Pierrepoint

Albert Pierrepoint begins his journey to become a prison executioner, following in the footsteps of his father who held the same job. He approaches the training with seriousness, applying scientific methods to ensure each execution is performed correctly and humanely.

As Albert's skills as an executioner are recognized, he and his wife Annie find excitement in the new opportunities that arise. The British government acknowledges him as the best executioner, emphasizing the importance of a swift and humane execution process.

In 1945, after the Belsen trials, Albert is tasked with executing 47 Nazi war criminals in Germany. Despite being staggered by the scale of the task, he executes his duties with precision, highlighting his commitment to his role.

During the executions, Albert encounters a moment that shakes him to his core when one of the executed is left without a coffin. He passionately demands that the body be treated with dignity, revealing his inner values and sense of morality.

As Albert continues his work, he becomes a local celebrity, praised by some for his efficiency while criticized by others for his role in capital punishment. This duality begins to weigh heavily on him, adding to his emotional turmoil.

Albert and Annie decide to purchase a nearby pub, hoping to capitalize on Albert's newfound fame. The business begins to thrive, and it becomes a gathering spot for locals who hold differing opinions about Albert's profession.

Tragedy strikes when Albert is required to execute his friend James Corbitt, known as 'Tish.' Despite the emotional weight of the situation, Albert performs his duty, speaking kindly to Tish, who meets his end with a smile and gratitude.

After executing Tish, Albert experiences a deep emotional breakdown, sharing his anguish with Annie. Their previously established rule of silence about his job crumbles as he confesses his guilt and the toll the execution has taken on him.

Albert is called to execute Ruth Ellis, a young woman convicted of murder. The public outcry against her execution is intense, with angry mobs protesting outside the prison, reflecting the contentious nature of capital punishment during this time.

After completing over 335 executions and achieving a record for the fastest hanging, Albert reaches his breaking point. He ultimately resigns from his position as an executioner, feeling the weight of the moral implications of his work.