Samantha Geimer's Memoir "The Girl: A Life in the Shadow of Roman Polanski" Sept. 17 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

JamesG · 07-24-2013, 06:29 PM

Roman Polanski Rape Victim Unveils Startling, Disturbing Photo for Book Cover (Exclusive)
7/24/2013
by Andy Lewis

After nearly 35 years of silence, the 13-year-old girl Roman Polanski raped in 1977 is finally telling her full story in The Girl: A Life in the Shadow of Roman Polanski.

The Hollywood Reporter's exclusive first look at the cover of the book reveals Samantha Geimer's determination to reclaim her own story.

The cover is a haunting close-up shot of the teenage Geimer (then known by her maiden name, Samantha Gailey), taken on Feb. 20, 1977, less than three weeks before Polanski drugged and raped her at Jack Nicholson's Mulholland Drive home during a modeling shoot when he also gave her alcohol and a qualude.

But the photo comes with a surprising twist: It was taken by Polanski himself.

He took the pictures during his first photo session with Geimer, now 50, at her home in Woodland Hills, a session in which the director coaxed the young girl to pose topless for him in some of the shots.

Using the photo was part of Geimer's strategy to reclaim her story.

Since the incident, the media has always illustrated the story with a picture of Polanski. Geimer finally wanted to put her own face on the story, and this picture reflected the starting point for her.

The pictures surfaced during Geimer's civil suit against Polanski, which she filed in 1988 and resulted in Polanski agreeing to pay her $500,000 plus interest (a sum Geimer struggled to collect).

As part of the civil suit, her attorney Lawrence Silver, who also contributes to the book, demanded Polanski turn over all the pictures he took. Even though the director turned over some photos (and all rights associated with them), Silver always believed others existed, and years later they were discovered.

“What happened was this," writes Silver in the book. "In executing the search warrant, the police didn’t recognize the importance of a receipt/claim check from Sav-On Drugs’ photograph department. Years later, I was told that Polanski gave his lawyer the receipt, and they secured the printed roll of film and negatives from the drug store. During the civil suit, his lawyer had to turn those photos over to me. These photographs, important both legally and historically, would likely have never been discovered if not for the civil suit.”

Publisher Atria promises that The Girl, "will give readers insight into many dimensions of the story that have never been previously revealed."

In announcing the book in 2012, Geimer said, "I am more than a 'Sex Victim Girl' and I offer my story now without rage, but with purpose -- to share a tale that will reclaim my identity."

The book goes on sale Sept. 17.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/new...unveils-591015

Vahan · 07-24-2013, 06:32 PM

James, I always wondered this:

What do you think about the Polanski case? Do you know who Laurence J. Rittenband is? Did he do a good job? Is he a hero for what he tried to do Polanski? Have you ever seen Wanted and Desired?

Finally, which post-1977 Polanski movies have you seen, and what did you think of them?

Sorry if that was a lot of questions.

JamesG · 07-24-2013, 07:18 PM

I'm not really that familiar w/ the whole story. Polanski wouldn't have had a reason to flee if he didn't do anything wrong.

I'm a little torn since Samantha Geimer forgave him and wants the case thrown out, but that gives the message that if the victim forgives you after a lot of time has passed that you're clear of legal consequences if you fled.

I haven't seen the docu., but I have seen Polanski's films.

Post-77 I've seen The Ninth Gate (1999), The Pianist (2002), The Ghost Writer (2010).

Of those I'd say The Pianist is my favorite, it was a great film.

Vahan · 07-24-2013, 07:27 PM

What I can't understand is what made Polanski think it was a good idea to do what he did in 1977.

Given the stuff he's experienced since childhood that made him into a tragic figure, you'd think he would use it to become a better human-being,, but no, instead, he became a worse and worse human-being.

Sure, you could argue that the Jewish Holocaust and the murder of Sharon Tate was what drove him over the edge, but there have been plenty of people with similar tragic lifestyles, and none of them did what Polanski did.

Speaking of Sharon Tate, I often question if he ever did love her, and if he ever did deserve her, given how terrible of a husband he was to her.

Dianne3 · 07-25-2013, 05:45 PM

A few years back I came across a book about Sharon Tate at the library.

In that book, it was mentioned that Polanski liked really young girls.
I don't remember who said that though.

Janice · 07-25-2013, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesG

Of those I'd say The Pianist is my favorite, it was a great film.

Was it ever. I love that movie. It was heartbreaking.

Lee · 07-25-2013, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janice

Was it ever. I love that movie. It was heartbreaking.

But you obviously don't support Roman Polanski

Vahan · 07-25-2013, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee

But you obviously don't support Roman Polanski

Are you kidding? Of course not! Just because one likes his movies, doesn't mean one likes his personality.

I've seen Janice speak out against him before. Not only for his 1977 scandal, but also for the horrible way he treated Sharon Tate, during his four-year relationship with her. I'm still trying to figure out what she saw in him, and also who told him it was a good idea to cheat on her. Polanski was always a POS excuse for a human being, even before 1977. She did not deserve him at all.

I'm willing to bet Sharon might have still been with us if she hadn't met and fallen in love with him. I blame Polanski as the main reason she was murdered. He is the most jinxed celebrity ever, and that's being too kind.

Lee · 07-26-2013, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vahan

Are you kidding? Of course not! Just because one likes his movies, doesn't mean one likes his personality.

I've seen Janice speak out against him before. Not only for his 1977 scandal, but also for the horrible way he treated Sharon Tate, during his four-year relationship with her. I'm still trying to figure out what she saw in him, and also who told him it was a good idea to cheat on her. Polanski was always a POS excuse for a human being, even before 1977. She did not deserve him at all.

Sorry. I meant to say that Janice does not like him as
a person. I did not mean to imply that she or anyone
else could not like his work as far as movies were concerned.

Dianne3 · 07-26-2013, 04:09 PM

The irony of Polanski being a jerk is that is what saved his life.

Why wasn't he with Sharon when she & others were murdered?
From what I read is that he was avoiding her since he was not happy that she was pregnant.

Vahan · 07-26-2013, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dianne3

The irony of Polanski being a jerk is that is what saved his life.

Why wasn't he with Sharon when she & others were murdered?
From what I read is that he was avoiding her since he was not happy that she was pregnant.

He claimed the reason he was away in Europe at the time she was killed was because he was scouting locations for Day of the Dolphin (which eventually went to Mike Nichols).

Torgo · 07-26-2013, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesG

Post-77 I've seen The Ninth Gate (1999), The Pianist (2002), The Ghost Writer (2010).

Of those I'd say The Pianist is my favorite, it was a great film.

You should check out Frantic with Harrison Ford, it's an excellent thriller.

JamesG · 07-27-2013, 10:05 AM

If I know the story correctly, Polanski's house was wrongly targeted by the Manson family, right?

I heard Manson was angry that Doris Day's son's music label did not pick him up so he sent "the family" out to get him. They didn't know that he did not live there anymore.

Vahan · 07-27-2013, 12:46 PM

Now I do not wish to drag politics into this thread, as I normally try not to, but why do Conservatives keep politicizing this case?

According to conservatives, politics have everything to do with who supports him and who doesn't. They think all liberals, and all Hollywood liberals support him. But the truth is, I have actually seen some liberals, including some Hollywood liberals, speak out against him. There was even one liberal on Huffington Post who wrote an article on the case, saying that he would love nothing better than to see Polanski fry.

Not only that, but there are even some people who say "Burn in hell" to anyone in the film industry who supported him since 1977, whether it'd be starring in a movie he made after that year, standing up to applaud for him at the 2003 Oscars, or signing the petition to free him in 2009. They think such behavior is perfectly called for and justifiable.

Dianne3 · 07-27-2013, 03:18 PM

Yes, it is believed that it was Doris Day's son, Terry Melcher, that was to be the intended victim. Tate & Polanski had only been living there 6 months. Manson had been to that house before to see to get a music label.

On the first night all the victims were unknown to the killers.On the second night when the grocer & wife were murdered, I believe they were specifically targetted.

07-24-2013, 06:29 PM	#1
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 57,039	Samantha Geimer's Memoir "The Girl: A Life in the Shadow of Roman Polanski" Sept. 17 Roman Polanski Rape Victim Unveils Startling, Disturbing Photo for Book Cover (Exclusive) 7/24/2013 by Andy Lewis After nearly 35 years of silence, the 13-year-old girl Roman Polanski raped in 1977 is finally telling her full story in The Girl: A Life in the Shadow of Roman Polanski. The Hollywood Reporter's exclusive first look at the cover of the book reveals Samantha Geimer's determination to reclaim her own story. The cover is a haunting close-up shot of the teenage Geimer (then known by her maiden name, Samantha Gailey), taken on Feb. 20, 1977, less than three weeks before Polanski drugged and raped her at Jack Nicholson's Mulholland Drive home during a modeling shoot when he also gave her alcohol and a qualude. But the photo comes with a surprising twist: It was taken by Polanski himself. He took the pictures during his first photo session with Geimer, now 50, at her home in Woodland Hills, a session in which the director coaxed the young girl to pose topless for him in some of the shots. Using the photo was part of Geimer's strategy to reclaim her story. Since the incident, the media has always illustrated the story with a picture of Polanski. Geimer finally wanted to put her own face on the story, and this picture reflected the starting point for her. The pictures surfaced during Geimer's civil suit against Polanski, which she filed in 1988 and resulted in Polanski agreeing to pay her $500,000 plus interest (a sum Geimer struggled to collect). As part of the civil suit, her attorney Lawrence Silver, who also contributes to the book, demanded Polanski turn over all the pictures he took. Even though the director turned over some photos (and all rights associated with them), Silver always believed others existed, and years later they were discovered. “What happened was this," writes Silver in the book. "In executing the search warrant, the police didn’t recognize the importance of a receipt/claim check from Sav-On Drugs’ photograph department. Years later, I was told that Polanski gave his lawyer the receipt, and they secured the printed roll of film and negatives from the drug store. During the civil suit, his lawyer had to turn those photos over to me. These photographs, important both legally and historically, would likely have never been discovered if not for the civil suit.” Publisher Atria promises that The Girl, "will give readers insight into many dimensions of the story that have never been previously revealed." In announcing the book in 2012, Geimer said, "I am more than a 'Sex Victim Girl' and I offer my story now without rage, but with purpose -- to share a tale that will reclaim my identity." The book goes on sale Sept. 17. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/new...unveils-591015 Attached Images

07-24-2013, 06:32 PM	#2
Vahan Member Senior Member Join Date: Jan 14, 2008 Posts: 2,712	James, I always wondered this: What do you think about the Polanski case? Do you know who Laurence J. Rittenband is? Did he do a good job? Is he a hero for what he tried to do Polanski? Have you ever seen Wanted and Desired? Finally, which post-1977 Polanski movies have you seen, and what did you think of them? Sorry if that was a lot of questions.

07-24-2013, 07:18 PM	#3
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 57,039	I'm not really that familiar w/ the whole story. Polanski wouldn't have had a reason to flee if he didn't do anything wrong. I'm a little torn since Samantha Geimer forgave him and wants the case thrown out, but that gives the message that if the victim forgives you after a lot of time has passed that you're clear of legal consequences if you fled. I haven't seen the docu., but I have seen Polanski's films. Post-77 I've seen The Ninth Gate (1999), The Pianist (2002), The Ghost Writer (2010). Of those I'd say The Pianist is my favorite, it was a great film.

07-24-2013, 07:27 PM	#4
Vahan Member Senior Member Join Date: Jan 14, 2008 Posts: 2,712	What I can't understand is what made Polanski think it was a good idea to do what he did in 1977. Given the stuff he's experienced since childhood that made him into a tragic figure, you'd think he would use it to become a better human-being,, but no, instead, he became a worse and worse human-being. Sure, you could argue that the Jewish Holocaust and the murder of Sharon Tate was what drove him over the edge, but there have been plenty of people with similar tragic lifestyles, and none of them did what Polanski did. Speaking of Sharon Tate, I often question if he ever did love her, and if he ever did deserve her, given how terrible of a husband he was to her.

07-25-2013, 05:45 PM	#5
Dianne3 Member Senior Member Join Date: Aug 07, 2002 Posts: 1,056	A few years back I came across a book about Sharon Tate at the library. In that book, it was mentioned that Polanski liked really young girls. I don't remember who said that though.

07-26-2013, 04:09 PM	#10
Dianne3 Member Senior Member Join Date: Aug 07, 2002 Posts: 1,056	The irony of Polanski being a jerk is that is what saved his life. Why wasn't he with Sharon when she & others were murdered? From what I read is that he was avoiding her since he was not happy that she was pregnant.

07-27-2013, 10:05 AM	#13
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 57,039	If I know the story correctly, Polanski's house was wrongly targeted by the Manson family, right? I heard Manson was angry that Doris Day's son's music label did not pick him up so he sent "the family" out to get him. They didn't know that he did not live there anymore.

07-27-2013, 12:46 PM	#14
Vahan Member Senior Member Join Date: Jan 14, 2008 Posts: 2,712	Now I do not wish to drag politics into this thread, as I normally try not to, but why do Conservatives keep politicizing this case? According to conservatives, politics have everything to do with who supports him and who doesn't. They think all liberals, and all Hollywood liberals support him. But the truth is, I have actually seen some liberals, including some Hollywood liberals, speak out against him. There was even one liberal on Huffington Post who wrote an article on the case, saying that he would love nothing better than to see Polanski fry. Not only that, but there are even some people who say "Burn in hell" to anyone in the film industry who supported him since 1977, whether it'd be starring in a movie he made after that year, standing up to applaud for him at the 2003 Oscars, or signing the petition to free him in 2009. They think such behavior is perfectly called for and justifiable.

07-27-2013, 03:18 PM	#15
Dianne3 Member Senior Member Join Date: Aug 07, 2002 Posts: 1,056	Yes, it is believed that it was Doris Day's son, Terry Melcher, that was to be the intended victim. Tate & Polanski had only been living there 6 months. Manson had been to that house before to see to get a music label. On the first night all the victims were unknown to the killers.On the second night when the grocer & wife were murdered, I believe they were specifically targetted.