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The Born Criminal (1958)

Public Broadcasting1958Creative Commons
Poster for The Born Criminal (1958)

About this film

Dr. Kelley begins to explore the myths that surround criminality, i.e., that inherited physical characteristics are a cause or recognizable symbol of crime. The fallacies in Lombrosos old theories are exploded. The theory of atavism is debunked, as are the ideas of stereotypes. Dr. Kelley concludes by pointing out You cant tell a criminal by looking. (Description adapted from documents in the NET Microfiche)

Directors & creators

KQED-TV (Television station : San Francisco, Calif.)

Subjects

public broadcasting, AAPB, Criminology, Heredity, Criminal behavior, Cesare Lombroso, Atavism, Stereotypes, Physiognomy, Criminal anthropology, Social perception, Nature vs. nurture, Physical characteristics, Folklore, Judicial bias, Forensic science history, Misconceptions in science, Douglas M. Kelly, Criminal justice, Biological determinism, Media influence, Psychology

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