter. I was deeply hoping he would return. Everything happens for a reason and it probably happened to Christine because she was such a strong woman and her actions prevented this from happening to any other young boys there after by the sickly disgusting and disturbing Gordon and his mother and grandmother.

  148. First off this was obviously a horrific tragedy but the story was portrayed amazingly and Angelina did an amazing job. Although, I am not understanding why some of you think that it should have been a different actress playing Christine? Angelina Jolie performed incredibly and I could not think of anyone who could have possibly done any better! Also, not understanding why there is a complaint about the red lips. That was the look back then(wondering if it would not have been mentioned, had she had smaller lips) I did not see anything wrong at all with that look and besides if you are really into the movie you would not be putting more focus on the physical attributes rather than the emotion and the story. With that said, yes I too wonder whatever happened to poor Walter. I was deeply hoping he would return. Everything happens for a reason and it probably happened to Christine because she was such a strong woman and her actions prevented this from happening to any other young boys there after by the sickly disgusting and disturbing Gordon and his mother and grandmother.

  149. But, just one thing in the movie, and I can’t understand it, why Gordon Northcott killed those pour children?
    Was he crazy?

  150. So how did Eastwood come accross this story? I’m really baffled as to wheathers shes dead or alive- even after reading many of these posts. Some chick said she though Northcott was Walters dad- bitch r u serious? I wikipedia-ed it and it only spoke of the murders in general. To the chick above me *sigh* if the guy killded/tortured/raped little boys- do u think he gave a damn about a chicken? Hells yeah he was crazy- a little retarded too (although aint it against the law to execute retards?)

    If i would have been there at Northcotts execution- i prolly would have laughed because seriously, u cant kill 20 kids (convicted of 3) and then want to beg for your own life! COME ON BRO! lol

    I feel bad she never found her son- when Sanford confessed in the movie he said they killed (up to his count) “20 and maybe 2 got away” scriped- 3 got away, including Walter. ? for Walter and the other boy….so that means-according to the live boy and Sanford- that one of the 3 where caught and killed as well….so it had to be Walter right? The 3rd boy who escaped never turned up so I guess he starved to death or was eaten by and animal? Or both of them died thats 4 sure.

  151. I have a question for Irene posted December 3, 2008: how did you come to the conclusion that Gordn Northcott was Walter Collins’ father? Just the thought of that is bizzare and disturbing!!! I just watched this movie last night and am toally captivated with this real story of the courage and determination of Christine Collins.

  152. I have a question for Irene posted December 3, 2008: how did you come to the conclusion that Gordn Northcott was Walter Collins’ father? Just the thought of that is bizzare and disturbing!!! I just watched this movie last night and am toally captivated with this real story of the courage and determination of Christine Collins.

  153. Very well done movie but keep in mind it’s “based” on a true story so in Hollywood fashion events & characters have been edited to suit the telling. They were trying to keep the mother as such a sympathetic person that they left out some relevant details (like her husband didn’t just disappear – he was in prison); Northcott’s mother helped mastermind the kidnappings/killings and several other things. The hinted at “love story” with her supervisor was added for effect and didn’t really have anything to add except possibly some pathos. My biggest complaint is that in the bonus features of the DVD there was no additional information given on the original case other than the little written blurbs at the very end of the movie. There is so much conflicting info out there that getting real facts is very difficult. But if the movie did nothing more than to raise interest in missing children cases, gov’t/police corruption and history of the 20’s & 30’s it was worthwhile. Thanks to the people on the blog who have looked up birth & death records and done some real research.

  154. I love that movie Changeling! But…. did Walter Collins die or live? Did Gordon Stewart Northcott really die by being hunged by Judge Freeman? Did Sanford Clark really dig-up the bones that were at the ranch were he lived with his cousin….nephew….friend….grandpa or however Gordon was related to Sanford?

  155. MY WIFE AND I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR THE TIME TONIGHT AND IT REALLY HIT ME HARDER THAN I THOUGHT AND THAT REASON IS ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO MY AUNT HAD TOLD ME ABOUT A MAN NAMED GORDON NORCUTT AND A RANCH THAT HE OWNED DOWN THE ROAD FROM MY FATHERS FAMILY IN PEDLEY. MY AUNT WENT ON TO TELL ME THAT MY FATHER AND MY UNCLE BUD USED TO GO DOWN TO THE NORCUTT RANCH AND PLAY. THEY WERE 8 AND 11 YEARS OLD AT THE TIME AND MY GRANDFATHER DOMINGO WOULD GO BUY CHICKENS FROM GORDON NORCUTT. TO HEAR ABOUT THIS THEN KNOWING ABOUT THE PAST THEN SEEING THIS MOVIE REALLY MAKES ME FEEL SICK TO KNOW MY DAD AND UNCLE USED TO PLAY THERE AND THEY WERE AROUND SUCH A EVIL MAN AND SURVIVED. MY AUNT HAD SAID TO US ALL THE REASON GORDON NORCUTT DID’NT HURT MY DAD AND UNCLE IS BECAUSE HE KNEW THE FAMILY AND ONLY WENT AFTER KID’S FROM OUTSIDE THE AREA. I’AM ONE LUCKY SON BUT I ALSO FEEL REALLY SAD FOR ALL THE POOR BOYS THAT LOST THERE LIFES TO SUCH A EVIL MAN. GOD BLESS THEM ALL” ROBERT GONZALES

  156. MY WIFE AND I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR THE TIME TONIGHT AND IT REALLY HIT ME HARDER THAN I THOUGHT AND THAT REASON IS ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO MY AUNT HAD TOLD ME ABOUT A MAN NAMED GORDON NORCUTT AND A RANCH THAT HE OWNED DOWN THE ROAD FROM MY FATHERS FAMILY IN PEDLEY. MY AUNT WENT ON TO TELL ME THAT MY FATHER AND MY UNCLE BUD USED TO GO DOWN TO THE NORCUTT RANCH AND PLAY. THEY WERE 8 AND 11 YEARS OLD AT THE TIME AND MY GRANDFATHER DOMINGO WOULD GO BUY CHICKENS FROM GORDON NORCUTT. TO HEAR ABOUT THIS THEN KNOWING ABOUT THE PAST THEN SEEING THIS MOVIE REALLY MAKES ME FEEL SICK TO KNOW MY DAD AND UNCLE USED TO PLAY THERE AND THEY WERE AROUND SUCH A EVIL MAN AND SURVIVED. MY AUNT HAD SAID TO US ALL THE REASON GORDON NORCUTT DID’NT HURT MY DAD AND UNCLE IS BECAUSE HE KNEW THE FAMILY AND ONLY WENT AFTER KID’S FROM OUTSIDE THE AREA. I’AM ONE LUCKY SON BUT I ALSO FEEL REALLY SAD FOR ALL THE POOR BOYS THAT LOST THERE LIFES TO SUCH A EVIL MAN. GOD BLESS THEM ALL” ROBERT GONZALES

  157. Actually,it is said that the sister was sentenced to life in prison, but was released after doing only 12 years.

  158. I feel that Walter probably died that night when he tried to escape, somehow believing that makes me feel like he was spared the kind of suffering that was mentioned in the book , as someone here said- being hacked to death by the 3 murderers!!

    No one should blame the mother for having left her child unattended, that’s not fair. It could happen to anybody, and we should pray such a horrible thing NEVER happens to us.

  159. It’s such a sad movie, i just finished it and i had to look up the real story because i had to know the whole thing, hoping to find something about Christine Collins finding her son…i did not, she died and never found out if he was alive! and i wish so much that she would find her baby boy! i believe he lived just like her..may all the poor baby boys who were killed rest in peace no one deserves to die like you did! and i’ll see you in heaven…it’s one thing to read a book or watch a movie but when it’s a true story it really hits you hard, how can someone do such a thing to such innocent little boys, She was such a brave woman that Christine Collins!

  160. Hi all. I just am wondering why did Gordon Stewart Northcott and his mother kill those boys in the first place……? (Besides the obvious they were crazy). What a horrific and gruesome way to die— by an axe. Thanks!

  161. Anyone wonder why the Hollywood version of the story didn’t mention the sexual deviation involved in the case? I don’t…

  162. iam 9 years old when i saw the movie changeling
    did she find her son? its 2009 pls email me

  163. Northcott’s mom was sentenced to a life term for her confession of killing Walter Collins, but later recanted her story. She served less then 12 years when she was released from prision and did not die in prison as Ken Peterson said in his November 9th posting.

  164. It’s ironic that so many posters vilify Christine for leaving Walter home alone to go to work. I get so sick of people slamming single mom’s for trying to do the best they can (and I’m not even a single mom). The fact of the matter is, if Christine’s deadbeat husband hadn’t broken the law and wound up in jail he’d have been there to provide for the family and probably none of this would have happened! Dad’s, you are critical in the lives of your children, please don’t walk away!

  165. I find it interesting and frustrating that so many people were this affected by this one account of a missing child and the struggle of his mother to find/save him. I dare say race plays a great part in the “telling” of this tragedy. Do you think if Mrs. Collins were a black mother from Watts that this story would have gotten the same media attention? I think not. While I grant Mr. Eastwood told a moving story, he had an account to draw from. So many african american and latino children went missing during that time, never to be seen again (nor even reported about). I assure you these accounts didn’t make the front page of the L.A. Times. Don’t you think their mothers loved them and did everything they could to get them home. I’d like to see someone thell THOSE stories. Over 70 “negroes” were lynched between 1914-1932. They each had a mother too.

  166. I believe the movie is more about the incredibe courage of Christine Collins and standing up to corruption then the order of events.

  167. Eu nunca tinha ouvido falar sobre esta histria, confesso q comecei a assistir o filme por causa da Angelina da qual amoooo como atriz porque a melhor de todas alm de um ser humano incrvel, assim q vi o filme at eu at o ltimo instante acreditei q ela encontraria o seu filho, e eu tive esperanas at o fim q ele apareceria, qdo acabou o filme corri at a net para procuar saber sobre a histria e confesso a todos que estou muito emocionada at agora por ter constatado q ela veio a falecer sem nunca te-lo encontrado..e me pergunto ser q ele sobreviveu ??? Eu gostaria de saber se ele relamente viveu e porque nunca voltou. O Sofrimento de uma me pela perda de um filho do qual se faz um funeral j algo q nunca se esquece e nunca se eapaga..Agora uma me q perde seu filho ede uma mameira que nunca mais volta a ve-lo (seu corpo) deve de ser algo como morrer em vida se pedir para morrer e no conseguir. Deus relmente to grandioso que s mesmo Ele sabe confortar quem merece e quem precisa….Angelina Jolie um anjo que apesar de toda fortuna q tem, a cada dia e a cada vez q respira ajuda quem precisa. Num mundo to maldoso, to cruel, e a cada dia mais sem f.. ela com sua alma to pura e verdadeira nos traz a cada dia interpretaes maravilhosas em encenaes q s mesmo ela consegue fazer. Nenhuma outra atriz na minha opinio to pura, sincera e to humana qto ela. !!!
    Andria- Brasil

  168. Eu nunca tinha ouvido falar sobre esta histria, confesso q comecei a assistir o filme por causa da Angelina da qual amoooo como atriz porque a melhor de todas alm de um ser humano incrvel, assim q vi o filme at eu at o ltimo instante acreditei q ela encontraria o seu filho, e eu tive esperanas at o fim q ele apareceria, qdo acabou o filme corri at a net para procuar saber sobre a histria e confesso a todos que estou muito emocionada at agora por ter constatado q ela veio a falecer sem nunca te-lo encontrado..e me pergunto ser q ele sobreviveu ??? Eu gostaria de saber se ele relamente viveu e porque nunca voltou. O Sofrimento de uma me pela perda de um filho do qual se faz um funeral j algo q nunca se esquece e nunca se eapaga..Agora uma me q perde seu filho ede uma mameira que nunca mais volta a ve-lo (seu corpo) deve de ser algo como morrer em vida se pedir para morrer e no conseguir. Deus relmente to grandioso que s mesmo Ele sabe confortar quem merece e quem precisa….Angelina Jolie um anjo que apesar de toda fortuna q tem, a cada dia e a cada vez q respira ajuda quem precisa. Num mundo to maldoso, to cruel, e a cada dia mais sem f.. ela com sua alma to pura e verdadeira nos traz a cada dia interpretaes maravilhosas em encenaes q s mesmo ela consegue fazer. Nenhuma outra atriz na minha opinio to pura, sincera e to humana qto ela. !!!
    Andria- Brasil

  169. this is so sad! I saw the movie last night and a cried..christine collins was an amazing person for fighting so hard to make things right.

  170. Hi all,

    I just saw Changeling the other night, and wow! So sad. Like many of the people here, I too wanted to learn more about this case and began doing research on the internet.

    Maryann (April 11, 2009 post) asked why Gordon Northcott committed those evil crimes. I’m no expert, but Gordon did show characteristcs of a physcopath: no remorse for his violent crimes, he himself was molested as a chid, he appeared agitated, self-centered and persistantly lied. From the movie we don’t get to see how he was as a child, but I’m guessing he was always evil and probably began with torturing animals when he was young. A person who has no spirit has no conscious.

    A few people here mentioned about 9 year-old Walter being left home alone when christine went to work. It is my understanding children welfare laws were not in effect as they are today (in most states children cannot be left home alone until age 12.) I could be wrong though about 1920’s laws.

    I also read a biography of the Chicken Coop murders, and, if this version is accurate, it state that Gordon Northcott was conceived by incest by his father and his sister — thus that is how Lousia is his grandmother. (Her husband and their daughter conceived that monster by incest.)

    In 1926, Sandford Clark was 14 years old when his uncle Gordon Northcott illegally brought him to California from British Columbia. In 1928, Northcott abused, molested and made Sandford particpate in those evil crimes. It is my understanding Sandford was sent back to Cananda and reunited with his family. He later married and he and his wife adopted 2 sons and Sandford lived a normal life until 1991, I believe.

    Also I read Arthur Hutchins wrote a book in 1933 about how and why he fooled the police by pretending to be the missing Walter Collins: After the death of his own mother, Arthur lived with his step-mother and he wanted to get away from her. Arthur died in 1954 from a blood clot.

    Does anyone know if the real Walter Collin’s father ever made any public record about his son’s disapperance? Or did the father just disappear from the face of the earth? He must have heard about it in the media.

    Thanks!

  171. Hi all,

    I just saw Changeling the other night, and wow! So sad. Like many of the people here, I too wanted to learn more about this case and began doing research on the internet.

    Maryann (April 11, 2009 post) asked why Gordon Northcott committed those evil crimes. I’m no expert, but Gordon did show characteristcs of a physcopath: no remorse for his violent crimes, he himself was molested as a chid, he appeared agitated, self-centered and persistantly lied. From the movie we don’t get to see how he was as a child, but I’m guessing he was always evil and probably began with torturing animals when he was young. A person who has no spirit has no conscious.

    A few people here mentioned about 9 year-old Walter being left home alone when christine went to work. It is my understanding children welfare laws were not in effect as they are today (in most states children cannot be left home alone until age 12.) I could be wrong though about 1920’s laws.

    I also read a biography of the Chicken Coop murders, and, if this version is accurate, it state that Gordon Northcott was conceived by incest by his father and his sister — thus that is how Lousia is his grandmother. (Her husband and their daughter conceived that monster by incest.)

    In 1926, Sandford Clark was 14 years old when his uncle Gordon Northcott illegally brought him to California from British Columbia. In 1928, Northcott abused, molested and made Sandford particpate in those evil crimes. It is my understanding Sandford was sent back to Cananda and reunited with his family. He later married and he and his wife adopted 2 sons and Sandford lived a normal life until 1991, I believe.

    Also I read Arthur Hutchins wrote a book in 1933 about how and why he fooled the police by pretending to be the missing Walter Collins: After the death of his own mother, Arthur lived with his step-mother and he wanted to get away from her. Arthur died in 1954 from a blood clot.

    Does anyone know if the real Walter Collin’s father ever made any public record about his son’s disapperance? Or did the father just disappear from the face of the earth? He must have heard about it in the media.

    Thanks!

  172. Me again. I just read somewhere else that husband Conrad J./Walter J. Collins was in prison for a train robbery. I don’t recall the movie mentioning that tid-bit.

    Has anyone else heard of this? and if so, why can’t I find it anywhere on the internet?

    Thanks again!

  173. After watching the movie ‘Changeling’ i realised how awful things were in those days but now i come to think of it ,that no matter how hopeless it was, She didn’t gave up.

  174. You haven’t a chance in hell of finding anything there now, it’s all be built over, huge truck parks and freeways etc.

    Paul

  175. did she ever found her son,what happened after she confronted to be given the the fake boy

  176. Hey Mary, what do you suggest a Mother do when her child disappears walk around laughing like a moron? Crying over your missing possibly dead child is a natural reaction, but only for those with maternal instincts!! Angelina Jolie did a fantastic job!!

  177. Oh My God I can’t believe someone played the race card here..d**n can’t we have just one conversation without the race card being played..yes, we know different races are treated differently..as a Lesbian I know this all too well, but this is about a womans fight to find her missing possibly dead child..whether she be white, black or purple with pink polka dots it doesn’t matter..until blacks and Latinos (unless they are Lesbian or Gay) are denied their rights of marriage, insurance coverage as anything, but an individual, I can’t get insurance because my Partners insurance company says I’m not her “Family”..and other such rights that we are denied left and right by so called superior heteros I don’t want to hear about the race card especially when it has nothing to do with this story or this conversation!

  178. When the mother went in to work that day, she said that somebody was going come and visit with Walter. Those characters were not shown or asked if Walter was there when they came.

    Did the serial killer really go in their house looking for Walter? The mother said that he would not leave the house.

    Later in the movie when Arthur (the “fake” Walter) admitted that the police told him to pretend to be Walter should have been emphasized more.

  179. I just recently watched the movie, and was not only horrified, but intrigued as to what became of Christine throughout her life. I searched on the internet as a blind search really, and then went to ancestry.com. You can find a wealth of information about Christine from her own family members.

  180. SHe was born as Christine I Dunne. Dec 14, 1888- Dec 8, 1964.

    By Cecilia Rasmussen
    February 07, 1999 in print edition B-3

    The annals of child kidnapping are replete with heartbreaking tragedies, but probably none have been quite as bizarre as the crime that first mesmerized, then convulsed, Los Angeles more than 70 years ago.

    By the time it was over, it would involve not only an apparent abduction, but also impersonation, police coercion, false imprisonment, psychiatric abuse andthis being Los Angelesa court fight that stretched on for more than a decade. It was a story with victims and villains, but what it never had was a resolution.

    On a sunny afternoon in March 1928, 9-year-old Walter Collins disappeared after his mother, Christine, a telephone operator, gave him a dime to spend on admission to the theater near their Mt. Washington area home.

    Angelenos rallied behind the grieving mother and her missing boy while the police dragged Lincoln Park lake and launched a national campaign to find Walter.

    His apparent kidnapping struck a chord in a city still traumatized by a vicious crime only three months earlier. In that case, 12-year-old Marion Parker was kidnapped for ransom by a psychopath named William the Fox Hickman, who shoved her dismembered body from his car just before being captured.

    Countless tips on Walters location led to dead-ends. He was allegedly spotted as far north as San Francisco and Oakland. One reported sighting was at a Glendale gas station in the back seat of a car, wrapped in newspaper with only his head showing. The station owner described the driver as a foreign-looking man, probably an Italian, accompanied by a woman.

    The boys father, Walter J.S. Collins, who was serving time in prison for robbery, believed that former inmates out for revenge against him may have kidnapped his son, though there were no witnesses and no proof that that had occurred.

    Police continued their search until August, when a boy claiming to be Walter turned himself in to Illinois authorities. Christine Collins paid $70 in travel expenses so the boy could return to Los Angeles.

    When he arrived, however, Collins said that although he resembled Walter, the boy was not her son.

    You Are a Fool

    However, the Los Angeles Police Departmentunder terrific pressure to declare the case happily closedrefused to believe that the boy wasnt Walter, whatever the mother said.

    Emotionally drained, Collins caved in to the cops suggestion that she try the boy out, and took him into her home.

    But after three weeks of attempting to reconcile herself to the convenient fiction, Collins returned him to the police.

    Armed with proof in the form of her sons dental records and a troop of friends who agreed that the boy wasnt Walter, Collins still failed to convince LAPD Capt. J.J. Jones, who investigated the kidnapping, that the boy was an impostor.

    What are you trying to do, make fools out of us all? Or are you trying to shirk your duty as a mother and have the state provide for your son? You are the most cruel-hearted woman Ive ever known. You are a . . . fool! Jones allegedly told Collins.

    Resolved to bend her to his willand the departments convenienceJones had the distraught mother committed to Los Angeles County General Hospitals psychiatric ward for evaluation.

    While she spent five days in the hospital, Jones extracted the truth from the faux Walter.

    The boy from Illinois confessed that he actually was 12-year-old Arthur Hutchins of Iowa. After his mother died, he had gone to live an isolated new life with his cold fish of a father and a malicious stepmother, he said. He ran away, hitchhiking around the country and working odd jobs.

    While stopped at an Illinois roadside cafe, Arthur said, he listened to a diner tell him how much he resembled the kidnapped boy from Los Angeles, whose picture had appeared in newspapers nationwide. Arthur quickly seized on an opportunity to see Hollywood, turned himself in to authorities and carried out the charade by assuming the identity of the missing boy.

    For Collins, however, there was more heartache and trouble to come.

    Released from the hospital, she filed a false-imprisonment complaint against the city, Police Chief James Davis and Jones.

    With the heat on the department, Jones, who also was being pressured to help solve a grisly murder mystery, insisted that Walter had been one of the victims of Gordon Stewart Northcott and his mother, who had recently been charged with beheading a youth, one of 11 children they sexually assaulted and murdered in Riverside County.

    But Collins refused to believe it, especially because her sons body was never found on the Northcotts chicken ranch in Wineville, now Mira Loma.

    More than 1,000 outraged Angelenos packed the council chambers in the newly opened City Hall to hear Davis and Jones testify in their defense against Collins allegations before the citys health and welfare committee. The crowd was in an uproar. Broken microphones prohibited them from clearly hearing all of the witnesses. Bystanders kept yelling, Louder! Louder! as the family dentist testified that the real Walter had several fillings and the boy claiming to be Walter had never seen a dentist in his life.

    In addition, Collins told her story to the Police Commission, which refused to discipline Jones, and a grand jury before finally going to court.

    In the meantime, the complaint against the city and police chief was dismissed and Jones was suspended. But that didnt stop Collins from going after him.

    A Lifelong Search

    More than two years and two trials later, a judge awarded her $10,800. She said she planned to use the money to continue looking for her son. But Jones never paid up.

    He was reinstated in the LAPD, but claimed to be constantly broke. Nevertheless, Collins remained a constant thorn in his side, summoning him back to court every few years to explain his failure to pay and to have more interest tacked onto something she would never see.

    Continuing her search and never giving up hope, Collins became the first woman in more than three decades to receive permission to visit a serial killer on the eve of his execution at San Quentin. In October 1930, Northcott sent her a telegram saying he had lied when he denied that Walter was among his victims. He promised to tell the truth, if she came in person to hear. But upon her arrival, he balked.

    I dont want to see you, he said when she confronted him. I dont know anything about it. Im innocent.

    Five years after Northcotts execution, one of the other boys he was accused of killing was found alive and well.

    This tiny bit of news gave Collins the hope she needed to go on searching for the rest of her life. If, somehow, Walter is alive today, he is 80 years old.

  181. I also loved the movie, but realize it is onlybased on a true story. I only have a couple of comments to make:

    a. all of you people who ask ‘why she left a 9-year-old home alone’- are you serious? This was 1928- bread was a nickel and her daily trolly ride was probably a penny. I mean, seriously people, are you that naive? There was no ‘gangs’ or ‘drugs’ or any serious felony crimes such as those- which is why Northcott got away with what he did for so long. I find is shocking that more people aren’t more disturbed with how it only took ONE MAN WITHOUT A MEDICAL DEGREE MIND YOU to just have her committed because HE was a LAPD cop and for NO other reason. And ALL those people who worked there in the hospitalALL WENT ALONG WITH IT– never QUESTIONING AUTHORITY or finding it STRANGE they would even have ‘code 12’?!! I can only hope this causes more people to QUESTION AUTHORITY and DO NOT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU READ, HEAR, or they SAY.

    b. If Walter did manage to make it out, there is no way he would not have sought help to be reunited with his Mother. Although, the fact that the impostor kid made his way- all by himself- from Iowa to Hollywood knowing the back story was pretty dumbfounding. I still think the relationship that Walter probably had with his mother would have made him want to be reunited even more were he able to escape for certain.

    c. To the idiot that had to defile the board with the issue of the ‘negroes’- it’s people like you who keep other hard-working, responsible, and self-sufficient people down. You people don’t realize that those types of accusations and defenses are not empowering at all- they are counter-productive actually and ultimately just stir the pot more. This isn’t about that and the movie was spectacular. If I wanted to watch ‘Color Purple’ or ‘Roots’- I would have.

  182. I also loved the movie, but realize it is onlybased on a true story. I only have a couple of comments to make:

    a. all of you people who ask ‘why she left a 9-year-old home alone’- are you serious? This was 1928- bread was a nickel and her daily trolly ride was probably a penny. I mean, seriously people, are you that naive? There was no ‘gangs’ or ‘drugs’ or any serious felony crimes such as those- which is why Northcott got away with what he did for so long. I find is shocking that more people aren’t more disturbed with how it only took ONE MAN WITHOUT A MEDICAL DEGREE MIND YOU to just have her committed because HE was a LAPD cop and for NO other reason. And ALL those people who worked there in the hospitalALL WENT ALONG WITH IT– never QUESTIONING AUTHORITY or finding it STRANGE they would even have ‘code 12’?!! I can only hope this causes more people to QUESTION AUTHORITY and DO NOT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU READ, HEAR, or they SAY.

    b. If Walter did manage to make it out, there is no way he would not have sought help to be reunited with his Mother. Although, the fact that the impostor kid made his way- all by himself- from Iowa to Hollywood knowing the back story was pretty dumbfounding. I still think the relationship that Walter probably had with his mother would have made him want to be reunited even more were he able to escape for certain.

    c. To the idiot that had to defile the board with the issue of the ‘negroes’- it’s people like you who keep other hard-working, responsible, and self-sufficient people down. You people don’t realize that those types of accusations and defenses are not empowering at all- they are counter-productive actually and ultimately just stir the pot more. This isn’t about that and the movie was spectacular. If I wanted to watch ‘Color Purple’ or ‘Roots’- I would have.

  183. i just seen the movie it was very moving indeed and i ws heart felt for christine collins to be put through all what she was very sad

  184. i was just wonderin if Christine Collins ever found her son? My friend and i really want to know so if u have any information about this please email me back.

  185. I wonder if Gordon really sang ‘Silent Night’ before his death because if that was true, I will no longer sing that on Christmas.

  186. May 24- “no ‘gangs’ or ‘drugs’ or any serious felony crimes such as those-“?

    I beg to differ. There was quite a bit of violent crime then. However, society was different and leaving young children at home was commonplace and not viewed as abuse. Often children of working parents were expected to look after themselves and younger siblings as well.

  187. I think Mr. Eastwood did a fantastic job with this picture. Not only did he produce and direct it, but he also wrote much of the music used. What a fantastic talent, and, thanks, Clint for bringing this story to the forefront after 80 years. It was gripping and reminds us that the darker side of man is nothing new.

  188. To Nina,

    That’s rediculous that you would stop singing such a traditional Christian Christmas song that everyone sings. Gordon also believed in God. Using your logic, that would mean that you will quit believing in Him as well????

  189. I LOOOOVED THAT MOVIE!!! SOOOOOO INTENSE!!!!!!!!!!!
    but i feel so bad for Christene!
    i mean if i lost my son what would i have done??????? no one would know what they would do! u think u might no but u DONT!

  190. MY question is- how did Northcott catch Walter if Walter never left the house?

  191. I think it was led to believe that Walter took it upon himself to go to the movies without his mother. That may have given Northcott access to the boy on the street.

  192. Does anyone know where i can find the records of Christine collins in the L.A. instits for pschychopathic women??? If so please leave a comment with the URL.
    And i saw her tombstone it said she was born in 1905. her son disappeared in 1928 when she was 23 which would have made her pregnant with him at 14!

  193. I have just watched the movie, so very moving!

    Well done to Clint for outstanding directorship, and many thanks for bringing this story to us today.

    I have never been a Jolie fan, but what an outstanding performance on her part.

    For those who have asked how Chrstine could have left her child unattended. Please remember that 81 years ago, lifestyles were so different to today. Children could play in parks, they could ride bicycles with friends. Most ‘middle class’ mums did not need to work, and the neighbourhoods were filled with mums at home, doing what women do best, being mums, being wives.

    We will probably not know for certain why Walter ended up in Northcotts clutches, but being a boy, as boys do, they explore. Maybe he went to play with a friend, or just went out for a walk. Who knows?

    My deepest emotions were renched because of non-closure on Christines behalf, but I applaud her for her strength to ‘finish the fight’.

    Also, the unsung hero’s, the Presbyterian minister, the police officer and the attorney. Well done to them, true gentlemen, true men.

  194. THESE ARE THE ACTUAL AND ACCURATE DATES.
    Christine Ida Dunne Collins was born in 1891 and died on December 8, 1964 according to US Census data and CA public records. Her birth month is unknown or not listed in public records. She died at age 73. She was about 37 at the time that her son went missing. Her husband Walter Sr. was imprisoned in Represa at the time that Walter Jr. went missing. He died in 1932 at age 42. Check CA public records and prison file records. They have actual written and typed letters requesting the parole of Walter Sr. Also search CA public hospital records and public police files for documentation on Mrs. Collins incarceration in the psychiatric hospital.

  195. It clamied that Christine have never found her son, apparently she did keep looking for him but as she was getting old, she died on 1964 which made her 73 years old as she was born 1891.
    She died without knowing her son’s fate. I find that very sad. But of course, there’s lots of questions are swimming in my mind-
    Some of you have found many of different info, so its possible i’ve got it wrong and yours are probably wrong as well, because lets face it, none of us were there on this very particular day, and the truth was probably hidden, just to protect their names, as if i was writing a real story, i’d probably changed names or even events or taking away some of the part that happened just to protect our families.

    Anything’s possible.

    All what i know is that it was very good story, and it was sad and beautiful.

  196. Have just watched this film, and agree it is a tragic story. It’s one of those situations in the end where I am sure CC knew in the back of her mind that WC was dead, but the failure of the killer to admit he had murdered her son did not allow her closure. Amazing that the boys affected by this seem to have gone on to lead such “normal” lives. As far as the film goes – Jolie is amazing indeed, and well-supported by Malkovich. Well worth seeing.

  197. Did they ever question Sanford Clark as to whether
    they tracked down the two boys who escaped into the
    night.

  198. George, and others we didn’t need to hear about Gordon Northcutt’s grandmother (not mother) in the movie because the movie was focused on CHRISTINE and her feelings and her son. It is HER impression in the movie that he may have still been alive. The movie is about Christine’s life and what SHE thought. As for telling about the grandmother, etc etc etc etc every little teeny fact about the case, if the movie had gone off in 10 different directions it would have been too difficult for people to hone in on Christine’s story, which was the point of the movie. IT WAS THE POINT OF THE MOVIE. Again. Christne’s point of view WAS THE FOCUS OF THE MOVIE. Are you guys daft? Clint Eastwood is a fantastic director, and I would not have him change one thing about the movie.

    also, I can’t believe some of the ignorant comments I have read. The movie is “based on” a true story; it is not the story nor will it contain all of the facts. It is a MOVIE. Why not try cracking open a history book and learn some real facts? It might do some of you good.

    Plus, for those who thought there weren’t any serial killers back then … REALLY? What rock were you born under? People’s natures don’t change. There will always be serial killers. And for those who don’t know the history of Amber Alerts, do your research.

    This was a movie, based on true events, focused on one woman’s story and her beliefs. Keep repeating that to yourself.

  199. Anyone know what happened to that nasty M.D. in charge at the Psyche Ward where Christine was falsely imprisoned?

  200. I really don’t think it matter what order the movie or story is in. The fact is, this is a real life story everything is true and it’s really messed up. The killing pysh ward fake son. None of it should have happen. She should have came home from work and her son should have been there.

  201. Hello I juat watched the Movie and I had to Hold back my Tears, I’m a Family, Child, Relationship Therapist, and I’ve been doing this for over 15 yrs, this Movie shows the Love and the Hate that is in this World today, Yes our men and women that we are suppose to Trust to Protect us is not doing there Job, Yes we have some Good Ones but as well we have some Very Bad ones, But there is no reason, This should open out eyes to how we should Love and keep Loing no matter what others do, I have a TV Talk Show about Relationships, and this was what this was all about the Relationships we have with one another in this World……In A Relationship do we really know what that means?????

  202. I watched for the first time today and I can’t stop reading…wanting to know more. I want to know what really happened to that little boy…he was probably killed, but I want to believe he wasn’t. I just can’t believe the power that men had over women back then, or even the power someone with authority…someone we are supposed to trust…had over the regular citizen. This was very disturbing. I watched this movie at 8am and haven’t stopped reading about it ever since…it is now 2:28pm. This was just one of those true stories you can’t forget…another movie that did this to me was the story of the woman who cared for the two sisters and ended up killing one of them…An American Crime…had me twisted inside for days…the people we trust with our loved ones…

  203. This is why we don’t leave our kids home alone.. Things like this go on now…..We sometimes choose to ignor it.

  204. to me this was a tragic event. I didint even gear about the story until i saw the movie Changeling. I feel so sorry for the Collins Family…..Rest In Peace Walter Collins

  205. I just watched the movie on demand on Charter cable. It was incredible. AJ and John Malkovich were great. CE did an amazing job as always. I’ve been researching for hours since watching and found this:

    Christine Collins won a lawsuit against Jones and was awarded $10,800, which Jones never paid. The last public record of Christine Collins is from 1941, when she attempted to collect a $15,562 judgment against Captain Jones (by then a retired police officer) in the Superior Court.

  206. I watched this movie Changeling over the weekend and can’t get it out of my mind. What that poor woman must have gone through. The void of loosing a child is bad enough, but never knowing if he was dead or alive must have been devastating. It is so interesting to be able to read up on the actual events that took place so long ago. A wonderful movie.

  207. I THINK THAT WHAT HAPPEN TO CHRISTINE COLLIN’S TOOK PLACE. BECAUSE CLENT EASTWOOD WOULD’T HAVE TOOK THE TIME TO PRODUCE AND DIRECT THE MOVIE.IF IT DIDN’T TAKE HAPPEN.

  208. First of all, this is an amazing film! Clint Eastwood did a phenomenal job directing it, Angelina Jolie a phenomenal job portraying Christine Collins. Very impressive and inspiring.

    The story is shocking and disturbing.
    I hope that a DNA-analysis will be taken into action concerning the remainders of the boys’ skeletons.
    Furthermore, I hope that there will be a publication in the future with all of the open facts regarding the case. Like so many other viewers, I’m very interested and agree with another forum poster that it would’ve made a great bonus feature to the DVD. It seems that so many things have not been researched and have been forgotten.

    For the present and future:
    May the police act towards justice or be equally punished.

  209. First of all, this is an amazing film! Clint Eastwood did a phenomenal job directing it, Angelina Jolie a phenomenal job portraying Christine Collins. Very impressive and inspiring.

    The story is shocking and disturbing.
    I hope that a DNA-analysis will be taken into action concerning the remainders of the boys’ skeletons.
    Furthermore, I hope that there will be a publication in the future with all of the open facts regarding the case. Like so many other viewers, I’m very interested and agree with another forum poster that it would’ve made a great bonus feature to the DVD. It seems that so many things have not been researched and have been forgotten.

    For the present and future:
    May the police act towards justice or be equally punished.

  210. First of all, this is an amazing film! Clint Eastwood did a phenomenal job directing it, Angelina Jolie a phenomenal job portraying Christine Collins. Very impressive and inspiring.
    The story is shocking and disturbing.
    I hope that a DNA-analysis will be taken into action concerning the remainders of the boys’ skeletons.
    Furthermore, I hope that there will be a publication in the future with all of the open facts regarding the case. Like so many other viewers, I’m very interested and agree with another forum poster that it would’ve made a great bonus feature to the DVD. It seems that so many things have not been researched and have been forgotten.
    For the present and future:
    May the police act towards justice or be equally punished.

  211. the movie changeling was absolutely beautiful. I’m a fifteen year old girl and you would think someone like me wouldn’t be interested in murder cases, but I definitely am. and I’ve never been more fascinated with any murder case in my life. I went to the ranch where this all ocurred. of course, it’s surrounded by other houses and a busy cross-street now, but was still chilling. also, I noticed that there is a wide open dirt lot at the corner of the street, a few houses down from the ranch. I have a very strong feeling that something is there, deep down under all of the dirt. I would love to investigate there but of course it is not my property. but maybe someone, someday, will do just that. either way, I encourage anyone interested in the case to visit the house. it’s right in LA; not hard to find. I also plan on going to see the place where walter Collins was on the day of his kidnapping, and maybe where his and his mother’s house used to be, now that I know the addresses of both, thanks to earlier posters. this forum was really interesting and I learned even more details about the entire story; I’m also going to continue researching this amazing thing- probably buy the books on it as well. I, like many others, want to know if walter collins could somehow still be alive at this very moment. we may never know. whatever really happened to him, we know that he is an angel. and if that beautiful child was in fact heartlessly murdered, he is in heaven- with his mom. <3

  212. I’ve just saw the movie, and I thought that everyone did a great job. I hated the ones they wanted me to to hated. From reading everyone comments i believe Walter musted died in 1928 or right after, there has been no spotting of him, or contack with his mother. Now his mother there are to many differs stories, she die in’34, ’64 or what ever i don’t beleive the cops killed her or had her killed. I beleive she had a new i.d and try to movie on the best way that she could. that was a great movie!!!

  213. I’ve just saw the movie, and I thought that everyone did a great job. I hated the ones they wanted me to to hated. From reading everyone comments i believe Walter musted died in 1928 or right after, there has been no spotting of him, or contack with his mother. Now his mother there are to many differs stories, she die in’34, ’64 or what ever i don’t beleive the cops killed her or had her killed. I beleive she had a new i.d and try to movie on the best way that she could. that was a great movie!!!

  214. I’ve just saw the movie, and I thought that everyone did a great job. I hated the ones they wanted me to to hated. From reading everyone comments i believe Walter musted died in 1928 or right after, there has been no spotting of him, or contack with his mother. Now his mother there are to many differs stories, she die in’34, ’64 or what ever i don’t beleive the cops killed her or had her killed. I beleive she had a new i.d and try to movie on the best way that she could. that was a great movie!!!

  215. Does anyone know if the hanging scene was historically accurate? Was Christine Collins there when they hung Northcutt? Did he really act that strangely at his death?

  216. Just watched The Changeling for the first time. Very sad. It is refreshing, however, to see so many people moved by this story’s history as well as the humanity. Many of you are doing research and visiting phyical sites associated with the events. I have been doing such things for a long time. Just so happens I will be visiting family in LA next week, coming down from the Bay Area. I’ve already planned my own tour.

  217. Some of you are really looking at the movie as a factual reenactment. It Isnt. Eastwood makes it very clear that the film is “inspired by a true story”. It has been dramatized for the sake of a restless, ticket buying public. They had to make the possiblity of Walters escape believable in the movie to give the audience hope. And as far as getting your facts from wikipedia- you ALL should know better! Other than the film, do we have any REAL evidence that an escape ever happened? Was one ever attempted? The movie was good but it was still a Hollywood drama/thriller. I’ve never seen what you all see in Jolie. I think anyone would have done a better job. And Eastwood IS a master storyteller. But, he left out Northcotts grandmother. The way history reads, she was a true monster and probably created the killer/torturer that was her son. Or possibly, upon discovery of what Gordon was up to out back in the chicken coop, she may have murdered the victims to protect her son. Either way there is more to the story than the Hollywood version. And the real story plays out more like a Rob Zombie movie, or one of the modern Chainsaw Massacre films. Grizzly, cold, and extremely horrific for the victims. So much so that a town had to change its name in an attempt to move on.

  218. There were so many relevant comments on here and so much additional factual information that helped me understand the story a little better. I thank you for your research and your sharing. But to Knight Writer… I watched the behind the scenes special they did with Clint Eastwood and alot of the dialogue is from actual transcripts, letters, articles and notes from the actual people involved. He and the other producers researched this case for seven years before bringing it to the big screen. They strived to get it as accurate as a motion picture could be. I would say that the only loose based dialogue would be that of the emotions and side bar conversations of the characters as how could anyone know that for sure. But the facts are truly facts in the movie. Watch the “Making of Changeling” and you will see how serious they were about getting all the information accurate. Just thought I would let you know. Its sad..but you didnt have to spice this movie up.. it was tragic enough that the FACTS did that all by themselves!

  219. Mrs. Douthet.

    Mr Eastwood and the producers may well have done a lot of research but it is a documented fact that Northcotts Mother/grandmother was convicted of the death of Walter Collins and that was left out of the movie entirely. The movie is not 100% accurate. Not everything in it will have happened and I am sure a lot was left out. I believe Eastwoods aim was to portray Christine Collins story. He did a wonderful job. Since watching the movie I have done a lot of research into the story and I suggest others do the same to get all of the facts of the case.

  220. Mrs. Douthet.

    Mr Eastwood and the producers may well have done a lot of research but it is a documented fact that Northcotts Mother/grandmother was convicted of the death of Walter Collins and that was left out of the movie entirely. The movie is not 100% accurate. Not everything in it will have happened and I am sure a lot was left out. I believe Eastwoods aim was to portray Christine Collins story. He did a wonderful job. Since watching the movie I have done a lot of research into the story and I suggest others do the same to get all of the facts of the case.

  221. Yes and thank you Jackie. I know that there were alot of facts that were left out and of course he couldnt cover every detail. I was just simply stating to the writer above that they aimed to get the movie as accurate as possible.

    On another note. It seems as though alot of the information is conflicting. Where have you found accurate information? I am extremely curious to answer some of my own questions that I have regarding this tragic story.

  222. I just watched the movie, and thought it was good. I thought when Christine got home and found Walter missing, she would at least call the people who were going to come by and check on him. At least then, they might be able to get a better time line as to when he was taken. Maybe she did, and the movie didn’t address that.

    I, too, was hoping for a happy union of mother and son.

  223. great, fantastic, sad , but was hoping for a happier ending. well done to clint eastwood and also to angelina jolie for playing her part really well.

  224. none of the bodies ever found were walters and the kid in the end of the movie named david clay the 1 that said walter helped him during an escape was true the house where northcott lived and did the killings still stands but the coops are gone.. this was a terrible crime he wasnt convicted of killing walter… but the 2 winslow brothers and the headless mexican he did get convicted of.. so maybe poor walter lived it would be nice to think maybe he made it and was too scared to come back… here is the best link to these horific crimes… http://chickenmurders.blogspot.com/

  225. after watching the movie i wonderd why they never questioned the people that were supposed to look in on walter. did they come to the house to check on him .and if they did and didn’t see him there why didn’t they alert his mother. no signs that they checked on him. did it happen early in the day since the sandwich was still in the fridge .did neighbors see anything.they saw the mother leave with the police. why were these peole not questioned and looked into to. also i think walter should have been left with someone responsible. no matter what the year.

  226. what happened to the boy who helped the killer in the murder of the boys? was he released or sent to prison?

  227. So the moral of the story here is then that some of you think the film is a blow by blow account of what happened, it isn’t, and nobody really knows anything about what happened to the boy his mother or his father.

    I think as this is an unsolvable situation it should be left to rest in peace as there is nothing to be learnt now as it happened a long time ago and it is doubtful anyone else will leave there kiddie on there own in this day and age and if they do they should be locked up for abuse.

    Thanks

  228. OMG!!! The film was amazing, what a courageous woman!! I feel so deeply for her loss, but I feel admiration for her determination to find her son, I do hope that they met in heaven eventually. I’m also curious about what happened to Walter’s father??? Can anyone tell me?

  229. I WISH I COULD MEET ANGELINA JOLIE AND CLINT E. AND ASK THEM SPECIFIC QUESTIONS. I SAW THE MOVIE AND WITHIN 3 MINUTES WAS RESEARCHING WHAT HAPPENED TO CHRISTINE AND WALTER AND THE 2 PEOPLE THAT WERE SUPPOSED TO CHECK ON WALTER WHILE HIS MOTHER WAS AT WORK. TO BRUCE: THE REAL CHRISTINE COLLINS WAS BEAUTIFUL BECAUSE IT COMES FROM THE INSIDE. TAKE A LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND THEN ASK YOURSELF WHAT EVERYONE IN THE WORLD WOULD SAY IF THEY SAW YOUR PICTURE.

  230. Sanford Clark, the young nephew that helped in the murders and identified Walter’s picture to the police, seems to be the key here. Why wouldn’t Sanford Clark remember specifically if any of the boys who escaped one night were recaptured and subsequently murdered by Northcott and/or his mother? Seems like boys escaping would be a spcific incident that would have stood out in young Clark’s mind. If he could remember 20 boys faces and identify them in photos, surely he would remember specifically who escaped and what happened to them. Did anyone including Walter’s mother ever speak to Clark specifically about the escape after one of the boys who escaped was found alive years later? Did Sanford Clark ever add any info to the case over the years. I understand he spent little jail time for the crimes he was made to commit, but you would think he would want to help the families of the victims as much as possible to clear his conscience. Did Ms. Collins continue to search for Walter while thinking he was still alive, because of something Sanford Clark might have said about the fate of the3 boys who tried to escape?

  231. Do the bones from the case still exist? Can DNA be used to identify some of the remains today?

    Also, Sanford Clark, the young nephew that helped in the murders and identified Walter’s picture to the police, seems to be the key here. Why wouldn’t Sanford Clark remember specifically if any of the boys who escaped one night were recaptured and subsequently murdered by Northcott and/or his mother, and who those boys who escaped were? Seems like boys escaping would be a spcific incident that would have stood out in young Clark’s mind. If he could remember 20 boys faces and identify them in photos, surely he would remember specifically who escaped and what happened to them,ie; if they were recaptured. Did anyone including Walter’s mother ever speak to Clark specifically about the escape after one of the boys who escaped was found alive 5 years later? Did Sanford Clark ever add any info to the case over the years, before he died. I understand he spent little jail time for the crimes he was made to commit, but you would think he would want to help the families of the victims as much as possible to clear his conscience. Did Ms. Collins continue to search for Walter while thinking he was still alive, because of something Sanford Clark might have said about the fate of the3 boys who tried to escape?

  232. I would personaly think with all the diff articles and stories being told,the only way to really find out what happinn is to actualy talk to the ones that were there, since everyone decided to wait so late we will really never know the true story, but I truly hope that Walter lived a long and pieceful life, and as for Christine Collins I hope that once Mike was found that gave her a little piece in her search and life.

  233. What a movie – I feel so sad for this and so many other families.
    But it highlights what we allow and accept in this sick world. In South Africa we are preparing for the world cup. And in preparing we are not allowing our children to go anywhere alone because we have been warned about evil ***** kidnapping young children to be used/sold as sex vessels. AND WE ACCEPT THIS ?????? We send warnings to each other but there is no other visible action been taken???????? Then I say ban international sporting events if this is the consequences – that our children are at risk. It is sick !!!!!!!!!!!

  234. i watched this movie last night and when it finished i couldn’t stop questioning myself as to whether or not Walter Collins was alive or dead and in addition what became of his mother afterwards. that said, this was a really sad, courageous and creepy movie.

  235. Kudos to Clint Eastwood and Angelina for making sure this womans story didnt get forgotten! She was incredible, and I can’t imagine what it would take to keep me going if this was my son! I have to tell you if this had me, Northcott wouldn’t have lived to see a trial..And I would have made it a slow death…

  236. I’d never heard of this case before, and I’m such a true-crime buff – or so I thought. I had no idea when I rented this movie that this was how it would turn out. As the mother of a little boy, I can hardly bear the thought of losing him. I’m not sure how Ms. Collins got through each day. All the actors did a phenomenal job. Northcott was beyond creepy, and my heart truly went out to his poor nephew. What a cross he had to bear for the remainder of his life. All I could think was “who would DO something like that to a little boy, and WHY!?”. Every day, I hug my little boy a little tighter…

  237. Marlene – sadly, I think the escape only happened in the movie. Therefore, there was nothing for Sanford to recall. However, your point about DNA evidence is an excellent one – if anyone would be willing to pay for it. And who knows where those bones are now? All in all, what a sad, creepy, moving story.

  238. Hi I just watched most of the movie. I had the tv on all day and at first I thought it was one of those mother dearest movies when I saw angelina first telling the boy he was not her boy. My daughter explained later after she came home from school. The movie was showing again on HBO.

    TO answer this question that I have seen on other websites: Why did she leave the boy home alone? Yes in those days a neighborhood/village still helped raised a child. Just that it was not portrayed that way in the film. Research old history during that time…you would have done errands and help your next door neighbor during your childhood years as if they were your relatives…all children played together.

    Today’s society is one in which we should not leave a child alone. I dont think this was a neglect issue on the mother’s part. Thumbs up to Angelina; I’d never picture her in a role like this..and Mr. Clint Eastwood..is awesome.

  239. Thank you to those of you who have done real research.

    To those of you who keep saying “why didn’t just they ask Sanford if the boys were caught”, “why wouldn’t he remember” and “not enough was done to solve the case” etc., you are confusing the movie with reality. Please stop it, it’s really annoying. You are assuming that just because the movie is “based” on a true story, every scene happened the same way in real life. Clint Eastwood filled in the holes with a “story”. Otherwise it would be a documentary.

    As for the DNA evidence, it would be great to be able to identify the remains positively. I wonder how much evidence they still have. However, Northcott’s mother was later tried and convicted of Walter’s murder. She confessed, as I understand it. I don’t personally believe he got away, though I wish he had.

  240. Amazing isn’t it? The condition of human and all…
    There are many unanswered questions and this movie is deeply moving as it made us curious about what really happened…we even read the comments till the end 🙂
    For me, it brought the subject of death forefront…I just kept thinking of the inevitable
    and it also acts as a warning, don’t you think? Take really good care of your kids
    Fight for what you believe

  241. I believe that a Mother that loves her child, will even crawl into hell to look for him….Bernice Elizondo

  242. wEll after watching the movie. I feel so sorry for all those parents, what a wicked evil man, he was, and now he is in HELL, and I do hope and pray that Christine and her son Walter are in heaven together. I guess she like all mothers never gave up hope. but back than they did not have what we have now to ID a body.

    Truly one very sad movie.

  243. Sad to say, lies and abuse in the system still run rampant today.
    I went through a divorce in Wisconsin in the early 90’s and the family court system put us all through hell. I saw the inside of a jail and a psych ward because of an abusive ex AND the court appointed psychiatrist at UW Madison.

    I understand exactly what happened in the Psych ward in the movie. Not just in the hospital but through the whole custody fiasco,
    If I cried, I was emotionally unstable or depressed.
    If I didnt cry, I was emotionally detached and also the blame for my sons autism was placed on me by the court appointed psychiatrist
    If I was angry, I had anger issues. Didnt matter what I did, it wasnt right, not my actions nor my feelings according to them. I was accused of sexually abusing my son but never formally charged. The emotional trauma was horrid. I couldnt hug, hold or kiss my kids without scrutiny or abuse.
    In Christine and Walters story, if the pastor had not stepped up to the plate fought the fight on behalf of Christine Collins when he did, she would have been trapped in the system like the other women in the Psych Ward.

    I know my two kids were not murdered but they were abused and I could do nothing. Christine went through the mental abuse by the system for what, about a year? I understand how it totally wears you down, especially when no one helps. The worst of it was about 8 years but all in all its been 20 years and still isnt over for me.

    In the midst of all this custody crap, there was a car accident (not my fault) that left me unable to work. My Attorney for the accident was disbarred and I received nothing. Statute of limitations was up. I lost it all. My health, money and ultimately my kids as I had no money to fight with anymore. I have ended up homeless more times than I care to remember. For 19 years I never qualified for help because;
    1. I wasnt an alcoholic.
    2. I wasnt a drug addict.
    3. Not battered with children.
    4. Not elderly.
    5. Not mentally ill.
    I never looked sick because pain doesnt show like a missing leg for example, so no one took me seriously when I tried to get help. It was all supposedly because I was lazy or it was in my head.
    It’s been 20 years and I’m just beginning to get a little back on my feet because at 55 I finally qualified for elderly housing in Wis. I was in California and moved back here so I could have a roof over my head.
    It’s not easy trying to start a life over at 56 without being physically healthy.

    Watching this still makes me want to sue that whole system, but they covered their tracks so well I dont even know what legal grounds I would sue them for? For destroying 20 years of my life?
    DamnIt always was and still is about money and power.

  244. The movie was amazing,the actors did a great job portraying both the good and the bad in people.That there r people out there who go to such lengths to help others gives everyone hope.Flip the coin and it is horrifying that this happens to innocents and that some can only worry about themselves at such a time.
    As for the killer(Killers),that his Mother(Grandmother) would do what they say to cover his tracks and keep everyone quiet,it shows u just where the sickness in that family comes from.She too should have been hanged.

    They should not however have to give someone who is sentenced to death anymore rights and he should be made to tell the truth no matter what is needed to achieve that.That may be cold and cruel but this isn’t a human being we r talking about.All I’m saying is they should be extended the same amount of sympathy and feeling they had for those boys.

    For Christine Collins,I can’t imagine her pain or what the rest of her life was like never really knowing.I give her so much credit for facing the man who more then likely butchered her son and continuing to push to find answers and for not backing down no matter what.
    I hope she found some consolation in her amazing,ongoing hope!!

  245. I just saw the movie last night,I know,it took me a while,but I came across the movie,channel surfing,OMG,the best movie ever and 2 actually know that it happend in real life,to know the pain of loosing a child(I lost a daughter)and have the courage to do what she did and she never stopped looking 4 her son,after the police discredit her,belitterd her and called her a liar,and tried 2 force her 2 raise a child that was’nt hers,wow,may God and the angels have her soul in heaven w/her son Walter by her side,AMEN!!!!!

  246. What a tragic, horrifying, and sad story. As a mother I cannot imagine what this very brave endured- the loss of her son, thought to be murdered by a child rapist/murderer, then being forced to accept a boy who was not her son, then being thrown into a mental asylum for fighting the the very corrupt LA police dept. So unfair- everything that she went through at the hands of the LAPD. It boggles the mind that this could even happen to a person. The power that the police have is very frightening. Collins endured all this while grieving the loss of her only child. Collins was a single mother and her son was her whole life. She never stopped searching for her 9 year old son. This is just such a very sad tale and horrific for anyone to endure. The loss of your child is hard enough, then knowing that your son died a likely horrific death, it’s enough to drive any mother insane. Christine Collins was such a brave and courageous woman.

  247. What I don’t understand, is. now we have the ability to do D.n.a why has no one checked the remains found to see who they truly belong to. I feel the tragedy can’t be truly put to rest until they know for sure who wad found there.

    • i think they don t care now thats so sad but its true mother of the collins died in 1964 so i think thats why no one cares no more;( but you are 100% right

    • It’s not like the bodies were found intact. Many of the bones had been smashed into pieces & then contaminated when lime was thrown on them.

  248. I think that this story of this poor woman was so sad, when I saw the movie ” The Changeling ” I cried and I was happy when justice was finally had. I have a 15 year old boy, 4 year old girl and I’m pregnant and I CANNOT IMAGINE WHAT SHE WENT THREW!!

  249. like someone on here said to do dna on the remains but they threw lime on them why? i guess back in those days they never thought to save remains …wow just watched the movie so sad and sickening…poor Walter prolly died out in that desert or abandoned area…no water no food…really great movie i must say…

  250. I made the exact same observation tonight while watching this absolute gem (another classic by Clint Eastwood–kudos to the man once again!). My Aunt said that the cops “didn’t even make the connection about how horribly they were treating the victim of a crime” My reply was that “they still can’t conceive or even have a care about what victims of crimes have to endure and many times what they have to endure is directly as a result of the cop’s treatment of them and what they subject a victim of a crime to. Believe me–I know whereof I speak. Rape victim at 16 and the only con tender they could come up with for the crime was my boyfriend at the time. As if I would want to shield someone who raped me, stabbed and left me for dead in the Feb. snow in a dead-end alley. They also treated ME as if I was a criminal myself because my boyfriend was black.

    • I’m glad there is someone else who knew what I was talking about when I said lime. My grandfather used quicklime, but never called it by anything other than lime. I probably should have said quicklime, but I never expected anyone to think that the only lime available is fruit.

  251. No, I meant lime – but I guess for such an expert as yourself, I should have used the full term of quicklime. Next time, before you correct someone because you assume you know what they are saying/thinking, you should educate yourself. In the Wineville chicken coop murders, the killer used quicklime. Because it is so caustic, it was used in order to hasten the decomposition of the bodies.

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