PIERREPOINT aka THE LAST HANGMAN

Year: 2005
USA: IFC First Take
UK: Lionsgate Films UK
Cast: Timothy Spall, Juliet Stevenson, Eddie Marsan, Michael Norton, James Corden, Claire Keelan, Peter Ryder
Director: Adrian Shergold
Country: UK
USA & UK: 95 mins
USA Rated: R for disturbing images, nudity and brief sex
UK Certificate: 15 contains capital punishment theme and detail of hanging
USA Release Date: 8 June 2007 (Limited Release - New York)
USA Release Date: 1 June 2007 (Limited Release - Los Angeles)
UK Release Date: 7 April 2006


Synopsis

PIERREPOINT is the critically acclaimed true-life story of Albert Pierrepoint, Britain's last hangman. Following in the footsteps of his father and uncle before him, Albert joins the 'family business' in 1934. He rises through the ranks to become the most feared and respected executioner in the country, hanging over 600 people before his sudden resignation in 1956.

Living a double life as a master hangman, a humble grocery deliveryman and loyal husband, Pierrepoint's obsession to become the 'Number One' executioner in the land results in him executing some of Britain's most infamous murderers and Nazi war criminals. But this also shatters Pierrepoint's jealously guarded anonymity turning him into a minor celebrity. As his two lives collide, and 1950's public opinion turns against capital punishment, Pierrepoint troubled by his notoriety is ready to give it all up, but fate has other plans in store for him.

Featuring an outstanding performance by Timothy Spall, as the executioner struggling with his work, duty and conscience, this is a gripping tale of crime, punishment and redemption.