Rape In A Small Town is a 2004 documentary, which follows Florence Holway, after a brutal rape. The HBO documentary focuses mostly on Florence and the aftermath of her rape. After a lengthy search, detectives finally arrest her attacker, John LaForest. A plea bargain is proposed and Florence goes on a crusade to try and prevent it from going through. A 12-year sentence just wasn’t enough for Florence and other residence of Alton, New Hampshire.
Despite her attempts, John LaForest receives a 12-year sentence. This inspires Florence Holway to go on a mission to try and increase the minimum sentence of sex offenders in the state. Fortunately, she eventually accomplishes her mission. The regulations were changed in 1993 and enhanced the sentences of first time sex offenders in the state to 15-20 years. Second time offenders are now sentenced to 20-40 years. Third time losers can no be sentenced to life, without parole. Also, prosecutors can no longer offer plea bargains, without the victim’s consent.
LaForest was up for parole in 2003. Thanks to Holway’s participation, the parole is denied. Of course, he is set free in the future. Within a matter of two months, he was arrested once more for harassing a woman at work. As an update to Rape In A Small Town, SeaCoastOnline conducted an interview with John LaForest in 2005. It can be read here.
As LaForest’s rape was a brutal mess, the documentary is pretty much the same. It seems many featured attempt to play Holier than Thou for the cameras. This is especially true with the politicians and the like. I suppose the documentary had to provide them with some excellent coverage and they had to capitalize on the opportunity to pander to the public.
Unfortunately, there was very little evidence to convict LaForest, since he used a condom, during the rape. The prosecutors are actually lucky to even get 12 years. Plus, it seems like the detectives searched long and hard to try and solve this case, while others are conveniently ignored. Digging through the septic tank and pounds of feces? This never happens, which is really strange. Of course, LaForest admits to his crime and serves his lenient time.
So, the documentary could ultimately be so much better. Unfortunately, Florence, as strong as she is, is a little overbearing. Her family, the politicians and others featured are pretty much the same. The documentary would’ve been better served had it been cut approximately thirty minutes short. Sadly, the documentary focuses on all of the things that barely matter.
Also, it almost feels like Florence is being pushed and forced into activism, by her family. She is borderline Gabby Giffords, which is ultimately very sad. For that, it deserves a 5.5 out of 10.
Jay Skelton is a fan of all television shows and movies. He tries his best to keep up with the latest foreign television shows and movies. Jay loves skinny dipping in the dark too.
Did you even watch this film? You inaccurately report the circumstances by your third sentence and if it wasn’t clear to you that this was one fiercely intelligent and independent woman you missed the entire basis of the documentary. She was both weakened and empowered by the horrific event and used the latter for the betterment of laws. I didn’t see one moment where she was pushed into activism by her family, simply put, her activism was supported by them. Next time I would suggest you pay attention to the film and not type in the review before your first bathroom intermission.
Thanks for the comment. It has been such a long time ago I can barely even remember the film at this point. Nonetheless, I stand by the original statement. The guy deserves whatever he gets, but Florence Holway is ultimately a victim of exploitation by all involved. She probably did want to speak out obviously, but nonetheless, her family and politicians push her into it as well.
Who benefits more than the politician, who stands behind the vehicle. Take the Making of A Murderer for example. He is cleared and politicians parade around the town with him as a trophy. They get the television time. Once he is caught for another crime, the politicians go back into hiding. I wouldn’t have been surprised if her family would’ve wheeled in her in a wheel chair. Gabby Giffords is no different. She does nothing and goes nowhere without her freeloading husband by her side.
Thanks for the comment! Hope you’ll be back soon.
I have to reiterate the previous commenter’s remarks. Your judgment of the film is cavalier and your response to the previous comments flippant: “The guy deserves whatever he gets…”
That’s the problem with your perspective and review. The guy, and other guys like him Don’t get what they deserve. I wonder how ‘overbearing’ you would be if you’d been brutally violated and the perpetrator got away with a minimal sentence due to a plea bargain. Florence Holway was a strong, gifted woman whose life was ravaged by this experience and no one was doing anything to prevent it from happening to someone else. If you can’t see that then I question your ability to review anything.
Nonetheless, Florence was extorted by many people and her family allowed it to happen. She appeared alongside politicians, who wouldn’t spit on her, if she hadn’t brought the spotlight. Shall we give the politicians and other sleeze bags a pat on the back, because they were willing to take up a winning cause and pass a few meaningless bills?
How about Chris Sarandon, Jeffrey Chapman, and anyone else involved in the documentary? These guys virtually paraded this woman on television for the sake of their own careers. Now matter what you think about Florence, there is no doubt she was used shamelessly by countless people.
Florence Holway used by politicians? Pushed by her family into activism? Laughable. Florence did the using and the pushing. Her strength and determination was admirable. Do not diminish her accomplishments by painting her as a used fragile elderly woman. She was used once by a brutal rapist. She was never used again.
I’ll be honest with you. I don’t even remember this documentary so I won’t bother responding. Thanks for the comment.