Ruth Ellis Drama Reexamines Britain's Last Female Execution

ITV's 'A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story' delves into the controversial trial and execution of Ruth Ellis, highlighting issues of gender, class, and justice in 1950s Britain.

Ruth Ellis, portrayed by Lucy Boynton, was the last woman to be executed in Britain after being convicted of murdering her abusive lover, David Blakely, in 1955.
The ITV drama explores Ellis's tumultuous life, including her struggles with domestic abuse, societal pressures, and her complex relationships with men like Desmond Cussen, who provided the weapon used in the crime.
Critics have praised Boynton's nuanced performance as Ellis, capturing her resilience, vulnerability, and moral ambiguity, while Toby Jones shines as her solicitor, John Bickford, who fought unsuccessfully to save her from the death penalty.
The series, based on the book 'A Fine Day for a Hanging' by Carol Ann Lee, raises questions about the fairness of Ellis's trial and the societal norms that influenced her fate, sparking calls for a posthumous pardon.
Filmed on location at historically significant sites, including The Magdala pub where the murder occurred, the drama emphasizes authenticity while reframing Ellis as a victim of systemic injustice.