COURTROOM DRAMA 5 : 10 RILLINTON PLACE 1971

 "This movie analysis contains spoilers"

This blog is not owned by a professional movie reviewer.

10 Rillington Place directed by Richard Fleischer, adapted from the story of Ludwic Kennedy (1961). 

Based on a true story.

As usual, most courtroom dramas are based on criminal cases. 10 Rillington Place is also one of it. This real-life criminal case made film is located in London at the time of post-second world war (1944-1949)

Three-quarters of the film has the screenplay of how Mr Christie (Murderer) kills/murders pitiful women. Most of his victims are young, going through a midlife crisis. He has a specific toxic gas and other apparatus, apparently used during the war. The method of him attracting young women is as usual a kind of trap. Where he pours “British” tea and talks buttery smooth.

One victim portrayed in the film was Mrs Evan. Her husband is illiterate and so much proud and pretends he was rich. In reality, he earns only seven pounds a week. They move into Mr Christie’s flat. The wife, Mrs Beryl Evans had to pay for furniture, rent, food, and baby products all in seven pounds. Due to their financial crisis, they fight a lot, to an extent of fistfights. The neighbourhood is very aware of this. In the middle of this, Mrs Berly is conceived and persuades his husband to agree on terminating the fetus. This was not her idea, after all, the mastermind behind this decision was Christie.

Evansses family moves in

Christie sends off his wife to office and Mr Evans (wife of Mrs Beryl), toxicates her with the poisonous gas and eventually stores her in his washroom. Later informs his wife and Mr Evans that Mrs Beryl was sick of the pills she was consuming to terminate the baby earlier.

Devastated Mr Evans after knowing her wife is dead.

From there the film expands on how Christie dominates and manipulates Evans into his drama.

The courtroom scene began late for me. There were four scenes to be specific.

1. 1.      Cross-Examination of Mr Christie
2. 2.      Cross-Examination of Mr Evan
3. 3.     Suspense
4. 4.      Suspense

I do not want to be a spoiler.

After the cross-examination of Mr Christie, the wife senses the truth. Eventually leading to her death as well. I really enjoyed (As this is based on a true story, kindly don’t mistake me, I am talking of the screenplay) the cross-examination on the issue and facts of the case. From my memory allow me to share certain lines;

Defence Counsel: Why did you suddenly go to the police?

Mr Evans: It wasn’t because of the lies, I was worried about my daughter.

Defence Counsel: Are you seriously saying to the jury you go to the police to confess the murder because you’re worried about the daughter?

(At this point Mr Evans is completely devastated. He has lost his sweetheart, his baby and an unborn child)

Defence Counsel: You then mentioned, how Mr Christie gave your wife something that would cause an abortion and she died of that. Is that true or untrue?

Mr Evans: That is true.

Defence Counsel: Then you made a statement to the police in which you confess to murdering your wife and your child. Is that true or untrue?

Mr Evans: I was told of my daughter’s death before I made that one.

Defence Counsel: True or untrue!?

Mr Evans: (Silent).. It is true I made that statement.

Defence Counsel: Is the statement true or untrue?

Mr Evans: Untrue.

Defence Counsel: So, from the second statement you made to the police, there are untrue details to an extent.

Mr Evans: Yes

*Look at how lengthy the Counsel’s question is and the reply of a word from Evans.

Defence Counsel: So there is a possibility for you to be prepared to tell lies in court.

Mr Evans: But I did not kill my wife nor my daughter, Christie killed them.

Defence Counsel: Why should you suggest he would have done that?

Mr Evans: (He was unable to give an answer because of the evil mastermind plan of Christie in the first place.)

·        From my pov, Christie is not a pervert, but he kills women. Especially going through a life crisis, which makes them the easiest victim. The film does not mention why kills till the end.

In one of the mysterious scenes in the film, where Christie cries at the judgment (not what you think) and behind him, his wife senses the truth. 

After this I greatly suggest everyone reading this watch the film and be known of the climax. Allow me to mention this for the third time, This is based on a true story.

 I was also impressed by the use of music in three scenes;

1. In the scene he sits with his wife for tea (Classic, but not sure of whom)
2. Suspense
3. The climax (heavy breath)