Pierrepoint

aka: The Last Hangman
UK 2005, 90 minutes
Dir. Adrian Shergold
Genres: Drama

Topics: Biopic, Period 1930s, Period 1940s.

Aroview: Timothy Spall is typically excellent in this biopic of Albert Pierrepoint, who had an alarmingly prolific career as a state hangman in pre- and post-war Britain.

Possessing both a knack and a suitable disposition for a job, he reputation for dispatching the condemned with maximum efficiency led to his appointment as the principal executioner of German war criminals, and to the twilight of capital punishment with the landmark hanging of Ruth Ellis (see DANCE WITH A STRANGER). This Granada television production is reminiscent of VERA DRAKE in tackling a controversial slice of 20th century British conservatism, though its inevitably executed with more emotional detatchment.

Member Reviews

Average rating (Very Good). Showing 1-1 of 1 member reviews.

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4 stars (Very Good) A disturbing insight into an automaton man proud of killing dispassionately and efficiently - but with no explanation that botched hangings were ghastly. Timothy Spall must be admired for his performance as also the dour direction by Shergold. ~rakau