The Enigmatic Saga of William King Hale in Killers of the Flower Moon

The Rise and Fall of a Corrupt Boss

In Martin Scorsese's cinematic masterpiece, Killers of the Flower Moon, the enigmatic character of William King Hale, portrayed by the iconic Robert De Niro, takes center stage. Hale's portrayal as the corrupt political boss of Osage County is a captivating and chilling depiction of power, greed, and manipulation. Throughout the movie, Hale's nefarious schemes and deceitful facade unfold, painting a vivid picture of a man driven by insatiable greed and a thirst for control. As the primary culprit behind the Osage murders of the 1920s, Hale's character is shrouded in mystery and infamy, leaving a lasting impression long after the credits roll.

Close-up of Robert De Niro wearing a hat and glasses as William Hale in Killers of the Flower Moon

Hale's portrayal as a master manipulator, feigning love for the Osage people while orchestrating a web of fraud, manipulation, and murder, is a testament to De Niro's unparalleled talent as an actor. The gripping narrative of Hale's rise to power and subsequent downfall is a compelling exploration of the darker side of human nature, drawing viewers into a world fraught with betrayal, deceit, and moral decay.

Robert De Niro Killers of the Flower Moon

The movie's unique epilogue, a testament to Hale's enduring legacy, sheds light on the aftermath of his reign as the influential crime boss of Osage County. Despite the allure of power and wealth, Hale's fate takes a dramatic turn, leading to a life far removed from the glamour and influence he once wielded.

Killers Of The Flower Moon Ernest Burkhart Smiling

A Conviction and Life Behind Bars

Following the gripping portrayal of Hale's crimes and malevolent reign, the movie's epilogue unravels the shocking truth of his conviction and subsequent life behind bars. Convicted of first-degree murder for the killing of Henry Roan, Hale's descent from a formidable crime boss to a sentenced prisoner unfolds with gripping intensity. The haunting portrayal of Hale's time in Leavenworth Penitentiary, where he labored on a prison farm and faced the stark reality of his actions, adds a layer of depth to the character's enigmatic persona.

Leonardo DiCaprio Leaning Against His Car in Killers of the Flower Moon

The presence of Tom White, the Bureau of Investigation agent who led the investigation into the Osage murders, as the warden at Leavenworth during Hale's incarceration, adds a haunting twist to the narrative. The convergence of fate and justice paints a vivid picture of Hale's retribution, serving as a poignant reminder of the repercussions of his heinous crimes.

Brendan Fraser as W. S. Hamilton in Killers of the Flower Moon

The Aftermath and Legacy

Hale's parole in 1947 marked a pivotal moment in his tumultuous journey, as he emerged from the confines of Leavenworth to face a world drastically altered from the one he once ruled with an iron fist. The movie's portrayal of Hale's post-prison life, banished from Oklahoma and stripped of his former prominence, captures the stark contrast between his past and present. The haunting image of Hale's descent into obscurity, working as a cowboy and dishwasher in Montana, serves as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of power and the enduring legacy of his crimes.

William is in his car, reaching for Ernest who is standing outside his car in Killers of the Flower Moon.

Despite his likely involvement in multiple murders during the 'Reign of Terror', Hale's conviction for the murder of Henry Roan stood as his sole brush with justice. The unresolved mysteries surrounding his other nefarious deeds add an aura of intrigue and ambiguity to his legacy, leaving lingering questions about the extent of his culpability in the Osage murders.

Ernest (Leonardo DiCaprio) looking at William (Robert De Niro), while they play pool in Killers of the Flower Moon.

The Final Act

As the years passed and Hale's infamy waned, his journey took a poignant turn, leading him to Phoenix, Arizona, where he spent his final days in a nursing home. The stark contrast between his former opulence and his humble demise paints a poignant picture of the fleeting nature of ill-gotten wealth and the inexorable passage of time. Hale's death in 1962 at the age of 87, devoid of the opulence he once reveled in, serves as a sobering reminder of the transience of power and the ultimate reckoning that awaits those who succumb to greed and corruption.