Gertrude Baniszewski Quotes in An American Crime (2007)

Leroy K. New: Are you scared?

Gertrude Baniszewski: I've been scared about a lot of things for a long time.

Gertrude Baniszewski: You know what it's like to be sick, Sylvia. I've been sick for so long, too. I can't... discipline my kids they was I should. I punish them I know, but... sometimes with my medicine I gets so I don't know what I'm doing.

[begins to cry]

Gertrude Baniszewski: And I care for them so much. Paula, the thing is... Paula's a lot like me. I had her when I was just about your age. Then Stephanie. Then all the others. Then John left... And here I am on medicine, doing whatever I can to keep my family together. I want something better for Paula... There has to be something better... And I need to protect my children...

[cries]

Gertrude Baniszewski: Do you understand that? You kids... you're all I've got... Thank you, Sylvia. Thank you for understanding, thank you.

Gertrude Baniszewski: There are things in life we have to do, whether we like it or not.

Gertrude Baniszewski: [preparing to write the tattoo onto Sylvia's belly] Ricky... she came back from juvenile! Started stirring up trouble again... Johnny hold her!

Sylvia Likens: No, please, please!

Gertrude Baniszewski: Keep her still!

Marie Baniszewski: If you move, it'll only be messy.

Gertrude Baniszewski: [gives Marie a lighter and a safety pin] Light that.

Sylvia Likens: No! No! No! Please! No! No! Please! Please!

Gertrude Baniszewski: Stop it!

Shirley Baniszewski: You got it right, mama?

Gertrude Baniszewski: Make sure it's hot!

Sylvia Likens: I'm sorry! I'm sorry!

Gertrude Baniszewski: You liar!

Sylvia Likens: Please stop, please no! Please!

[Marie gives Gertrude the safety pin]

Gertrude Baniszewski: You branded my daughters... now I have to brand you.

Gertrude Baniszewski: Who's in charge here?

Johnny Baniszewski: You are, mama.