August 27 - The Elizabeth Smart Story

This is a movie with a scene that happens today – August 27. I hope you will enjoy this film and watch it tonight.

THE ELIZABETH SMART STORY

Fourteen year old Elizabeth Smart is part of a large and loving Morman family. Her father hired a handyman, self styled prophet Emmanuel to help him with a remodeling job. Months later, Emmanuel returns and takes Elizabeth at knifepoint. Her sister, who was in the bed with her was to terrified to immediately tell her parents. Once she does a massive police investigation begins. The Smarts are angered when the investigation questions whether any family members were involved in Elizabeth’s disappearance.  A massive search effort begins and the story causes a media frenzy. After a false news story that the police suspect a family member, the father takes and passes a lie detector test.  Richard Ricci, who worked for the Smarts until he was fired when jewelry went missing is arrested for a parole violation and the police think he’s involved in Elizabeth’s disappearance. Then Emmanuel tries to kidnap one of Elizabeth’s cousins. On August 27, 2003 [51:44 to 53:06] the Smarts learn Ricci has had an aneurysm and is now brain dead. After this the Mom gives up hope, the story fades into the background and the police stop looking for Elizabeth. The her sister Mary Catherine remembers that it was Emmanuel who took Elizabeth. The police won’t investigate this.  The father appears on John Walsh’s show and tells him in confidence about this new info. When Walsh reveals it on Larry King’s show, the Smarts publish a sketch of Emmanuel, who is later identified as Brian Mitchell. After having taken her to San Diego, Mitchell returns to Salt Lake with his wife and Elizabeth. When they are arrested, Elizabeth finally admits who she is. Elizabeth is reunited with her family.

A good film. I only have one criticism. In a burst of over the top political correctness, it is never mentioned that either the Smarts or Brian Mitchell are Mormon.  

Date given in film at 51:46

Producer - Peter Sadowski

Director - Bobby Roth

Screenplay -  Nancey Silvers

Runtime 2 hours

Released - November 9, 2003

Starring –

Dylan Baker as Ed Smart

Lindsay Frost as Lois Smart

Amber Marshall as Elizabeth Smart

Hannah Lochner as Mary Katherine Smart

Tyler Kyte as Charles Smart

Tom Everett as Brian Mitchell aka “Emmanuel”

Hollis McLaren as Wanda Barzee

Kenneth McGregor as Richard Ricci

Robert Wisdin as Jim Smart