Crimefile’s Official Review of Valkyrie

Westwood Village, Los Angeles, CA—Being a history buff and having a special bond with Germany and its people seeing this film was mandatory for me. After serving as an Army medical corpsman(1968-1970)in Germany, I nearly stayed there to live. I should at least obtained employment with a government or company that would have given me equal time on both sides of the Atlantic.

I also have a special bond of sorts with actor and Valkyrie star, Tom Cruise. His “mother”, Janet Caroll, from the Film, Risky Business is my friend. Janet’s father was a Chicago Police officer and district secretary. She also has several police bosses in her immediate family. Janet was successfully acting and singing in both Los Angeles and New York. Janet has recently returned to Los Angeles where she has made a second life for herself as an ordained minister helping others.

Operation Walküre was a German government plan for martial law in event of a breakdown of law and order or revolt during World War Two. It was even approved by Adolph Hitler but I don’t think he had it in mind being used as a tool during a Coup d’état against his dictatorship.

The name, Die Walküre comes from that great Richard Wagner opera. The last time I remember that music being used in a movie was in Francis Ford Coppola’s Viet Nam War epic, Apocalypse Now for Colonel Kilgore’s (Robert Duval) Second Air Calvary helicopter assaults on the Viet Cong. Kilgore played Die Walküre over loud speakers as he and his troops chased VC gooks to frighten them while controlling their population.

The original word use was Norse. The Vikings called maidens who served their God, Odin as choosers of slain warriors, Valkyries, who were taken to reside in Valhalla

MGM publicists billed Valkyrie as a thriller. I’m not sure why since everyone who was not raised in a shoe knows the story. This was a drama and a very good one at that. The heart pounding moments were expertly detailed throughout this film.

This film was based on the most famous of the 15 plots to kill Adolf Hitler during his reign of power. It was bungled when, 37 year-old, Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg who lost a a hand and two fingers from his remaining hand in combat could not assemble more than 50 percent of the explosives he brought to do the job. Hitler, while wounded continued in power for nearly a year before he was defeated and committed suicide.

Film critics, especially those working today hate war films. I did not expect they’d have much good to say about this MGM masterpiece. They are all too young and way too Gay to appreciate a good war story.

The costumes and props were incredibly accurate for the period. As for the acting I saw no weak players in this ensemble cast or anything to detract from the story. If there is a downside of this film is that there are no surprises since this attempted assassination and Coup d’état after all was and is well-documented history.

Tom Cruise has come a long way since, Risky Business. I will see this film moer than once and so should you.

Visit the official site

More about Janet Caroll.

The Guns of Valkyrie:
There are a lot of my readers with questions about the guns used in this film. As for the small arms represented was the Walther PPK pistol War issue in the popular (at the time) .32 caliber cartridge. That gun was issued to party bosses and Generals. They’d have all been better off with Walther P-38s or the Luger in 9-MM.

The standard Mauser duty rifles of the Bundeswehr are everywhere in the film. There were a few MP-40 9MM machine pistols in the film too.

Blagogate Witness Subpoenas Sought

Springfield, IL—Lawyer Ed Genson is demanding subpoenas for witnesses as part of his impeachment defense on behalf of Governor Rod Blagojevich. Rahm Emanuel, Valerie Jarrett and Jessie Jackson, Jr. and Barack Obama . I don't think these folks are looking forward to answering Genson’s questions under oath anytime soon.

The conventional wisdom is that the Democratically controlled Illinois Legislature would bend over backwards protecting Obama and his minions. The problem is they can’t have their cake and eat it too, meaning they can’t impeach Governor Rod Blagojevich without affording him due process. Democrats may live to regret their rush to impeach the beleaguered governor.

Okay, I’m laughing at the dilemma and am pleased to report that Emanuel, Jarrett and Jackson have hired their own criminal lawyers. I can’t wait to see these impeachment witnesses taking the Fifth and refusing to testify.

Mermaid Captured and On Display at Sydney Aquarium & Wildlife World

Her name is Hanna and she is part of the aquatic wildlife at this aquarium down under at Sydney Australia. I can see lots of daddies with newfound interest in sea life taking their children to study nature with Hanna…

“Santa Claus” Murders Three, No Make That Eight, No, Now it's Nine, Wounds Two At A Christmas Party

Covina, CA.--Police say a man dressed as Santa Claus opened fire with a handgun at a Christmas Eve party. Three people were killed and two others including an 8 year-old girl were wounded by gunfire.

When police responded to the scene they found the home on fire. Firemen could not immediately respond because of reported gunfire. The bodies were found once the fire was extinguished.



Police believe that the attack came as a result of an ongoing domestic dispute. They are seeking a man they are calling a person of interest, 45-year-old Bruce Jeffrey Pardo. Police say Pardo is the estranged husband of a person who may have been at the party.

Update: 9:10 AM Covina police now say their person of interest Bruce Pardo has killed himself. Pardo's body was later found at the home of his brother near Slymar, CA.

Second update: Police are now saying "several more bodies" have been found in the burned out crime scene. I will update this with full details when available.

Third Update: The body count is at nine. Our Santa used a pressurized flame thrower on the victims. Read more here at KTLA.

Two Boys, 7 And 10 Critically Beaten, Man Arrested In Phoenix

Phoenix, AZ—Two little boys were found unconscious, and near death at a park located at 93rd Avenue and West Elwood Street. The boys, Jesse Ramirez, 7, and Edwin Pellecier, 10 were badly injured by what has been determined to be blunt force trauma. At this hour the the boys who are cousins are not expected to survive. The boys were discovered on Wednesday.

Police arrested 36 year-old, Joe Sauceda Gallegos a man with a history or erratic behavior. Gallegos was observed walking away from the scene with a baseball bat on surveillance video. Police are unsure of any motive for the attack on the two boys.

A subsequent search of Galegos’ home led to the seizure of a bloody T-shirt and an aluminum baseball bat.

This is video from the Maricopa County Superior Court bail bond hearing:


There is more on this story from KTVK-TV in Phoenix, AZ.

Update: 12/26/08 sadly both little boys died this morning. It's expected to see charges upgraded to two counts of murder against Joe Sauceda Gallegos.

Merry Christmas

To my visitors:

I know we are in for some difficult times ahead. Somehow we wound up under the control of the worst possible politicians. Our economy is tanking and those of us still working for government are facing far less desirable working conditions.

I hope the New Year brings wisdom and sense to our elected leaders. We are all Americans that want safety, prosperity, good health and a reason to keep smiling. That will be our future if we stick together and fight for that.

We will never all agree on everything but in the end we have more in common than we disagree about.

Here is my favorite Christmas experience as a cop:

I could not top this Christmas story from so long ago when I was a young cop. I am republishing this because it’s really special to me and I hope everyone else that reads it.

I remember working every Christmas of my life when I was a cop. I never really minded that because it was always an easy day.

One such Christmas, We received a disturbance call and responded to a rat hole apartment building on Chicago's Roosevelt Road. We came in expecting trouble but found no disturbance. The problem was that the mom and dad of the house could not operate their brand new Polaroid camera.

The apartment was modest, but clean and tidy with fresh cake and cookies on the table. Our mom and dad were both unable to read the camera instruction book. There were five kids with their presents that needed to get their pictures taken next to their Christmas tree. That was a quick fix. Before we left we took pictures of the whole family all smiling and happy.

One thing more, there was a cross and the wall with a picture of Jesus Christ. In the middle of poverty there were some lucky children being raised by two parents that had some dignity and pride. That made my Christmas a little more enjoyable.

Crime, Guns and Video Tape wishes all our visitors a wonderful Holiday Season!

Obama Cleared Himself! Thank God It’s Over!

Chicago, IL—I was so worried that Barack Obama and his transition team might come back with a finding of impropriety or even criminal conduct in the Blagogate matter. Whew! They were able to clear themselves!

I guess Obama must think the whole world is as dumb as the dopes that voted for him. I wonder how many other crooked politicians would have gone away to Club Fed if they too were allowed to investigate themselves? Hell if Obama gets to investigate himself Governor Rod Blagojevich should being entrusted with the same ability to clear himself! Let’s play fair.

I can’t help but consider Obama’s self-serving-self-probing is anything less than laughable. Where are the telephone and e-mail records? Records? We don’t need no stinkin’ records!

Vote For Your Favorite Police Blog

Cyberspace News Flash—There is a poll out where you can vote for your favorite police related blog. I voted for myself a half million times but not one vote registered! Is the fix in?

Vote early, vote often!

Crime, Guns and Videotape is halfway down the list!

VOTE HERE!

Why Am I Not Surprised Obama Reneged

President-elect, Barack Obama promised us full disclosure on his and his transition team’s communications with embattled and accused Senate Seat Seller, Rod Blagojevich.

What we know now is that Obama reneged and full disclosure ain’t gonna happen anytime soon. No memos, phone or e-mail records will ever see daylight. This is hardly a great start for the, Administration of Change that has not even begun yet. Is this a sign of things to come?

Why am I expecting a cover up that would even make Richard Nixon roll over in his grave? The really bad news for Obama is the rats that surround rats can be counted on to eat each other. It’s only a matter of time…

An Actor’s Strike On The Boulevard of Broken Dreams

Los Angeles, CA—As a long time member of the, Screen Actor’s Guild, I’m watching the movement toward an actor’s strike.

In Los Angeles acting is a tough game. Unless you are closely related to, sleeping with or have decapitated some Hollywood big shot's prize horse and put put that trophy in his bed your chances of making a decent living are really slim.

It’s the agents who control who does or does not work. For the unemployed or underemployed actors there are auditions with endless driving, waiting and all manner of roadblocks. For example you must pay for your own parking during auditions. Hundreds of actors are submitted to producers for nearly every single role.

I know may actors that are lucky to get five tiny parts in an entire year. For that they are compensated at $759.00 per day for speaking roles. The Internet and related new media threatens actors on any residuals. The Internet has no control and actor’s products are subject to perpetual play.

Yes there are a small percentage of actors that are multi-millionaires That’s not a reason to not pay the lesser exposed actors who after all make these films possible.

Actors I know are always one step-ahead of the bill collectors, landlords and starvation as they live hand to mouth. Too many of these SAG members are reduced to prostituting their services to non-union producers just to eat. Too many lives have been shattered on the Boulevard of Broken Dreams by poverty.

Even during these hard times I’m in favor of a strike. Entertainment always has done well even during the Great Depression. With a zero percent interest rate investing in movies seems less risky and handsome returns can still be made. To the producers I say Pay up or do without.

Santa’s Helpers Disable Red Light Cameras In Phoenix!

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Clause!

Oak Park Illinois Latest Most Wanted Criminal

Oak Park, IL-This quiet, progressive and wealthy town was the location of an armed robbery. I can’t understand how that could happen since the Village of Oak Park politicians have done their best to make laws banning guns for simple self-defense.

As one man was putting gas in his car, two other men decided to try and rob him of his leather coat. Instead of handing over the coat the intended victim drew a gun and shot one of the robbers twice and quickly left the scene. Of course leaving the scene of the shooting is not a crime anywhere in America.

The wounded stick-up man had some very nasty but non-life threatening injuries. So far police have arrested nobody but a dragnet has been cast for the intended victim.

I just hope the lucky fellow who survived the robbery attempt is smart enough to remain absolutely silent and demand a lawyer if they ever catch up to him. Thankfully this fellow put his own life at a higher priority than blindly obeying unconstitutional Illinois gun laws.

The spirit of Paul Kersey lives in Oak Park! This is yet another bedtime story with a happy ending!

Certain Paid Sex Is Legal In America

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievence."

—The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

First let me say it’s a great country we live in. As difficult times approach new business opportunities may be rare. I have an idea suited for some to help bring home the bacon.

It’s really quite simple, making films and paying actors to engage in on-camera adult consensual sex acts is constitutionally protected activity.

For example a woman offered to produce either still pictures or video of herself and a willing partner that’s not a crime. Likewise that same woman would be allowed to sell or rent to you a camera for your very own Cecil B. DeMille, close-up encounters of the sticky kind.

Of course that camera with instruction may cost $500.00 for an hour film making session. The person renting or buying the camera would have full publishing rights to the images along with the actual camera or media used for the session.

May I suggest the new and inexpensive, high definition Flip Camera pictured above?

The only involvement for the government is to collect sales tax of the camera rental or sale and income tax. Otherwise this is just another film making venture. Also a proper statement must be filed that the actors were over the age of 18. I hope I have helped spark some new commerce.

Want To Make Money? Open A Gambling Casino In Your Town.

Anytown, USA—I don’t see what the problem is. Government allows certain types of betting in certain places. Native Americans have gotten filthy rich with casinos, why can’t I do the same?

It’s very simple some Americans are more equal than others. Equal protection under law is a total myth in America. The government’s refusal to grant me a license is a solid denial of equal protection under law. Someone please tell me why I’m wrong?

Our Politician’s Tax Stimulus Rebate Money—I just don’t get it…

Washington, DC—Those people we sent to Congress want to have the Treasury Department send out checks to taxpayers as a way to stimulate the economy.

I would expect thousands of checks will be obtained through criminal means. The government has to do the accounting, prepare and send checks and that in and of itself will cost millions.

My thoughts are that it makes more sense to suspend withholding tax from American’s paychecks. They could also suspend small businesses from sending in quarterly reports. That would stimulate the economy without including so much unneeded bureaucracy and additional cost.

Of course the downside is people who don’t work or pay tax won’t get the free money. Perhaps that’s incentive for the folks that don’t work to take a job, any job. I guess that’s not a downside after all.

I guess I don’t understand the teachings of Karl Marx and need to spend time in a government re-education camp.

Domestic Violence and The Right To Keep And Bear Arms

During a documentary interview the late TV journalist, Jessica Savage posed a question to author and police trainer, Massad F. Ayoob for a PBS Fronttline Piece:

Q. Should a man who beats his wife be allowed to have a gun?

A. A man that beats his wife should not be allowed to have a wife.

Washington, DC—That’s the very issue before the United States Supreme Court in, U.S. vs. Hayes.

Of course the, Lautenberg Amendment covers simple assaults of anyone who shares a dwelling with someone he has been convicted of assaulting. A person convicted of even to the most minor assault is barred from owning firearms for his or her entire life.

These types of crimes are never recorded by video surveillance cameras or observed by independent witnesses so far too many convictions here are flawed for two reasons. People lie and courts too often error on the side of conviction because the popular conception is conviction with probation or other punishment will prevent a second such accusation therefore the peace will be kept.

The major flaw is anyone convicted of even an inconsequential domestic assault is branded for life even though the so called victim never even wanted a prosecution in the first place. Our modern domestic violence laws don’t allow the person determined by police to be the victim to withdraw from the prosecution of the accused.

If the assault was serious enough where any injury requires medical attention felony charges along with that standard prohibition against gun ownership has been the law for many decades.

The Lautenberg Amendment was merely a tool used by the confirmed gun-rights hating author to bar thousands of non-dangerous Americans from their Constitutional right to possess firearms.

Guns in domestic violence matters are nearly meaningless because the offenders are physically capable of killing or severely injuring their victim with mere hands and feet. Of course every household holds every manner of deadly instruments from kitchen knives to fireplace pokers. That being said not having a firearm has absolutely no impact on domestic murder.

We will soon have an answer from our nation’s highest court on the sheer folly of the Lautenberg Amendment.

A Sobering Story for Everyone

From a reader:

For those Americans that think things are tough right now with our failing economy your troubles are less than they could be. That and the fears of the horrible onset of Socialism replacing our freedom and liberty with wealth redistribution and collective rights will be overshadowed by this little heartbreaker...

Here’s an Important Blago-Gram Flash Message!

Chicago, IL—Here is an important Blago-Gram Flash Message for Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich!

Should We Allow The Dropping Of Criminal Charges With A Civil Settlement?

Los Angeles, CA—In the worst case scenario pop legend Michael Jackson paid off a child he molested for $21 million dollars. That caused outraged prosecutors to demand and get a law change preventing that type of settlement making it a crime like in most other jurisdictions.

Were prosecutors outraged because they felt that settlement did not serve justice or was it that thousands of prosecutions would end and endanger their job security?

The upside is a molested child has his future secure and won’t suffer from need of treatment for his ordeal. I have seen many victims driven to collect government welfare after crimes. That need not happen.

There are many thousands of criminal cases that could be settled through offenders paying victims for their injuries and other damages. For most this is the only chance they will ever have of being compensated for their victimization. If the victim agrees why should anyone care?

The benefit is that taxpayers need not pay for criminal trials, incarceration and medical care for offenders that have paid debts to the people they’ve hurt. As long as the offenders pay, what’s the problem? Of course the victim’s must agree and when they are silenced by murder this kind of settlement could never apply.

In tough economic times can we really afford unnecessary spending? Would this not not speed up the recovery of victims traumatised by crime?

New Trial Ordered In High Profile Las Vegas Murder

Las Vegas, NV--In 2001 Margaret Rudin, now 65 was put on trial for the murder of her 64 year-old husband Ron Rudin. Police say Rudin was shot to death in his sleep and his body dumped near Nelson's Landing at Lake Mojave in southern Nevada.

Margaret Rudin was vilified by her wealthy husband’s family. They may have been motivated by greed in their quest to get the widow prosecuted and away from inheriting any portion of either the martial property or his estate worth $11 million.

Prosecutors overwhelmed the defense by turning over some 60 file boxes of discovery material to use in trial preparation. The problem is the trial court refused the defense sufficient time to read or investigate the material. Rudin’s defense lawyers, Michael Amador, Tom Pitaro and John Momot were handicapped and could not give their client a sufficient defense under the trial courts time restrictions.

Rudin’s lead lawyer, Michael Amador was criticized for sloppy legal work and making deals with various publishers for family photographs and book rights.

Important witnesses that should have been but were never called by the defense because their names were buried somewhere inside the 60 boxes of discovery material.

At least one original trial juror later said that although she felt Rudin was innocent the other jurors coerced her into going along with a Guilty Verdict.

Rudin languished in prison until her appeal finally found its way into the federal courts. There District Court Judge Sally Loehrer ordered a new trial.

The trial became sensational since Margaret Rudin was in her fifth marriage and was labeled as the Black Widow. Rudin fled Las Vegas after the killing and was profiled on America’s Most Wanted. There was some evidence that Margaret Rudin had an affair with an Israeli man at the time of the murder.

Somehow I don’t think prosecutors will succeed in a second trial. Perhaps it’s time for a plea agreement in exchange for time served. That would save taxpayers a whole lot of money.