Cropsey

Cropsey

Year: 2010

Runtime: 84 min

Language: english

Director: Barbara Brancaccio

HorrorDocumentary

This unsettling documentary explores the urban legend of Cropsey, a boogeyman figure used to scare children in Staten Island, New York. The film investigates the connection between the legend and the crimes of Andre Rand, a convicted kidnapper whose disturbing actions in the 1970s and 1980s may have contributed to the creation or spread of the Cropsey story. Through interviews and archival footage, the film reveals a disturbing reflection of a community grappling with fear and a chilling reality hidden beneath the surface.

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Timeline – Cropsey (2010)

Trace every key event in Cropsey (2010) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Childhood Tales

Filmmakers Joshua Zeman and Barbara Brancaccio grow up on Staten Island, hearing stories of the urban legend known as 'Cropsey.' This legend is told to keep children away from abandoned places, specifically the notorious Willowbrook Mental Institution.

Staten Island
2

The Disappearance

In 1987, the terrifying urban legend takes a disturbing turn when 13-year-old Jennifer Schweiger, who has Down syndrome, disappears from the community. Her sudden absence shocks the neighborhood and adds a grim reality to the lore of Cropsey.

1987 Staten Island
3

Investigation Begins

As adults, Zeman and Brancaccio decide to confront their childhood fears by investigating the disappearance of Jennifer Schweiger. They delve deeper into the dark history surrounding their childhood home, seeking answers about the missing children.

Willowbrook
4

The Shadowy Figure

Through their investigation, the filmmakers discover a link between Schweiger’s disappearance and a mysterious drifter named Andre Rand. Rand's troubling past raises more questions about the safety of children in the area and the truth behind the Cropsey legend.

Staten Island
5

Unraveling Leads

As Zeman and Brancaccio gather more leads, they unravel a disturbing pattern involving other missing children from Staten Island. Each clue they discover seems to deepen the mystery surrounding both Cropsey and the real-life events that inspired it.

Staten Island
6

The Investigation Deepens

The filmmakers interview locals to understand the community’s reaction and the lingering fear over the tales of Cropsey. Their conversations reveal a complex mixture of horror and disbelief surrounding the missing children cases.

Staten Island
7

Connections to the Past

Zeman and Brancaccio explore the history of the Willowbrook Mental Institution, once a place of neglect and horror. This exploration adds context to the fear of Cropsey and illustrates how the institution’s past continues to haunt the community.

Willowbrook
8

Eyewitness Accounts

The filmmakers gather eyewitness accounts and testimonies about Andre Rand, peeling back layers of the man who has been associated with the disappearances. These narratives paint a chilling picture of Rand's life and suggest a darker truth.

Staten Island
9

Confronting Fear

Zeman and Brancaccio confront their childhood fears head-on, revisiting the abandoned buildings and sites tied to their adolescent lore. This personal journey of rekindling old fears becomes a central theme in their documentary.

Staten Island
10

Final Revelations

As the investigation culminates, the filmmakers uncover shocking revelations about the relationship between the missing children and Andre Rand. The documentary exposes a reality that is far more terrifying than the myths that shaped their youth.

Staten Island
11

Impact on the Community

The repercussions of Jennifer's disappearance and the investigation ripple through the Staten Island community. The legacy of Cropsey transforms from a mere urban legend into a sobering reminder of the real dangers that have affected generations.

Staten Island
12

Documentary Release

The filmmakers release their documentary, effectively intertwining their personal histories with the haunting story of Cropsey. This film serves to educate and inform the public about the real-life implications of urban legends.

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 20:30

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Cropsey Summary

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Cropsey Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Cropsey

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Cropsey

More About Cropsey

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More About Cropsey

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