10 Rillington Place Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A mild-mannered landlord offers free medical advice that ends with people permanently checking out of their earthly bodies.

🍿 10 Rillington Place: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to John Christie

The film opens in post-World War II London, introducing John Christie, a seemingly ordinary middle-aged man living at 10 Rillington Place with his wife, Ethel. Unbeknownst to his neighbors, Christie is a serial killer with a disturbing modus operandi. He lures women to his flat under false pretenses, often claiming to be able to help with medical issues.

The Evans Family Arrives

Tim and Beryl Evans, a young couple with a baby daughter named Geraldine, move into the upper flat at 10 Rillington Place. Tim is depicted as somewhat simple and prone to exaggeration, while Beryl is pregnant again. The Evanses struggle financially, leading to tension in their marriage and frequent arguments.

Christie’s Manipulation

Seeing an opportunity, Christie offers to perform an illegal abortion for Beryl. Desperate and unable to afford other options, the Evanses reluctantly agree. This sets in motion a tragic series of events as Christie’s true nature comes to the forefront.

Beryl’s Murder and the Cover-Up

Under the guise of performing the abortion, Christie murders Beryl. He then manipulates Tim into believing that Beryl died during the procedure and convinces him to keep quiet, exploiting Tim’s fear of legal repercussions due to the illegal abortion. Christie plans to either blame Tim for the murder or ensure his silence.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Christie (Richard Attenborough): The unassuming and sinister serial killer who preys on vulnerable women at 10 Rillington Place.
• Timothy Evans (John Hurt): An illiterate and hapless man wrongly accused of murdering his wife and daughter.
• Beryl Evans (Judy Geeson): A young, desperate wife and mother who becomes a victim of Christie’s manipulation and violence.
• Ethel Christie (Pat Heywood): Christie’s wife, who is oblivious to her husband’s crimes until she becomes a victim.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• John Reginald Christie: “It’s the moral question that concerns me, the taking of life – no matter how rudimentary.” – Christie says this to Beryl when offering to perform an abortion, feigning moral concern while masking his true intentions.
• Timothy Evans: “Christie done it! Christie done it!” – Evans cries out in desperation as he is being led to his execution, proclaiming his innocence and accusing Christie.
• Beryl Evans: “It’s not really… I’d be ever so grateful, Mr Christie.” – Beryl says this in response to Christie’s offer of providing her an abortion, sealing her fate.
• John Reginald Christie: “Now, don’t you get — huffy — with me, young man.” – Christie says this with a chilling tone to Tim after Tim begins to suspect Christie of foul play after his wife’s death.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1.6 million
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 10 Rillington Place Reviews

Personal Review

I saw this movie a long time ago, and it’s stuck with me ever since. Richard Attenborough is incredible, so creepy in a way I didn’t think he could be. The bleakness of post-war London really adds to the feeling of hopelessness. It’s not a fun movie, but it’s a powerful one. The miscarriage of justice is horrifying.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of true crime documentaries”
  • “Viewers interested in historical dramas”
  • “Those who appreciate suspenseful and atmospheric thrillers”
  • “People interested in legal dramas and miscarriages of justice”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depictions of murder and violence”
  • “Implied sexual assault”
  • “Disturbing themes and subject matter”
  • “Discussion of illegal abortions”
  • “Mature themes may not be suitable for all viewers”

Professional Reviews

• MovieWeb: “A disturbing exploration of evil, ’10 Rillington Place’ makes ‘Frenzy’ look like a sitcom. It’s a mournful, serious movie, the most realistic movie about a serial killer ever made.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Richard Attenborough delivers a chilling performance as John Christie. This stark and unsettling film captures the grim reality of post-war London, highlighting the dark side lurking beneath the surface.
• Original: “The film’s strength lies in its ability to create a sense of dread and unease without resorting to gratuitous violence. Attenborough’s portrayal of Christie is unsettlingly believable, making the film a haunting and thought-provoking experience.

Audience Reactions

Attenborough’s performance is terrifyingly brilliant and unforgettable.: Viewers consistently praise Richard Attenborough’s chilling portrayal of John Christie and the film’s accurate depiction of post-war London.

The film is disturbing and realistic, highlighting the flaws in the British legal system.: Many viewers found the film deeply unsettling and praised its realistic depiction of the events, emphasizing the tragic miscarriage of justice.

Overall Consensus: ’10 Rillington Place’ is a disturbing but powerful film, primarily praised for Richard Attenborough’s performance and its unflinching look at a dark chapter in British history.

Awards

1. BAFTA Film Award (Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles)- 1972

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Richard Attenborough’s transformation into John Christie required a daily three-hour makeup session, primarily to apply the character’s distinctive bald pate.”
• “The film was shot on location at the actual 10 Rillington Place, adding to its unsettling realism. The buildings were still standing in 1970 when filming began.”
• “Director Richard Fleischer aimed for a stark, documentary-like feel, avoiding sensationalism and focusing on the grim realities of post-war London.”
• “The film is based on the book by Ludovic Kennedy who would invite film critics to his home for private viewings and discussions of the film.”

🖥️ How to Watch 10 Rillington Place?

As a classic film, “10 Rillington Place” may be available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. Check local listings for television airings. Availability may vary depending on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed 10 Rillington Place, you might like these similar films:

• The Boston Strangler (1968): Another true-crime film directed by Richard Fleischer, focusing on the investigation of a serial killer, with a similar emphasis on realism.
• In Cold Blood (1967): A stark and realistic depiction of a real-life crime and its aftermath, exploring the psychology of the killers and the impact on the victims.
• Let Him Have It (1991): A British film based on a real-life miscarriage of justice, highlighting the flaws in the legal system and the consequences of capital punishment.
• Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986): A disturbing and realistic portrayal of a serial killer, focusing on the banality of evil and the lack of clear motives.
• Zodiac (2007): A crime thriller that meticulously details the investigation of a real-life serial killer, emphasizing the frustrations and complexities of the case.

🛒 10 Rillington Place Related Products

• 10 Rillington Place (Blu-ray): Own the chilling true story of John Christie on Blu-ray. Experience the gritty realism and powerful performances in high definition.
• True Crime Serial Killers: 10 Rillington Place: The Christie and Evans Murders (Kindle Edition): Delve deeper into the case with this Kindle book, exploring the details of the crimes, the investigation, and the impact on British legal history.
• Richard Attenborough: A Biography: Explore the life and career of Richard Attenborough, including his work on ’10 Rillington Place’. Gain insights into the actor’s motivations and the challenges of portraying such a disturbing character.
• London True Crime History Tour: While not a physical product, find a London walking tour that explores the history of crime in London, potentially including sites related to the Rillington Place murders (check tour details for specific locations).

🎧 Soundtrack

10 Rillington Place features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Original Score” – performed by None Credited

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Richard Attenborough Discusses Captial Punishment | The Dick Cavett Show

Want to hear Richard Attenborough’s personal thoughts on capital punishment and how it relates to ’10 Rillington Place’? His insights are super thought-provoking, especially considering the film’s themes – definitely worth a watch!

The Killer at 10 Rillington Place • Building A Case

True crime fans, this one’s for you! BuzzFeed Unsolved Network breaks down the chilling details of the John Christie case and the murders at 10 Rillington Place. It’s a deep dive that’ll give you a whole new perspective.

Demolition Workers – Kensington (1971)

Ever wondered what happened to 10 Rillington Place after the events of the film? This rare footage shows the actual demolition of the building! It’s a bit haunting to see, but also a fascinating piece of history.

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