Susan Daniels Smith Documentary: The 2019 film “Above Suspicion” is a true crime movie based on the book “Above Suspicion: An Undercover FBI Agent, an Illicit Affair, and a Murder of Passion” by Joe Sharkey. The movie revolves around the true story of Susan Daniels Smith, a former FBI informant, who was murdered in 1989 by her handler and lover, Mark Putnam. The film stars Emilia Clarke as Susan Smith and Jack Huston as Mark Putnam and tells the story of their scandalous affair that ended in tragedy.
In this article, we will delve into the real story behind the movie, including the murder of Susan Smith and Mark Putnam’s subsequent trial and conviction. We will also answer some frequently asked questions and provide a table comparing the characters in the movie to their real-life counterparts.
Table: Susan Daniels Smith Documentary
| Character | Real-Life Counterpart | Actor/Actress in “Above Suspicion” |
|---|---|---|
| Susan Smith | Susan Daniels Smith | Emilia Clarke |
| Mark Putnam | Mark Putnam | Jack Huston |
| Randy McCoy | Randy McCoy | Thora Birch |
| Dolly Harned | Dolly Harned | Sophie Lowe |
| Jerry King |
Above Suspicion: The True Story of Susan Smith and Mark Putnam
The true crime genre has been increasingly popular over the years, with many books, documentaries, and movies being produced to cover some of the most intriguing and chilling cases in history. One such case is that of Susan Daniels Smith, which is the subject of the 2019 film “Above Suspicion.” In this article, we will explore the true story behind the movie and provide answers to some frequently asked questions.
Who is Susan Daniels Smith?
Susan Daniels Smith was a young woman who was murdered in 1989 in Pike County, Kentucky. She was a wife, a mother of two children, and a former FBI informant. Her murder was highly publicized at the time, as it involved a scandalous affair with her FBI handler, Mark Putnam.
Who is Mark Putnam?
Mark Putnam was a former FBI agent who was assigned to handle Susan Smith as an informant in the late 1980s. He had an affair with her, which resulted in her pregnancy. In 1989, he strangled her to death after she threatened to expose their relationship. He later pleaded guilty to her murder and was sentenced to 16 years in prison.
Is “Above Suspicion” a true story? Yes, “Above Suspicion” is based on the true story of Susan Daniels Smith and Mark Putnam. The movie is adapted from the book “Above Suspicion: An Undercover FBI Agent, an Illicit Affair, and a Murder of Passion” by Joe Sharkey, which chronicles the events leading up to Susan’s murder and the subsequent investigation and trial.
Who plays Susan Smith in the movie “Above Suspicion”? In the movie, Susan Smith is played by actress Emilia Clarke, best known for her role as Daenerys Targaryen in “Game of Thrones.” Clarke delivers a powerful performance, portraying Smith as a young woman who is caught up in a dangerous affair with her FBI handler.
Who plays Mark Putnam in the movie “Above Suspicion”? Mark Putnam is played by actor Jack Huston, known for his roles in “Boardwalk Empire” and “American Hustle.” Huston delivers a chilling performance, capturing the character’s complex emotions and motivations as he spirals out of control.
FAQs:
- Was Mark Putnam really an FBI agent?
Yes, Mark Putnam was a former FBI agent who was assigned to handle Susan Smith as an informant in the late 1980s. - Did Mark Putnam really have an affair with Susan Smith?
Yes, Mark Putnam had an affair with Susan Smith, which resulted in her pregnancy. - Was Susan Smith really murdered in 1989?
Yes, Susan Smith was murdered in 1989 in Pike County, Kentucky. - Was Mark Putnam really sentenced to 16 years in prison for Susan Smith’s murder?
Yes, Mark Putnam pleaded guilty to Susan Smith’s murder and was sentenced to 16 years in prison. - How accurate is the movie “Above Suspicion” to the real events?
While the movie “Above Suspicion” is based on the true story of Susan Smith and Mark Putnam, it is important to note that some events and characters have been fictionalized or altered for dramatic purposes.