The movie “The Frozen Ground” takes several liberties with the truth. Fine. It’s only “based” on a true story. One of its core mythologies involves the relationship between Cindy Paulson and Glenn Flothe. In it, the film makes the claim that Cindy Paulson eventually moves considers moving in with Flothe, his wife Cherry and their children — and wreaks havoc in the process on their lives. That did not happen. We’re here to set the record straight.
First, there’s no denying that Flothe developed a professional rapport with Cindy Paulson. Here’s Walter Gilmour on that topic. As usual, Gilmour gets straight to the point:
“On September 16, 1983, Flothe took photos of Hansen’s bakery, house, private plane and cars. He also started doing the basic footwork that good investigators cannot forget if they are to remain good investigators. He knew that Cindy Paulson would be a key player in the case against Hansen, and so he took pains to establish some level of rapport with her.” Major Walter Gilmour
Better than that, there are the words of Sgt. Glenn Flothe himself. During the early drafts of “Butcher, Baker,” Glenn personally reviewed our manuscript. As is his wont, he also attached sticky notes to the back of various pages, offering his invaluable insights and suggestions. On the back of the passage (above) where Gilmour talks about “rapport,” Glenn Flothe added several sticky notes, with the following comments. Let’s get it straight:
“My wife befriended Cindy for months at all hours of the night and morning — without ever meeting her until two days before she was to testify against Hansen.
Glenn Flothe and his wife, Cheryl, after her successful kidney transplant in 2007
“Cindy fixed a family dinner for my wife and family at a safe home when, for a short time, she had her act somewhat together. I have now lost her again to the streets and pimps — whereabouts unknown.
Corsair Restaurant, Anchorage, AK (now closed; photo courtesy Wonderlane)
“The night Hansen was convicted, Cherry and I took Cindy & her friend from the safe home out to dinner at the Corsair. The next day, with an airplane ticket in her hand, she left Anchorage and back to prostitution.”
Glenn Flothe (1985)
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How did Cindy finally turn her life around after all that? Very courageous women!
The movie did not emply [sic] that Cindy Paulson lived with Glen Flothe. It only stated she was going to spend the night at their house but didn’t because she took off.
That didn’t happen either.
Any way we or I could get or hear a recording of Robert Hansen’s voice. Would like to compare it to other cases where a person reported that they murdered someone or phoned the victims family and it was recorded. I feel that with all the proof and evidence I have that Robert Christian Hansen is The Zodiac Killer or is one of the people involved. .
For Hansen audio, just search the blog using the search term – wait for it – “audio.” But in all seriousness it’s highly doubtful Robert Hansen is the Zodiac killer. There is documentary evidence that Hansen was NOT in California during the Zodiac rampage. He was, in fact, in the Midwest and then in Alaska during the 60’s and 70’s, with stretches of jail time during that period. Hard to be in two places at the same time… And one of the hallmarks of serial murder is physical proximity to the victims.
We were building a house by the Knik river when this was happening. I was pregnant and would go for evening walks along the river and through the woods with my dog….freaks me out now to think of what could have happened.
God!! You are very lucky.
I am glad that this did not happen and you are fine.
Found a body?
He only hunted prostitutes in town.
Wrong… read the book
First off, he didn’t just hunt prostitutes, though they were the majority of his victims.
Secondly, this lady could have randomly encountered Hansen at any point during her walks prior to his arrest, and could easily have become a victim of opportunity, if only to rid himself of a potential witness to him being near a body dump.
I really don’t think those minor details matter. I’m assuming 50Cent wasn’t there either.
The main objective is there. This lady survived a horrendous attack that unfolded many circumstances that ultimately lead to catching a monster. Very courageous and
Strait forward.
LMAO at the 50 cent comment.
Watched the film. Have law enforcement background. Didnt know about the case but Flothe went above and beyond what normal manpower is dedicated. Um sorry the remaining victims were not recovered, condolences to the families.
Very sad and harrowing story.
I like and respect women, and can’t imagine why any man would want to harm women in any way.
It’s sickening and frightening to think of how many women that sadistic butcher actually abducted, tortured and ultimately killed, not to mention his cold, detached, psychological cruelty that he put them through!
I found the whole thing very moving for those girls and their families, but it also made me feel a lot of anger towards the killer, his hate towards women, and how cowardly he was!
I’m very sorry for those girls who had young lives, dreams, and futures to live out; and also families and loved ones who must have missed them deeply; so sincere condolences to them, especially for the families of the victims whose bodies were never found; and may God rest all the victims souls and give them peace.
I’m glad that Cindy Paulson survived that terrifying ordeal, and that she played a big part in that monsters sentencing.
Very brave young woman, and what great work and dedication from all the men in the investigating team!
It’s a movie, made for profit and entertainment and not a police report or documentary. There are some changes to the story to present it all in 1.45hours. You have limited time to develop the characters, present a plot and present something that folks want to see. To expect otherwise is simply ridiculous.
37 year in law enforcement with half as a detective.
My cousin Delynn was one of his victims. On frozen ground is a movie and while it has some truth it does romanticize the story a bit. Robert Hanson was a murderer. No matter how these women lived they were human beings. Can you imagine the fear they felt.. There isnt a day that goes by that I dont think of her.
Discovery Id came out with their documentary on halloween. There were 2 parts and that was the true story but of course it was all about hanson and not so much about his victims. That was sad. It made me angry. Yes he was the star of the show but the victims have family that are still are still grieving. I hope he is rotting in Hell..
I am so sorry for your loss. It does not matter that they were prostitutes. We are all Gods children. I cannot imagine the hell those poor girls went through. Again I am so terribly sorry for you & the other families that actually lived it.
I saw the documentary on ID channels Ice Cold Killers. Hanson was a weak cowardly little nothing. I am so sorry for the loss of your sister.
So sorry for what happened to your cousin. She was a beautiful young lady with her life ahead of her. I often think of her living relatives, her mother, her family etc. I can’t imagine what life was like for them after they were told about what happened to her. Truly heartbreaking…
So sorry for your loss. And I agree, everyone’s life means something. She’s with you and watches over you and your family. Your daughter reminds you of her. God bless
Note: some of the comments refer to DeLynne as Deb’s “sister” She was not. She was Deb’s cousin.
I just watched “Frozen Ground” even though it’s been out for a while. I understand some things were changed to make a good movie but the basic facts are there. This guy was a sick serial killer and he was finally stopped mainly because of the persistence and good work of one officer. Cindy Paulson went through hell but she was brave enough to testify against him and that was the main thing. She later turned her life around and found happiness! I admire her strength, I have not gone through that but have had a different life of hell and am a survivor also. I am so happy that maniac is rotting in jail. God has a place for him. It is called hell.
Robert Hansen died in 2014. Here’s my update.
What did he die of?
Old age.
On December 20th 1981 I was getting ready to board a flight the next night to go home with my 2 year old son for a visit. My friend was babysitting him. I was out late with friends and traveling to her house close to midnight. She lived in the last neighborhood on the left as you drive the Seward highway. I was alone on the road when headlights were on me. I moved to the right lane and they followed then the left lane and they followed then back to the right lane. Scared didn’t begin to describe the feeling. I knew that I couldn’t miss that left turn or I’d be on the road heading down the peninsula with the inlet on my right.
As I was in the right lane with headlights right on me I hit my brights and swerved into the left lane and around the corner into the neighborhood of my friend. Apparently whomever wasn’t expecting this and kept straight. Terrified I pulled in my friend’s driveway and relayed what happened. I have always wondered if this could have been Hansen and get an uneasy feeling when I remember this incident.
I love the movie and have watched it many time.it only by the grace of God that Cindy was able to get away and be able to have the life she deserves.
I am from Anchorage and can relate very much to cindy..I too was immersed in the seedy life of the Anchorage underbelly..it truly is like the wild west, even now, and there is a kind of lawlessness that is more open and accepted than in any other place in the US. When I watched the movie Frozen Ground it reminded me of my life there. I was so glad Cindy was able to escape. I was, too and I now live a happy life in the states. I shudder to think of what could have happened to me living that lifestyle. Still, there are those that prey on the vulnerable and take advantage of Alaska’s open wilderness. Israel Keyes, for instance, ravaged our town not so long ago. While it is an undeniably beautiful place to live, it is rife with crime and i have seen many of my friends that I grew up with turn to a destructive lifestyle as they spend more time there..i am so grateful to have escaped with my life.
I would just like to say that I too am Happy you made it out of there! I myself understand the wild west like lifestyle having lived in Southern California Desert and found myself in A circle of people that was very dark and extremely dangerous and had some very close encounters where I could’ve ended up in a grave somewhere in the desert as many have! I consider myself blessed to have made it out alive. Anyway I just wanted you to know that I fully understand how you must’ve felt and I am truly happy you found peace and happiness. God Bless
Did Robert Hansen really see Cindy again at a strip club, and try to have her killed before his arrest? I’m trying to find out how much of that was accurate!
To the best of my recollection, there was a half-assed plan by some of Bob’s friends to bribe Cindy Paulson to leave Alaska. She was the only witness trooper’s had and, if she disappeared, the case would fall apart. The filmmakers in Frozen Ground took literary license on this one, exaggerating that kernel of truth for the sake of drama. Short answer: didn’t happen.
Thank you so much for getting back to me so quickly! I really appreciate it!
I guess I missed the entire “lived with Glenn Fothe” part of the movie. The only time it showed anything close to that was when (taking literary license) he brought her home for ONE NIGHT to keep her safe (which caused a marital spat which led to her leaving in the middle of the night).
As someone who has had a movie made about them, I can assure you that the producers DO take a lot of creative liberty with the story. I’d originally written a book about my ordeal and the movie strayed soooo far away from the story.
Kathie, would you care to share your story? What movie was made about you?
I’m so happy to hear she finally got out of Alaska safe & sound. Cindy (Felicia) as I knew her she was one of my best friends while I lived in Anchorage. I remember when she went missing & could not find her she would stay with me from time to time. I really wish I could speak with her these days to find out if she is doing well & life has changed for her, I very much hope so. I still have photos we had fun !!
I worked in a club there & knew many of the girls. Also many horror stories. Anyway…….
I just hope things are MUCH better for her now & she got out of the life !! She was to nice of a person to be in the pimping & prostitution world !!! Just felt like making the comment !!
Thank you ……
Morgan
Hi Morgan. My name is Dahlia and I’m one of the senior producers working on a new show for A&E about the survivors of serial killers. I was wondering if I could speak to you a bit about Cindy and that time? My email is dahliadamaghi@lawandcrime.com. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Wow, nice of you to reach out. My heart goes out for you. I have a step grand daughter with a well to do father caught up in this lifestyle. Parents act like its okay they baby sit while she works, its believable. Hearts go out to all.
Morgan, I lived in Kenai from 81-86. We’d go up to Anch to “Fly By Night”, “Chilcoot Charlie’s” , “The Bush Comany” etc as well as the strip. We would see how these girls tried to survive in that hell. I was a fighter back then and part of the draw. The smoke, the loud music, the need to win to eat….tough damn life and my hats off to you and the others for surviving those brutal times. I left too
I have just watched the film on Netflix in the UK, very hard to imagine what those young girls went through at the hands of that sick Bastard! Why was he allowed to live and die in prison 30 years after ? We don’t have the death penalty in England but we should and he should of died when found guilty
No death penalty in Alaska either.
You thought you were doing something with this post. It’s a movie BASED on a true story. Based being the operative word here, movie also being another big hint – of course there was going to be some fabrication.
You so smart.