A Is for Acid

The film traces the life and deeds of a true life serial killer, John George Haig AKA the Acid Bath Murderer. Whilst in jail for fraud in the thirties he accidentally discovers the effect that acid has on animal bodies. He subsequently "offs" a series of people including a couple a family and three strangers by inviting them to his "workshop". He dissolves the bodies in oil drums full of acid. The film cuts to flashbacks of his upbringing by zealously religious parents, but steers clear of obviously blaming the parents for the son's murderous behaviour.

The film has a similar attention to detail as "10 Rillington Place" and Martin Clunes is excellently creepy as the charming Mr Haig. The contrast is small between Haig's day-to-day behaviour and the actual murders and disposals of the body but fascinating, leading to comparisons with Richard Attenborough's portrayal of Christie in 10 Rillington Place, but this film is more darkly humorous.

The film is written by Taggart creator Glenn Chandler and directed by Harry Bradbeer who directed most of the excellent BBC series "The Cops".

A highly entertaining telling of a real life drama about a glamourous British serial killer. Not the most likely subject to tempt an audience but the production was put together with great attention to detail, perfectly capturing Britain in the 1940's, the props, clothes, cars and atmosphere all seeming perfectly genuine. Martin Clunes was superb as Haigh and the supporting cast all played their parts wonderfully well too. A rather unusual subject portrayed with a balanced perspective and having read accounts of the events surrounding Haigh I thought it was a great visualisation of the words I had read. Very interesting indeed.

Based on the true story of the Acid Bath Murderer, John George Haigh, this TV drama stars Martin Clunes as the odd-looking, charming serial killer.

Normally I don't go in for TV dramas, but since this I have a passing interest in serial killers, I watched it -- I found it well scripted and well acted, with Clunes doing a good job -- at times he did bear a resemblance to the real Haigh (from old photographs I've see), and he brought a certain charm to his character, making his deceits all the more realistic, whilst his narrative voice contrasted this with a certain lack of emotion or inflection. Also, nicely paced.

This is a TV dramatization of the life of Acid Bath Murderer, John George Haigh. Starring Martin Clunes and Keeley Hawkes in headline roles. I came across the film on terrestrial free-view and really enjoyed it. Far from his "Men Behaving Badly" days Martin Clunes plays a role with vast emotional ranges in a beautifully recreated 1940's. Occasionally out right charming he is able to turn on a creepy and sadistic persona with ease. I don't normal like his acting but he seemed ideal for this role. Despite the films grizzly content matter it comes of as beautifully created piece of work, authentic to it's era with attention to detail. There is a maybe a heavier touch of violence compared to other TV dramatizations, but that goes with the territory when you base a film on one of the UK's biggest serial killers. Definitely worth a watch.

A Is For Acid, 2002, 2 hrs. Based on a true story. Martin Clunes is solid as the serial killer. I thoroughly enjoyed this British drama. I can't call it a thriller because it was not tense. This murder mystery can be seen at night before bedtime without getting nightmares. I really appreciated the way the director told this story with his camera in a clear, understandable and simple fashion. The camera went from point A to point B to point C, following the action of the story. Clunes was a murderer but not a menace. Pleasant, in fact. I loved the smart brother who saw right through this mysterious murderer.