The Life and Crimes of Doris Payne

Aug 11 2015 Not Rated 1h 14m
Documentary

How does a poor, single, African-American mother from segregated 1950s America wind up as one of the worlds most notorious jewel thieves? A glamorous 81-year-old, Doris Payne is as unapologetic today about the nearly $2 million in jewels shes stolen over a 60-year career as she was the day she stole her first carat. With Payne now on trial for the theft of a department store diamond ring, filmmakers Kirk Marcolina and Matthew Pond probe beneath her consummate smile to uncover the secrets of her trade and what drove her to a life of crime. Stylish recreations, an extensive archive and candid interviews reveal how Payne managed to jet-set her way into any Cartier or Tiffanys from Monte Carlo to Japan and walk out with small fortunes. This sensational portrait exposes a rebel who defies societys prejudices and pinches her own version of the American Dream while she steals your heart.

Plot

Tells the real life story of an 80 year old international jewel thief. Features interviews with Doris Payne, her daughter and son, her childhood best friend and law enforcement officers. Doris tells stories that include a daring escape, how she used "sleight of hand", and the first time she "took" a piece of jewelry at the age of 10. As the movie begins we see Doris dealing with her most current charges and the possibility of facing a term in prison. From there the film goes back and forth between the past and the present until we finally learn what her destiny will be after over 50 years as an international jewel thief.

Written by

N/A

Directed by

Kirk Marcolina, Matthew Pond

Cast

Eunetta T. Boone, Jean Herbert, Thomas Jacques

Crew

View crew

Production Countries

United States of America

Languages

English

Awards

3 wins

Trailers
IDFA 2013 | Trailer | The Life and Crimes of Doris Payne
Scores
# of Votes
271
Average Rating
7.2 out of 10
Metascore
62
Popularity
NA