There are some films so shocking that they simply burrow back into the public consciousness every now and then.
Filmmakers from Luis Bunuel to Lars von Trier have helmed movies that have appalled, disgusted, and intrigued audiences. Indeed, there is a long tradition of extreme cinema and some examples have drawn their stories from reality.
A prime example is The Girl Next Door.
Directed by Gregory M. Wilson and based on Jack Ketchum’s 1989 novel of the same name, some who are discovering the film more recently can’t help but grow curious regarding the claims that it’s based on a true story.
Tragically, The Girl Next Door is based on a true story…
The true story behind The Girl Next Door
The inspiration for Jack Ketchum’s harrowing novel stems from the murder of Sylvia Likens in 1965, whom the film is dedicated to and influenced the character of Meg Loughlin.
Born in 1949, she lived with her parents and siblings in Indianapolis, Indiana, and attended the Arsenal Technical High School. Through some kids, she was introduced to a single mother named Gertrude Baniszewski; she inspired the character of Ruth.
When the Likens family fell on hard times, the parents were encouraged to leave Sylvia and her younger sister Jenny with Gertrude. They moved in and things were initially going smoothly, with the two of them integrating themselves into the family.
However, things took a turn when payments from their parents for Gertrude began coming in late.
The beginning of the abuse
Furious and unable to take her frustrations out on the parents themselves, she began abusing the two girls that she had invited in as guests. Both were humiliated and even tortured, but as things progressed the abuse became primarily aimed at Sylvia.
It’s believed that jealousy and insecurity surrounding her appearance motivated Gertrude to target the young girl so cruelly.
Not only did Gertrude physically harm her, but she allowed her children and other kids living in the neighborhood to participate in the torture too.
Down the line, Sylvia’s parents actually came down to visit, although it’s noted that the two sisters reportedly didn’t alert them about the abuse they were suffering. Then again, it’s presumed that Gertrude’s presence in the room influenced their silence.
Sadly, the torture continued and Sylvia passed away as a result at the age of 16 on October 26th 1965.
What happened after Sylvia died?
Wrapping up the true story behind The Girl Next Door, Sylvia’s sister Jenny made a statement that incriminated Gertrude, leading to her arrest, as well as that of others involved – including her children – on murder charges.
Those on trial for her death were Gertrude, Paula, John, Coy, and Richard on December 30th 1965.
The jury reached the verdict that Gertrude was guilty of first-degree murder while Paula received sentencing for second-degree murder. As for the three boys involved, the verdict was manslaughter. They received 2-21 years while Gertrude and Paula were sentenced to life.
Gertrude died of complications related to lung cancer in 1990.
