Introducing “Broken: The Black Dahlia Murder” - A Once Upon a Crime Original Series
In January 1947, Elizabeth Short’s brutal murder shocked Los Angeles — and turned her into the enduring legend known as The Black Dahlia.In this new six-part Once Upon a Crime series, host Esther Ludlow goes beyond the headlines to uncover the real woman behind the myth. Drawing on her background in criminal psychology and nearly a decade of experience researching and narrating Once Upon a Crime, Esther takes a deep dive into one of history’s most infamous unsolved murders — revealing new insights, hidden details, and the truth behind the legend.🎧 Broken: The Black Dahlia Murder premieres October 13th.Don’t Miss Our Other SeriesWhile you wait for the premiere of Broken, you can listen to our full seven-part series, Hanged: Ruth Ellis and the Price of Passion — now available on all podcast platforms and on YouTube. It’s the tragic story of the last woman hanged in Britain, exploring love, obsession, and the ultimate price of passion.🔗 Subscribe now and follow at truecrimepodcast.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
6 Loka 3min
Hanged: Ruth Ellis and the Price of Passion – Q&A Aftershow
In this special Aftershow episode, Esther and Lorena answer listener questions and reflect on the powerful story of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be executed in the United Kingdom.Together, we unpack the psychology, the heartbreak, and the social forces behind one of Britain’s most infamous true crime cases. From Ruth’s volatile relationship with David Blakely to the justice system that sealed her fate, we dive deeper into what drove her — and what doomed her.Plus, Esther reflects on Ruth’s final act, and whether she believed it was her only escape.If you loved the Hanged series, this Aftershow gives you a chance to go behind the scenes, hear deeper insights, and join the conversation about love, obsession, and justice.Highlights:The emotional toll of toxic relationships and what they reveal about human behaviorGender, class, and morality in 1950s BritainHow Ruth Ellis’s childhood and early adult experiences informed her choices about love, relationships, and obsession ✈️ Travel with Us to Mexico City! 🇲🇽 We’re taking Once Upon a Crime on the road—and you’re invited! In March 2026, join us for a fun, fabulous 4-day group trip to vibrant Mexico City. Explore incredible sights, savor delicious food, and connect with fellow true crime fans on an unforgettable adventure.Reserve your spot today with just 25% down—but hurry, space is limited and will sell out fast!🔗 Click here to learn more and book your spot now!Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review. Your support helps us bring more stories like Ruth’s to life.Sources:A Fine Day for a Hanging: The Ruth Ellis Story, Carol Ann Lee, Mainstream Publishing, 2013.The Last Woman to be Hanged: The Ruth Ellis Story, Robert Hancock, Seven Dials Publishing, 2020. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Ellishttps://realcrimes.co.uk/ruth-ellis-jealousy-rejection-and-a-hanging/https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/tvfilm/ruth-ellis-real-story-last-woman-hanged-murder-a-cruel-love-b1141748.htmlhttps://web.archive.org/web/20141204212735/http://www.crimelibrary.com/notorious_murders/women/ellis/5.htmlhttps://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/sep/12/ukcrime.claredyerhttps://www.hampshirelive.news/news/history/woman-hanged-ruth-ellis-hampshire-4192091https://www.crimemagazine.com/ruth-ellis-love-lust-and-death-gallowsSponsors: See a list of our sponsors and discount codes on our website:https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/sponsors/Links: Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast✈️ Travel with Us to Mexico City! 🇲🇽 We’re taking Once Upon a Crime on the road—and you’re invited! In March 2026, join us for a fun, fabulous 4-day group trip to vibrant Mexico City. Explore incredible sights, savor delicious food, and connect with fellow true crimefans on an unforgettable adventure.Reserve your spot today with just 25% down—but hurry, space is limited and will sell out fast!🔗 Click here to learn more and book your spot now!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2 Loka 1h 28min
Bonus Episode: Hanged: Those She Left Behind
In this special bonus wrap-up episode of Hanged: Ruth Ellis and the Price of Passion, we step beyond the execution chamber and trace the ripple effects of Ruth’s final act—the shockwaves that forever altered the lives of those left behind. We’ll look at the family who grieved and struggled in the aftermath, the friends and supporters who fought to save her but could not, and even the men whose choices sealed her fate.👉 Don’t miss this final look at the lasting legacy of Britain’s last woman to be hanged. 📌 Subscribe for the next and final episode in this series—a Q&A “After Show” where I’ll answer listener questions and share behind-the-scenes insights.✉️ Send your questions and thoughts: esther@truecrimepodcast.com📺 Watch episodes on YouTube and subscribe for updates: https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast Sources:A Fine Day for a Hanging: The Ruth Ellis Story, Carol Ann Lee, Mainstream Publishing, 2013.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Ellishttps://realcrimes.co.uk/ruth-ellis-jealousy-rejection-and-a-hanging/https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/tvfilm/ruth-ellis-real-story-last-woman-hanged-murder-a-cruel-love-b1141748.htmlhttps://web.archive.org/web/20141204212735/http://www.crimelibrary.com/notorious_murders/women/ellis/5.htmlhttps://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/sep/12/ukcrime.claredyerhttps://www.hampshirelive.news/news/history/woman-hanged-ruth-ellis-hampshire-4192091https://www.crimemagazine.com/ruth-ellis-love-lust-and-death-gallowsResources & Further ReadingDance with a Stranger (1985 film)ITV’s A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story (2025)Ruth Ellis: My Sister’s Secret Life by Muriel JakubaitLine Up for Crime by Duncan WebbSponsors: See a list of our sponsors and discount codes on our website:https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/sponsors/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
25 Syys 14min
Hanged: Ruth Ellis and the Price of Passion – Part Seven: The Last Woman
In this final installment of our seven-part series, we follow Ruth Ellis through her last days and hours at Holloway Prison. Convicted of the murder of her lover, David Blakely, Ruth became the last woman hanged in Britain.We trace the frantic efforts made by friends, family, and even members of the public to win her a reprieve—and the powerful voices calling for her execution to go forward. We recount the haunting details of her final letters, her last walk to the gallows, and her shocking confession on the eve of her death that suggested she did not act alone.📺 Watch episodes on YouTube and subscribe for updates: https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast Sources:A Fine Day for a Hanging: The Ruth Ellis Story, Carol Ann Lee, Mainstream Publishing, 2013.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Ellishttps://realcrimes.co.uk/ruth-ellis-jealousy-rejection-and-a-hanging/https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/tvfilm/ruth-ellis-real-story-last-woman-hanged-murder-a-cruel-love-b1141748.htmlhttps://web.archive.org/web/20141204212735/http://www.crimelibrary.com/notorious_murders/women/ellis/5.htmlhttps://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/sep/12/ukcrime.claredyerhttps://www.hampshirelive.news/news/history/woman-hanged-ruth-ellis-hampshire-4192091https://www.crimemagazine.com/ruth-ellis-love-lust-and-death-gallowsResources & Further ReadingDance with a Stranger (1985 film)ITV’s A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story (2025)Ruth Ellis: My Sister’s Secret Life by Muriel JakubaitLine Up for Crime by Duncan WebbSponsors: See a list of our sponsors and discount codes on our website:https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/sponsors/Links: Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com ✈️ Travel with Us to Mexico City! 🇲🇽 We’re taking Once Upon a Crime on the road—and you’re invited! In March 2026, join us for a fun, fabulous 4-day group trip to vibrant Mexico City. Explore incredible sights, savor delicious food, and connect with fellow true crime fans on an unforgettable adventure.Reserve your spot today with just 25% down—but hurry, space is limited and will sell out fast!🔗 Click here to learn more and book your spot now!Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review. Your support helps us bring more stories like Ruth’s to life.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
8 Syys 37min
Hanged: Ruth Ellis and the Price of Passion – Part Six: An Eye for an Eye
In this episode, Ruth Ellis takes the stand in her own defense during her murder trial at the Old Bailey. What unfolds is one of the most disastrous testimonies in British legal history.Ruth answers questions with little emotion, even while recounting her tumultuous relationship with David Blakely, his violence, her miscarriage, and her decision to end their affair. Her matter-of-fact answers shock the jury, and her own attorney is stunned when she calmly admits, “I had an idea I wanted to kill him.”🔗 Listen now to hear the dramatic conclusion of Ruth’s trial—and stay tuned for Part Seven, the final chapter of her story.✨ Don’t miss the finale of this series, dropping September 8th. 📺 Watch episodes on YouTube and subscribe for updates: https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast 🎟️ Join us at CrimeCon Denver (Sept 5–8, 2025) and hang out with Esther on Creator’s Row! Get discounted tickets at crimecon.com with code ONCE. Sources:A Fine Day for a Hanging: The Ruth Ellis Story, Carol Ann Lee, Mainstream Publishing, 2013.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Ellishttps://realcrimes.co.uk/ruth-ellis-jealousy-rejection-and-a-hanging/https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/tvfilm/ruth-ellis-real-story-last-woman-hanged-murder-a-cruel-love-b1141748.htmlhttps://web.archive.org/web/20141204212735/http://www.crimelibrary.com/notorious_murders/women/ellis/5.htmlhttps://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/sep/12/ukcrime.claredyerhttps://www.hampshirelive.news/news/history/woman-hanged-ruth-ellis-hampshire-4192091https://www.crimemagazine.com/ruth-ellis-love-lust-and-death-gallowsSponsors: See a list of our sponsors and discount codes on our website:https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/sponsors/Links: Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com ✈️ Travel with Us to Mexico City! 🇲🇽 We’re taking Once Upon a Crime on the road—and you’re invited! In March 2026, join us for a fun, fabulous 4-day group trip to vibrant Mexico City. Explore incredible sights, savor delicious food, and connect with fellow true crime fans on an unforgettable adventure.Reserve your spot today with just 25% down—but hurry, space is limited and will sell out fast!🔗 Click here to learn more and book your spot now!Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review. Your support helps us bring more stories like Ruth’s to life.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
25 Elo 46min
Hanged: Ruth Ellis and the Price of Passion – Part Five: Ruth’s Revenge
On Easter weekend 1955, Ruth Ellis reached her breaking point.After years of jealousy, violence, and betrayal, she spent a long, sleepless night replaying the wreckage of her life — and blaming one man: David Blakely. By Easter Sunday, her rage would boil over into an act that would shock Britain and seal her fate as the last woman hanged in the UK.In this episode, we follow Ruth’s final hours before the shooting — a day marked by obsessive phone calls, tense stakeouts, and a simmering fury that would explode in front of witnesses. This is the moment where obsession turned deadly.🔍 Part Five picks up the story in the final hours before the shooting — the culmination of a deadly obsession.🎧 Listen now to uncover the tragic and tense moments before Ruth Ellis pulled the trigger. #TrueCrimePodcast #RuthEllis #LastWomanHanged #TrueCrimeHistory #CrimeOfPassion #BritishTrueCrime #OnceUponACrimeSources:A Fine Day for a Hanging: The Ruth Ellis Story, Carol Ann Lee, Mainstream Publishing, 2013.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Ellishttps://realcrimes.co.uk/ruth-ellis-jealousy-rejection-and-a-hanging/https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/tvfilm/ruth-ellis-real-story-last-woman-hanged-murder-a-cruel-love-b1141748.htmlhttps://web.archive.org/web/20141204212735/http://www.crimelibrary.com/notorious_murders/women/ellis/5.htmlhttps://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/sep/12/ukcrime.claredyerhttps://www.hampshirelive.news/news/history/woman-hanged-ruth-ellis-hampshire-4192091https://www.crimemagazine.com/ruth-ellis-love-lust-and-death-gallowsSponsors: See a list of our sponsors and discount codes on our website:https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/sponsors/Links: Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcastJoin us in Denver for our favorite weekend of the year. CrimeCon Denver September 5 - 7 2025. Use code: ONCE to save.🔗 - See you in Denver. ✈️ Travel with Us to Mexico City! 🇲🇽 We’re taking Once Upon a Crime on the road—and you’re invited! In March 2026, join us for a fun, fabulous 4-day group trip to vibrant Mexico City. Explore incredible sights, savor delicious food, and connect with fellow true crimefans on an unforgettable adventure.Reserve your spot today with just 25% down—but hurry, space is limited and will sell out fast!🔗 Click here to learn more and book your spot now!Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review. Your support helps us bring more stories like Ruth’s to life.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
18 Elo 31min
Hanged: Ruth Ellis and the Price of Passion - Part Four: Deadly Obsession
This is Part Four of our 7-part series, Hanged: Ruth Ellis and the Price of Passion. We trace the true story of the last woman hanged in Britain, exploring the tangled mix of love, obsession, and violence that sealed her fate.In this episode of Once Upon a Crime, the destructive love affair between Ruth Ellis and David Blakely spirals further into chaos. David’s jealousy and violent outbursts threaten Ruth’s livelihood, her home, and her relationships. By the winter of 1954, the tension between them reaches a breaking point.On Christmas Day, what should have been a festive celebration turns into a drunken, humiliating spectacle that shocks party guests and deepens Ruth’s emotional entanglement. As the new year approaches, Ruth’s world teeters on the edge — and the toxic bond she shares with David is leading them both toward disaster.Content Warning:This episode contains descriptions of domestic violence and emotional abuse. Listener discretion is advised.Sources:A Fine Day for a Hanging: The Ruth Ellis Story, Carol Ann Lee, Mainstream Publishing, 2013.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Ellishttps://realcrimes.co.uk/ruth-ellis-jealousy-rejection-and-a-hanging/https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/tvfilm/ruth-ellis-real-story-last-woman-hanged-murder-a-cruel-love-b1141748.htmlhttps://web.archive.org/web/20141204212735/http://www.crimelibrary.com/notorious_murders/women/ellis/5.htmlhttps://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/sep/12/ukcrime.claredyerhttps://www.hampshirelive.news/news/history/woman-hanged-ruth-ellis-hampshire-4192091https://www.crimemagazine.com/ruth-ellis-love-lust-and-death-gallowsSponsors: See a list of our sponsors and discount codes on our website:https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/sponsors/Connect With Us: Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcastSupport the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review. Your support helps us bring more stories like Ruth’s to life.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
11 Elo 29min
Hanged: Ruth Ellis and the Price of Passion - Part Three: Love Triangle
In Part Three of “Hanged: Ruth Ellis and the Price of Passion”, we delve into the turbulent 1954 relationship between Ruth Ellis, David Blakely, and Desmond Cussen. Discover how Ruth’s guarded heart, David’s infatuation, and a dangerous rivalry set the stage for obsession, jealousy, and ultimately, tragedy.Sources:A Fine Day for a Hanging: The Ruth Ellis Story, Carol Ann Lee, Mainstream Publishing, 2013.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Ellishttps://realcrimes.co.uk/ruth-ellis-jealousy-rejection-and-a-hanging/https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/tvfilm/ruth-ellis-real-story-last-woman-hanged-murder-a-cruel-love-b1141748.htmlhttps://web.archive.org/web/20141204212735/http://www.crimelibrary.com/notorious_murders/women/ellis/5.htmlhttps://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/sep/12/ukcrime.claredyerhttps://www.hampshirelive.news/news/history/woman-hanged-ruth-ellis-hampshire-4192091https://www.crimemagazine.com/ruth-ellis-love-lust-and-death-gallowsSponsors: See a list of our sponsors and discount codes on our website:https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/sponsors/Connect With Us: Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcastSupport the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review. Your support helps us bring more stories like Ruth’s to life.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
4 Elo 34min
