Film Lens
Just Another Missing Kid is a 1981 Canadian documentary directed by John Zaritsky, focusing on the case of Eric Wilson, a teenager from Ottawa who disappeared in Nebraska while traveling to Boulder, Colorado in July 1978. The film chronicles the efforts of Wilson's family and a private investigator to uncover the truth behind his disappearance, highlighting the lack of assistance from various police forces and critiquing the bureaucracy within the legal system on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border.
The narrative culminates with the confession of hitchhikers Raymond Hatch and Bertram Davis, who admitted to Wilson's murder. The film reveals the subsequent legal outcomes, including Hatch's 26-year prison sentence, his early release after 13 years, and his later conviction for assault in 1994. The documentary's innovative use of recreations sparked controversy, leading to discussions about the authenticity of documentary filmmaking.
Why Watch
- •Follow the chilling case of Eric Wilson's disappearance.
- •Meet Raymond Hatch, the confessed murderer.
- •See how police apathy impacted the investigation.
Did You Know
•Eric Wilson disappeared in Nebraska in July 1978.
•Raymond Hatch was sentenced to 26 years but served only 13.
•The film won the 1983 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
•The Academy Film Archive preserved the documentary in 2007.
Perfect For
True crime enthusiastsDocumentary film fansLegal system critics