The gripping story of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be executed in Britain, is back in the spotlight with ITV1’s new drama series, A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story. This four-part dramatization brings to life the shocking events of 1955, framed through the lens of modern perspectives on gender, class, and justice.
Lucy Boynton stars as Ruth Ellis, who garnered infamy after shooting her lover, David Blakely, outside the Magdala pub in Hampstead. The screenplay, adapted by Kelly Jones from Carol Ann Lee’s book A Fine Day for Hanging: The Real Ruth Ellis Story, revives the details of the convoluted case, raising questions about justice, societal standards, and the brutal realities faced by women of the time.
Ellis's story is one steeped in tragedy. Born Ruth Neilson in Rhyl, Wales, her life was marked by personal turmoil, including abusive relationships—most notoriously with Blakely. The series opens on the day of Ellis's execution, setting the tone for a dark narrative exploring her struggles against patriarchal oppression.
The timeline of events showcases how societal norms of the 1950s created an environment where men held disproportionate power. “A woman like her, they were never going to let her off,” reflects the barrister John Bickford, played by Toby Jones, as he attempts to navigate the prejudicial judicial system of the time. Bickford desperately fights for Ellis's life but is limited by both societal attitudes and her own refusal to fully cooperate during her trial.
One of the most shocking revelations of the case was Ellis’s confession, made without legal counsel present—a move detrimental to her defense. She stated bluntly during her trial, “It’s obvious when I shot him I intended to kill him,” encapsulating her admission of guilt but also reflecting the complexity of her mental state.
The drama explores the dynamics of Ellis's relationship with Blakely, depicted as both alluring and menacing. The narrative is intensified by hints of another figure, Desmond Cussen, portrayed by Mark Stanley. Cussen, who likely supplied Ellis with the gun, plays both the role of protector and manipulator, illustrating the conflicting influences surrounding Ellis. He famously declares, “I will save you, whether you want me to or not,” showcasing his controlling nature.
Critically, the drama does not shy away from exposing the darker side of Ellis's character and relationships. Reviews highlight how Ellis, though victimized, was also capable of deception and cruelty. This duality makes her portrayal complicated, as viewers witness her navigate violent interactions with various men, often leaving her vulnerable. The series effectively portrays her as both resourceful and entrapped within societal expectations.
While audiences today might view her actions through the lens of sympathy, it’s important to recognize the harsh realities of 1950s Britain. Many narratives at the time marginalized women's experiences, and Ellis's case fell victim to this dynamic. The legal establishment's bias against her, compounded by her background as a nightclub hostess, led the jury to convict her within just twenty minutes.
Critics cannot help but draw comparisons between Ellis's life and contemporary issues of domestic abuse and systemic injustice. The series delves not only deepens our perception of Ellis, but also challenges viewers to engage with questions about how far society has come—or has yet to go—in its treatment of women and violence.
With the backdrop of post-war societal shifts, A Cruel Love reminds us of the constraints placed upon women and the societal failures to protect them. “[The story] has become clear … this was a story only partially told,” emphasizes the show’s exploration of class and gender issues, particularly through the contrasting identities of Ellis and Blakely, whose upper-middle-class background seemed to afford him impunity.
Although the series depicts her as bound by the fatalistic grip of her circumstances, it does so against the rich historical fabric of 1950s London, where class divisions sharply delineated experiences and access to justice. Ellis’s experience clenches tightly to the viewers' hearts, especially as the show embellishes her human connection to her children and her struggle against deep-seated societal norms.
The performances have garnered significant acclaim, particularly Lucy Boynton, whose portrayal of Ellis has been described as nuanced and layered. “She’s equal parts insolent charisma and wary vulnerability,” one review states, capturing the dichotomy of Ellis’s nature as she grapples with her fate.
With the airing of A Cruel Love, the dialogue surrounding Ruth Ellis’s life is reignited, particularly as part two is set to air on March 12. The series probes at the underbelly of societal issues, inducing viewers to reflect on the justice system's failures of the past—and their resonance today.
The series aims to evoke empathy and curiosity by presenting characters with conflicting motives and moral ambiguities. Even though the tragedy is known, the engaging narrative encourages viewers to reconsider how these complex layers play out, enriching the historical accuracy of Ellis's story.