Dance with a Stranger (1985)

90% of critics liked it
(10 reviews)
63% of users liked it
(1,476 ratings)

This darkly haunting slightly fictionalized film is a retelling of the life and death of Ruth Ellis (Miranda Richardson), the last woman to be executed in England. Ellis, a divorcee and ex-prostitute works as a "hostess" in a tacky nightclub. There she meets and begins an obsessive love affair with… More This darkly haunting slightly fictionalized film is a retelling of the life and death of Ruth Ellis (Miranda Richardson), the last woman to be executed in England. Ellis, a divorcee and ex-prostitute works as a "hostess" in a tacky nightclub. There she meets and begins an obsessive love affair with upper-class David Blakely (Rupert Everett), who eventually discards her. Still obsessed and jealous because of David's upcoming marriage to a woman of his own class, Ellis murders him. Miranda Richardson, in a stark, knock-out performance is outstanding as the cold, calculating Ellis, unscrupulous in her use of everyone to get what she wants. Ian Holm, in an often-overlooked performance, is superb as the man who loves Ellis, supporting her and her teenage son, without ever gaining her love. He is her mainstay and the surrogate father to her teenage son, who Ellis has little time for. In his own, quiet way he is as obsessed as Ellis. The screenplay, adapted by Shelagh Delaney remains faithful to the true story, taking only minor dramatic license. Dance With a Stranger is an uncompromising look at obsessive love and its consequences on others. The story is made even more poignant because of the sad life and eventual suicide of Ellis' real son. ~ Linda Rasmussen, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: R, 2 hr.
Directed By: Mike Newell
Written By: Shelagh Delaney
Genres: Drama, Art House & International, Mystery & Suspense

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1985 Wide
On DVD: Jan 23, 2001
Studio: Concorde Film

Critic Reviews

Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Miranda Richardson gives a brilliant performance as Ruth Ellis in Mike Newell's gloomy and dowbeat film noir, based on the life of the last British femme to be hanged for murder.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
An unforgettable performance by Miranda Richardson.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Compelling fact-based drama
Michael W. Phillips, Jr., Goatdog's Movies
Brilliantly exposes the dark underside of the supposedly happy and benign decade of the 1950s.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Lady D

Based on the story of Ruth Ellis - the last woman to be hanged in Britain. The film provides the tale of the build up toward her crime of passion. Miranda Richardson (possibly better known for her comedy roles) plays a great role here as a woman who doesn't suffer fools… More
Based on the story of Ruth Ellis - the last woman to be hanged in Britain. The film provides the tale of the build up toward her crime of passion. Miranda Richardson (possibly better known for her comedy roles) plays a great role here as a woman who doesn't suffer fools gladly and a fiesty, perhaps controversial character of her time and has a weakness in the man she loves. I am unaware of how factual this film is, but it made for entertaining viewing.
Randy T

Good News/Bad News Good News: Miranda Richardson is incredible. Beyond her command of the character, which in itself is remarkable, is her sheer screen presence. To quote Steve Wiecking, she looks like a "delicious chilled confection". Bad News: The film has a… More
Good News/Bad News Good News: Miranda Richardson is incredible. Beyond her command of the character, which in itself is remarkable, is her sheer screen presence. To quote Steve Wiecking, she looks like a "delicious chilled confection". Bad News: The film has a BBC-made-for-television feel to it, especially the sound reproduction and score. Good News: The docudrama presentation lends itself well to detail and, as far as I can tell, historical accuracy. Ruth's debilitating codependency with her abusive and alcoholic beau is laid before us with excruciating clarity. Bad News: Except for a postscript reference, there are no details about Ruth's trial, incarceration, execution, or the impact it all had [if any] on public attitudes and perceptions. <i>Dance With A Stranger</i> delivers a detailed reenactment of a terminally dysfunctional relationship, but barely hints at the tragic consequences.
jay n

dark intriguing movie. miranda richardson is sensational.
Robert C

To describe this as the true story of the last woman ever hanged in England, would be a disservice. It's a touching and sad story, wonderfully acted. This is the film in which I first fell in love with Miranda Richardson (and Rupert Everett). Great performances by all.

Cast

            Miranda Richardson as Ruth Ellis

            Rupert Everett as David Blakely

            Ian Holm as Desmond Cussen

            Matthew Carroll as Andy

            Tom Chadbon as Anthony Findlater

            Jane Bertish as Carole Findlater

            David Troughton as Cliff Davis

            Paul Mooney as Clive Gunnell

            Stratford Johns as Morrie Conley

            Charles Cork as Policeman

            Patrick Field as Builder

            Lesley Manville as Maryanne

            Martin Murphy as Roy

            Colin Rix as Landlord "Madgala"

            Joanne Whalley as Christine

            David Beale as Man in Little Club

            Charon Bourke as Ballroom Singer

            Sallie-Anne Field as Claudette

            Ian Hurley as Policeman

            Miki Iveria as Landlady

            Michael Jen as Wilf

            Susan Kyd as Barbara

            Tony Mathews as Customer "Madgala"

            Nicholas McArdle as Landlord

            Lizzie McKenzie as Woman in Launderette

            Elizabeth Newell as Baby

            Alan Thompson
            
            Tracy-Louise Ward as Girl with David Blakely

            Joanne Whalley-Kilmer
            
See full cast