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Miranda Richardson, Rupert Everett, Ian Holm, Matthew Carroll, Tom Chadbon ... see more see more... , Jane Bertish , David Troughton , Paul Mooney , Stratford Johns , Charles Cork , Patrick Field , Lesley Manville , Martin Murphy , Colin Rix , Joanne Whalley , David Beale , Charon Bourke , Sallie-Anne Field , Ian Hurley , Miki Iveria , Michael Jen , Susan Kyd , Tony Mathews , Nicholas McArdle , Lizzie McKenzie , Elizabeth Newell , Alan Thompson , Tracy-Louise Ward , Joanne Whalley-Kilmer

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 ... read more read more...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

Flixster Users

63% liked it

1,475 ratings

Critics

90% liked it

10 critics

R, 2 hr.

Directed by: Mike Newell

Release Date: January 1, 1985

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DVD Release Date: January 23, 2001

Stats: 68 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (68)

  • 76Majikat
    January 5, 2011
    76Majikat
    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 gladl... read morey 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.
  • flixsterman
    December 11, 2009
    flixsterman
    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-te... read morelevision 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. Dance With A Stranger delivers a detailed reenactment of a terminally dysfunctional relationship, but barely hints at the tragic consequences.
  • jjnxn
    May 8, 2007
    jjnxn
    dark intriguing movie. miranda richardson is sensational.
  • RCCLBC
    February 20, 2007
    RCCLBC
    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.
  • TonyPolito
    November 17, 2010
    TonyPolito
    Pretty dull and drag-on telling of the Ruth Ellis story, only slightly more informative than reading Wikipedia.

    RECOMMENDATION: A weak bookend to "Pierrepoint," otherwise skip it.
  • sepio41
    October 25, 2008
    sepio41
    miranda richardson made a helluva debut as ruth ellis, the last woman to be hanged in england. rupert everett and iam holm play well also as the main men in ellis' troubled short life.
  • theatrebabe17
    July 15, 2007
    theatrebabe17
    Great Movie!! I like Miranda richardson so i like the movie. Good storyline. Everyone should see it at some point in their life. P.S. it is a murder movie not suitable for small children!!

View All Dance with a Stranger Reviews

Critic Reviews

Emanuel Levy
July 16, 2005
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. Full Review

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
August 22, 2004
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice

An unforgettable performance by Miranda Richardson. Full Review

Ken Hanke
August 26, 2002
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

Compelling fact-based drama

Michael W. Phillips, Jr.
February 28, 2002
Michael W. Phillips, Jr., Goatdog's Movies

Brilliantly exposes the dark underside of the supposedly happy and benign decade of the 1950s. Full Review

March 26, 2009
Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

Vincent Canby
May 20, 2003
Vincent Canby, New York Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Philip Martin
May 16, 2005
Philip Martin, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

No review available.

Randy Shulman
March 18, 2005
Randy Shulman, Metro Weekly (Washington, DC)

No review available.

July 30, 2003
TV Guide's Movie Guide

Click to read the article Full Review

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  • Which director links the movies "Donnie Brasco", "Four Weddings and a Funeral", "Harry Potter... Goblet of Fire", "Dance with a Stranger", "Pushing Tin" and "Mona Lisa Smile"?  Answer »
  • This crime drama is about the last woman executed in England.   Answer »
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