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 Aug 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 Aug 34min
Hanged: Ruth Ellis and the Price of Passion - Part Two: Into the Night
In this gripping second installment of “Hanged,” we delve into Ruth Ellis’s tumultuous journey through London’s shadowy nightlife, her relationship with the infamous Morris “Morrie” Conley, and her turbulent romance with George Ellis. Discover how Ruth’s ambition and desire for stability drew her deeper into a world of glamour, vice, and violence. From her early days working as a nightclub hostess, trading favors for survival, to her volatile marriage with George—an obsessive, alcohol-dependent man haunted by his past—this episode exposes the dark realities behind her quest for respectability and love. Explore Ruth’s struggles with violence, her desperate attempts at stability, and the complex web of relationships that ultimately set her on the tragic path leading to Britain’s last woman execution.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.
28 Juli 31min
Hanged: Ruth Ellis and the Price of Passion - Part One: Becoming Ruth
Step into the haunting and captivating story of Ruth Neilson Ellis, the last woman to be executed in the United Kingdom. This Once Upon a Crime original series traces Ruth’s tragic life—from her fragile childhood amid the chaos of World War II, through her rise as a nightclub hostess caught in London’s glamorous yet dangerous underworld, to her devastating fall that culminated in her execution in 1955.Through historical insights and compelling storytelling, we explore the social and cultural forces that shaped Ruth’s destiny. Discover how a young girl scarred by family abuse, war, and heartbreak navigated a world of glamour, crime, and ultimately, despair. This series is a powerful reflection on love, loss, and the devastating consequences of passion, raising questions about justice, society’s treatment of women, and the enduring human cost behind the headlines. Stay Subscribed for Part Two:Next time, we delve deeper into Ruth Ellis’s life as a nightclub hostess, her tumultuous relationships, and how she fell into London’s seedier side—leading to a shocking climax that would mark her forever as a tragic figure in British history.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.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-gallowsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
21 Juli 33min
Hanged: Ruth Ellis and The Price of Passion
Discover the haunting story of Ruth Ellis, the last woman executed in the UK. This Once Upon a Crime series follows Ruth’s journey from a troubled wartime childhood to the smoky nightclubs of London’s underworld—and finally, to the crime that sealed her fate in 1955.Blending history and storytelling, we explore how love, violence, and society’s harsh judgments shaped Ruth’s life and legacy. A powerful reflection on justice, passion, and the human tragedy behind the headlines.A haunting journey through glamour, love, and tragedy. Subscribe and download now so you don’t miss a single episode.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
20 Juli 1min
We’re Going to Mexico City — and You’re Invited! 🇲🇽🌮
Pack your bags and grab your passport — we’re taking the Once Upon a Crime community on the road! In this special episode, we’re officially announcing our upcoming group trip to Mexico City, and trust us, you’re going to want in on this.From March 27–30, 2025, we’ll be exploring one of the world’s most vibrant cities together — filled with amazing food, iconic art, rich history, and a killer itinerary curated just for our true crime-loving community. You’ll travel with like-minded listeners, hang out with your hosts, and experience CDMX like a local.✨ Trip Details:📍 Location: Mexico City📅 Dates: March 27–30, 2026💵 Price: $1951 (flights not included)🍽️ Includes 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners🧑🤝🧑 Small group: 8–20 spots available🎧 Tune in now for all the details and get ready for an unforgettable adventure with Once Upon a Crime.🔗 Links & Resources:💻 Learn more at https://trovatrip.com/trip/north-america/mexico/mexico-with-esther-ludlow-mar-2026 #OnceUponATrip #MexicoCity2025 #TrueCrimeTravels #PatreonExclusive #OUACCommunity #TravelWithUsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
20 Juni 5min
OUAC Live in London - Killer Knowledge
On this week’s episode we’re going international! You’ll travel to London with Esther for a behind-the-scenes listen to the Once Upon a Crime live show recorded at CrimeCon UK on June 8th. Esther emceed a game show called “Killer Knowledge” where she challenged fellow true crime podcasters Neil and Megan from Mortal Musings on their true crime trivia knowledge. The audience even got in on the action to see who knew their true crime best. So, grab your detective hat and play along — let’s find out if you’re smarter than a podcaster Links: Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com OUAC Merchandise Store: https://my-store-db71ce.creator-spring.com - Use discount code CCUK25 for 15% off your order for a limited time! YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
17 Juni 41min
