I have always been a sucker for heist movies. I don’t know why, but there is just something about cleverly orchestrated schemes to stick it to the “man” (whomever that might be) that fully capture my attention. I’m not condoning theft of any kind, but when I heard about the 80-something international jewel thief who also happens to be an African American woman…I had to know more. With enough digging I was able to find the documentary The Life and Crimes of Doris Payne.
Her recounts of schemes and escapes from authorities seemed to be pulled out of your favorite thriller; however they have all been confirmed by the FBI. She tells stories of how racial discrimination prompted her to steal her first piece of jewelry and helping her mother flee from an abusive husband led her to continue.
The filmmakers do an excellent job painting all sides of Doris…which causes you to empathize with her as she sits on trial for her latest heist, but time to time you also have to wonder if you’re being conned by this sweet little old lady.