Dance with a Stranger (1985), haunting drama, directed by Mike Newell. Telling the story of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in Britain in the fifties, this moving biographical British film won critical acclaim, and made a star of both Miranda Richardson and Rupert Everett.

Richardson's brilliant portrayal of Ellis, as a platinum blonde prostitute, was one of the highlights of the eighties, and Everett was brilliant as her abusive racing driver lover, David Blakely, who she finally shot.

Also featuring Ian Holm, Stratford Johns and Lesley Manville , the director Newell went on to direct Four Weddings and a Funeral.

Ruth Ellis: Miranda Richardson David Blakely: Rupert Everett Desmond Cussen: Ian Holm

Director: Mike Newell Screenplay: Shelagh Delaney