Film Lens
Cropsey is a 2009 documentary directed by Joshua Zeman and Barbara Brancaccio, focusing on the urban legend of Cropsey, a figure associated with child abductions in New York City. The film transitions into the case of Andre Rand, a convicted child kidnapper from Staten Island, whose crimes in the 1970s and 1980s may have influenced the Cropsey legend. The filmmakers aim to weave together urban legends, the mystery of missing children, courtroom drama, and the community's obsession with Rand's case.
The documentary includes archival news footage and interviews with families of missing children, police investigators, and Rand's defense attorneys. Rand was serving a 25-year sentence for the 1987 kidnapping of Jennifer Schweiger and faced charges in 2004 for the disappearance of Holly Ann Hughes in 1979. The film's narrative culminates in Rand's controversial indictment, which was marked by one of the longest pre-trial motions in New York State history.
Why Watch
- •Meet Andre Rand, the infamous Staten Island kidnapper.
- •See the chilling connection between urban legends and real crimes.
- •Find out about the lengthy legal battle surrounding Rand's case.
Did You Know
•Cropsey premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2009.
•Andre Rand was convicted for the 1987 kidnapping of Jennifer Schweiger.
•Rand's 2004 court case had one of the longest pre-trial motions in New York history.
•The film holds a 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 44 reviews.
Perfect For
True crime enthusiastsUrban legend fansDocumentary lovers