So you know that Joyce Carol Oates story "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been"? If you're an American from my generation, you've likely encountered it at some point in English class. Well, the story was partially inspired by the tragic true tale of a dashing young serial killer named Charles Schmid. When I had to read Oates' story in 11th grade, I became far more engrossed by these photographs than the ol' short story itself. The murders were committed around Arizona in the mid-'60s, and the article containing these images first appeared on March 4, 1966 in Life Magazine. Their strange, poignant, and brutally honest portrayal of '60s Southwestern teens (all of whom seem chillingly nonchalant considering the context) makes for some surprisingly compelling pictures.
You can click to enlarge.
"The Tucson Speedway, which is a hang-out for teenagers with nothing to do, which was frequented by murderer Charles Schmid."
"Teenage girls looking for the body of Alleen Rowe, in connection with murderer Charles Schmid."
Oh yeah: happy Labor Day!! Enjoy your time off.
I loved that story but never knew it was based on something true- maybe because I'm lots older than you, and read it back when you couldn't find out these things on the internets! Thanks for these pictures- I love them.
ReplyDeleteIf you haven't already, try to see the movie Smooth Talk with Laura Dern. It's based on the Oates story. I haven't seen it in forever, but I bet it has aged well.
Damn, I'm going to start shaping my eyebrows with a razor. What a bad ass. These photos are hauntingly Americana, I love it.
ReplyDeleteI haven't ever heard of this story, but these pictures are fascinating. Reading about the context definitely adds a dark undertone to them. Thank you for sharing these!
ReplyDeleteWow, these photos are amazing. Really interesting post. I need to re-read Oates' story now!
ReplyDeleteI read 'Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?' in a creative writing class at uni--oh gosh, I loved it. It's definitely one of my favorite short stories in the world (Flannery O'Connor, of course, takes the top spot). I think I remember reading that Oates was inspired by these particular photos, right? Hm, maybe I'm remembering that wrong, but these are truly interesting, aren't they? Especially that last photo; how morbid. (I've always been terribly fascinated by true crime.)
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely Labor Day,
<3
I've never heard of the story/murderers but I love the photographs. I could waste hours looking at the old documentary photographs from Life magazine. They tell such interesting stories.
ReplyDeleteVery creepy, had not heard of this before. The photo with the girl using the razor blade to shape her eyebrow is crazy.
ReplyDeleteI've never read the story, but I'll have to now. That is, indeed, some hardcore eyebrow shaping!
ReplyDeleteoh goodness. that's a razor? I honestly never heard of these murders or anything when I was in school.
ReplyDeletei love vintage life magazine photos... they're just the best!
ReplyDeleteI vividly remember that story from my English Lit classes (college included). I always read it back to back with "A Good Man is Hard to Find." Have you seen the film "Smooth Talk" staring Laura Dern based on "Where are You Going, Where have you been?" It's pretty good. I love the photo of the gal at the roller rink. People take the skating rink for granted, and the rinks are at risk of being closed down, gone the way of the Drive In Theater. Help keep America's skating rinks open. hee-hee. sorry for the Public Service announcement on your blog.
ReplyDeleteOn a superficial note: I can't believe how attractive that girl's bouffant hairdo is! I never thought 1960s hair could be so cute. It has me wanting one...
ReplyDeleteI will have to see "Smooth Talk" now!! Thanks for the tip, ladies!
ReplyDeleteYeah, isn't the girl doing her brows with the razor crazy?? I'm tempted to try it, just 'cause she seems like the kind of gal who has a lot of good cheap/lazy glamour tricks up her sleeve (I mean that as a sincere compliment). I'd probably shred myself to ribbons, though, with my shaky hands :p
Crystal Lee, your PSA is very welcome here. I never really thought about it, but roller skating really is a dying pastime. That's so sad. It sure beats sitting around playing video games, or whatever those young 'uns are up to these days...
Maria, I know it!! That girl is so beautiful, I want her peter pan collar and her little roller skating outfit too.