See No Evil: The Moors Murders (2006) (TV)

User Rating:

7.3/10   

Director:

Christopher Menaul

Writer:

Neil McKay (writer)

Release Date:

14 May 2006 (UK)

Genre:

Crime | Drama | Horror | Thriller

Tagline:

A powerful and thought provoking drama based on one of the most shocking crimes of the 20th century, the chilling story of child killers Ian Brady and Myra Hindley.

Plot:

A vivid drama that documents the notorious "Moors murderers", Ian Brady and Myra Hindley. |

Plot Keywords:

Moors | Police | Husband Wife Relationship | 1960s | Child Murder Investigation

Awards:

3 wins

Cast

Joanne Frogatt	...	Maureen Smith (as Joanne Froggatt)
Maxine Peake	...	Myra Hindley
Sean Harris	...	Ian Brady
Matthew McNulty	...	David Smith (as Michael McNulty)
George Costigan	...	DCI Joe Mounsey
Charlotte Emmerson	...	WDC Pat Clayton
John Henshaw	...	DCS Arthur Benfield
James Quinn	...	Supt Bob Talbot
Stephen MacKenna	...	DCS Prescott
Steven Hillman	...	DI Engels
Gordon Brown	...	DS Jock Carr
Andy Quine	...	Desk Sergeant
Susan Twist	...	Nellie Hindley
Steve Evets	...	Jack Smith
Margaret Jackman	...	Granny Maybury

Also Known As:

See No Evil: The Story of the Moors Murders (Australia) (DVD title)

Runtime:

180 min (2 parts)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Australia:MA | New Zealand:R16

Company:

Granada Television

Goofs:

Miscellaneous: The police use Maglite® torches which did not exist until 1979.

Convincing and Harrowing

This is the first known dramatisation of the infamous Moors Murders around the Northern English city of Manchester in the 1960's.Even four decades on,the case still provokes utter revulsion at such evil and depraved acts of murder.It was apparently made with full co-operation of the victims' families,which in hindsight was a sensible and sensitive decision by the filmmakers involved.It could quite easily have lapsed into sensationalism and exploitation;that it doesn't is a tribute to all involved;it is very well made with excellent performances all round;Sean Harris and Maxine Peake(previously better known for her comedic roles)are chilling and believable as the callously evil Brady and Hindley;newcomer Michael McNulty gives a very fine performance as the naive,easily-led David Smith,but Joanne Froggatt is outstanding as Hindley's sister Maureen Smith.In a part that could easily have turned into rampant hysteria,Ms Froggatt is very moving and heartbreaking as the decent-minded young woman whose life is more or less ruined by the horrific actions of her sibling.It is arguable that the stress involved led to Maureen's early death aged only 34.

The one large problem with the production is with the story being so unremittingly harrowing and unpleasant,one is somewhat confused as to what to say in conclusion.That it is very well made,acted and produced,certainly.That we do not see the killings themselves(with the savage exception of Edward Evans,very brutal and in semi-darkness),and none of the gruesome details related to them is praiseworthy;but the extreme nastiness surrounding the whole case still makes for a very dubious and disturbing cumulative effort despite it's considerable technical quality.In my view,a more documentary approach to the subject would've been the correct way to dramatise such a story,but nevertheless full marks to cast and crew for their sensitivity in handling such a dreadfully grim subject.