See No Evil: The Moors Murders

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.

STAR RATING: ***** The Works **** Just Misses the Mark *** That Little Bit In Between ** Lagging Behind * The Pits

To mark the 40th anniversary of Ian Brady and Myra Hindley's convictions for the horrific 'Moors Murders', ITV1 has produced this dramatization of their hunt, capture and conviction, charting their friendship with Dave Smith (Michael McNulty), boyfriend of Hindley's sister, whom Brady tried to warp into his twisted little world. It was only when he saw Brady butchering 17 year old Edward Evans to death that it all came out and the pair were caught.

People reacted to this production with the expected mixed emotions. It was always going to be one of the most controversial productions the station had ever green-lighted, and there was understandable out-rage, offense and shock from some when it went ahead. But the families of the victims were okay with it and this drama does manage to be as realistic yet sensitive as it could possibly be.

This can hardly be described as 'entertaining', but by telling the dark true story that it is, it does play out with the required haunting gusto, with some dark camera shots and a few quiet, reflective scenes.

Performances wise, Sean Harris and Maxine Peake as the two main characters are highly effective, as are some of the supporting cast including George Costigan as the detective who lead the investigation that brought the pair to justice. Some of the others might need to brush up on their craft a bit, but they do not stop what is generally a well made and very effective timely re-telling of events nobody wanted to know but had to hear. ****

Sean Harris and Maxine Peake really bring the monsters that were the Moors Murderers to life. Harris is fantastically disturbing,chilling and creepy as the ultimate manipulator and chief instigator of the most infamous series of murders in the last century. George Costigan as the policeman is also seen performing at the top of his game. I was worried about the way this extremely sensitive subject was going to be handled but it was perfectly done. Still shocking but not graphic apart from one scene of the murder of Eric Evans. That shocked me and I thought I was unshockable after a lifetime of watching all genres of movie. I never imagined that anyone would tackle this gruesome story for many more years but it is a story crying out to be dramatised. We never learn about why the couple did what they did but we do see the devastating effect it had on the people surrounding them. I do not think I will see anything which will stay with me for so long as this will.

The sickening crimes of Ian Brady and Myra Hindley, told through the eyes of Myra's sister Maureen and her husband Dave.

It's taken fifteen years for me to watch this, in truth it's because I find the whole case so sickening, so upsetting, buy here are my thoughts.

A two part series, which is largely shown through the eyes of Myra's sister Maureen, the effects on her life, and how the crimes impacted on her life going forward.

The Moors murders shocked and sickened everyone, the crimes of Brady and Hindley so cruel, sickening and wicked. Even now my family won't have their names mentioned.

The series is quite violent, but fortunately it spares you details of some of what they did, it implies events.

The period detail is amazing, clothes, costumes, cars etc, it's very well made.

The acting is sensational, each does a great job, for me Joanne Frogatt stands out, what an actress she is.

I'm glad I watched it, it's very good, 8/10.

This show was recently shown as a two part mini-series . Some fine performances here from Maxine Peake as Myra Hindley and Mike McNulty as David Smith . Though the truly horrible events of the Moors Murders are dealt with in a manner sympathetic to the victims and victims' families ( no blood gore and detail here ) . You do discover a side to Hindley and Brady that has rarely been shown - both may have been monsters and inherently evil but also both were highly manipulative and believable . Some very daring performances , particularly by Peake as Myra Hindley and Sean Harris as Brady , this together with a haunting soundtrack , rare levels of authenticity and the bleak but beautiful Moors setting make this a reasonable thing to watch .