Dance with a Stranger

Critics Consensus

No consensus yet.

Movie Info

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.

Rating:

R (adult situations/language, violence)
Genre:

Art House & International, Drama, Mystery & Suspense
Directed By:

Mike Newell
Written By:

Shelagh Delaney
In Theaters:

Jan 1, 1985 wide
On Disc/Streaming:

Jan 23, 2001
Runtime:

120 minutes
Studio:

Concorde Film

Cast

Miranda Richardson
as Ruth Ellis

Rupert Everett
as David Blakeley

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

Joanne Whalley
as Christine

Susan Kyd
as Barbara

Lesley Manville
as Maryanne

Sallie-Anne Field
as Claudette

David Beale
as Man in Little Club

Martin Murphy
as Roy

Tracy-Louise Ward
as Girl with David Blakely

Michael Jen
as Wilf

Nicholas McArdle
as Landlord

Miki Iveria
as Landlady

Lizzie McKenzie
as Woman in Launderette

Ian Hurley
as Policeman

Charles Cork
as Policeman

Patrick Field
as Builder

Colin Rix
as Landlord

Tony Mathews
as Customer

Charon Bourke
as Ballroom Singer

Elizabeth Newell
as Baby

Alan Thompson
as Ralph

View All

Critic Reviews for Dance with a Stranger

All Critics (10) | Top Critics (2) | DVD (1)

A film of astonishing performances and moody, atmospheric visuals.

Jan 1, 2000 | Rating: 4/4 | Full Review…

Roger Ebert
Chicago Sun-Times
Top Critic
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.

Jul 16, 2005 | Rating: B+ | Full Review…

Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com
An unforgettable performance by Miranda Richardson.

Aug 22, 2004 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
Spirituality and Practice
Compelling fact-based drama

Aug 26, 2002 | Rating: 4/5

Ken Hanke
Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Brilliantly exposes the dark underside of the supposedly happy and benign decade of the 1950s.

Feb 28, 2002 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…

Michael W. Phillips, Jr.
Goatdog's Movies

View All Critic Reviews (10)

Audience Reviews for Dance with a Stranger

Mar 10, 2009

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. Dance With A Stranger delivers a detailed reenactment of a terminally dysfunctional relationship, but barely hints at the tragic consequences.

Randy T Super Reviewer
Aug 16, 2007

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.

Lady D Super Reviewer
May 08, 2007

dark intriguing movie. miranda richardson is sensational.

jay n Super Reviewer
Feb 20, 2007

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.

Robert C Super Reviewer