A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story, a compelling drama series starring Lucy Boynton, premiered on BritBox in the U.S. this week and will debut on ITVX in the U.K. in March. Based on Carol Ann Lee’s biography, the show tells the story of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in Britain, from her perspective. The cast includes Toby Jones, Laurie Davidson, and Mark Stanley, among others.
Produced by ITV Studios‘ Silverprint Pictures, the series was developed after receiving an unexpected email from Ellis’ grandson expressing the need for his grandmother’s story to be fully told. The production team was amazed by Carol Ann Lee’s book and decided to bring Ellis’ story to life on screen.
Ruth Ellis’ story is portrayed in a non-linear format, showcasing her vibrant personality and turbulent relationship with David Blakely. The series delves into themes of female empowerment and the legal system of the time, highlighting the injustices faced by Ellis leading up to her tragic fate.
The show also sheds light on the impact of Ellis’ hanging on the legal system in the U.K., leading to changes in the law regarding capital punishment. Nigel Havers plays his own grandfather, Cecil Havers, the judge who sentenced Ellis to death, in a poignant portrayal of history.
The court episode in the series is particularly striking, as every word spoken is verbatim from the transcripts, showcasing the harsh treatment Ellis received during her trial. The commitment of the cast and crew to tell Ellis’ story authentically shines through in every episode.
Overall, A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story is a passion project for everyone involved, aiming to bring awareness to Ellis’ life and struggles. With a talented cast and crew, the series is a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and true crime stories.
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