Jon Hamm and Giovanni Ribisi are bringing an unbelievable true story to television in the new MGM+ series American Hostage.
The new psychological thriller premieres tonight (Sunday, September 20) and follows the 1977 hostage crisis involving Indianapolis radio reporter Fred Heckman and Tony Kiritsis, who kidnapped mortgage company executive Richard “Dick” Hall.
Jon plays Fred, while Giovanni portrays Tony. Kristoffer Polaha plays Dick.
While the details of the case might sound like they were created for television, American Hostage really is based on a true story.
So, what actually happened to Tony Kiritsis and his hostage, and how did Fred Heckman get involved?
Is American Hostage Based on a True Story?
Yes. American Hostage is based on the real-life hostage crisis that began in Indianapolis on February 8, 1977.
Tony, who was a 44-year-old real estate developer at the time, entered the office of Meridian Mortgage Company president Dick Hall and took him hostage using a sawed-off 12-gauge shotgun.
Tony wired the shotgun to Dick’s neck and connected the trigger to his own neck with a wire, creating what was described as a “deadman’s switch.” The setup made attempts to overpower Tony extremely dangerous.
Tony then forced Dick out of the building and through the streets of downtown Indianapolis as police officers and reporters followed them.
The two eventually reached Tony’s apartment, where Dick was held captive during a standoff that lasted nearly 63 hours.
Why Did Tony Kiritsis Take Dick Hall Hostage?
The dispute involved a real estate deal and Tony’s belief that the Hall family and their mortgage company had financially wronged him.
According to historical accounts, Tony was facing foreclosure when he took Dick hostage. The new series dramatizes his belief that he had been cheated as his plans to develop a piece of property fell apart.
Once the hostage crisis began, Tony had several demands, including that he be given the opportunity to publicly tell his side of the story.
That’s where Fred Heckman came in.
How Did Fred Heckman Get Involved in the Hostage Crisis?
Fred was a respected Indianapolis radio newsman whose role in the crisis went beyond reporting the story.
Tony wanted to speak with Fred and used radio to publicly air his grievances. As the standoff continued, Fred repeatedly spoke with Tony by phone and became involved in efforts to secure Dick’s safe release.
At one point, Fred broadcast a taped conversation with Tony in an effort to demonstrate that he genuinely wanted to help him. That helped Fred gain Tony’s trust, and he worked alongside law enforcement during the negotiations.
The unusual relationship between Fred and Tony is at the center of American Hostage.
How Did the Real American Hostage Standoff End?
After nearly 63 hours, Tony was assured that his demands had been met.
On February 10, he brought Dick at gunpoint into the lobby of his apartment building and delivered a 23-minute speech that was carried live by Indianapolis television stations.
Tony then released Dick unharmed and was taken into police custody.
Eight months later, Tony went on trial on charges of kidnapping, armed robbery and armed extortion.
On October 21, 1977, he was found not guilty by reason of insanity. Two weeks later, he was declared incompetent and committed to a state mental health institution.
How Accurate Is American Hostage?
The central hostage crisis, Tony’s use of the shotgun, the nearly 63-hour standoff and Fred’s involvement are all based on real events.
However, the series does take some creative liberties while dramatizing the story.
Co-creator Eileen Myers has confirmed that the storyline involving a relationship between Fred’s wife Barbara Heckman, played by Mireille Enos, and Dick’s wife Ibby Hall, played by Kat Cunning, was created for the show.
“That was really an invention on our part,” she told TV Insider about the storyline.
The series also stars William Jackson Harper as reporter Ben Hairston and Jonathan Tucker as FBI Special Agent Cormac McNally.
American Hostage is based on the scripted podcast of the same name, which also starred Jon as Fred when it was released in 2022.
The eight-episode series premieres with its first two episodes Sunday (September 20) on MGM+. The remaining episodes will debut weekly, with the finale scheduled for November 1.
Watch the trailer and check out the cast of American Hostage!
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