Gavin Schmitt, Author, Historian, Podcaster
Author Gavin Schmitt has researched Wisconsin’s darker history for decades, and has written multiple books related to crime in Wisconsin. Gavin began co-hosting two podcasts that have been heard all around the world: The Milwaukee Mafia podcast, and Fox Cities Murder & Mayhem.
When not digging through dusty archives and FBI files, Gavin spends his days drinking too much coffee, watching films, and being a local historian.
Posts by Topic
Recent Posts
The Shocking Death of Arthur Esler
The Esler family was prominent in Kaukauna city history. They were among the earliest settlers,…
Crossfire: The Cannard Extortion Case
December 24, 1927, William H Cannard was in his living room at 136 South Roosevelt…
Mark Leroux Convicted of the 1967 Murder of His Parents
Murder Overview On November 8, 1967, at 3:50 am, the Sheriff’s Office received a call…
1963 Unsolved Murder of Florence Kilsdonk, Black Creek
Florence Kilsdonk was Murdered on December 18, 1963 On December 18, 1963, Marvin Kilsdonk (29)…
Attorney Mark Catlin’s Pardon & Parole Scandal
Attorney Mark Catlin, Wisconsin Republican Politician and Legislator Attorney Mark Catlin, a Wisconsin Republican politician…
Maria Silva was Murdered in 1996, Ronald Huff Convicted
Overview On June 22, 1996, Maria Silva was found dead in her Duluth apartment she…
Gavin’s Books
Newest Book: Karl Freund
Karl Freund is the most important film pioneer you’ve never heard of. From the silent film era to the rise of the American sitcom, Freund was there at every turn. Countless camera techniques can be traced back to his “unchained camera.” His lighting setup for filming I Love Lucy live remains standard to this day. He was the man behind the lens for many influential and award-winning films, from Metropolis to The Good Earth to Key Largo. This biography is the first book-length look at one of the world’s greatest cameramen. It details the events of his early life, his entrance into the world of film, his work in both Germany and America, and his legacy, while also putting his life and films into the historical context of the 20th century. The author gives particular attention to Freund’s role in the early horror films Der Golem, Dracula, Murders in the Rue Morgue, The Mummy, and Mad Love.
Karl Freund: The Life and Films (affiliate link)
