just watched this after watching a couple of episodes of the likely lads. the contrast in characters james bolam played couldn't be any greater. very talented actor
Brilliant acting .. closing scene had me in tears .. may those candles forever burn brightly for those who lost their lives by one of the most heinous men who lived on this island of ours !
This is probably my 10th time watching this over the past five years. It has everything, great actors, music, cinematography, and blistering example of a pathetic human being who trust he exploited. The ending is very moving. Thank you for posting.
Very well made docu-drama. It's amazing how in these films they manage to find actors who are not only very good, but also often look passably - often more than passably - similar to the people they are portraying. Oh, and James Bolan - so well known for The Likely Lads - shows once again what a fine serious actor he can be.
That is why they had those actors because it is a real story. It wouldn't look real if all the actors didn't have similar features to the people they are portraying.
@@kerrylawson3522 that's right Kerry. Impressive that they were able to find actors who looked similar to the actual people involved, and could also play the parts so well.
I used to work with a woman who was one of Shipmans patients. He delivered her children. She said he was one of the nicest people you could meet. You can understand how people got duped by him.
me too, am im still to scared to watch it all the way through as cant stand that its true and scares/upsets me to much im female 48 ! RIP to all the old people an dtheir families and friends x
James Bolam portrays Shipman very well, his arrogant demeanour at the start of the interview smashed to smithereens once he realises the police know about his fabrication of the records
@@sarahsmith-el8br It is odd...I have a different attitude...{only speaking for myself} I'd much prefer to be given a kindly death of a diamorphine overdose if I was demented {as in , needing to be in a ''home''} But the people Shipman murdered were not actually ill...huge difference. Plus the sheer number of people he murdered...and the will forging...he was a psycho.
This man was putting times of death into his computer system before they had even died. In altering patients records, he wasn’t just covering up what he’d already done; he was preparing for what he was about to do.
A vile part, to act Yet he really acted, incredibly well. It made you see how Dr Shipman, made his path so easily to killing so many. His wife, must have had some idea to his uncontrollable murder. 🙏 Reast in peace to all, that crossed the Shipman path🌻
God that guy who plays Shipman is a REALLY GOOD actor!! The scene at the end when he is breaking down and crying hysterically was so real/convincing it didn't seem like acting, but like a person who was genuinely in the grips of a nervous breakdown and completely overwhelmed by misery and the realization that his life was all over. It was a bit scary to be honest, to see someone that distraught in the throws of agonizing hellish pain. Fantastic acting!!
And can you believe he was known for comedy roles mainly like the likely lads,he did a police thing too but that was pretty light hearted too.Just shows his range..
I thought the same sort of thing when I saw Steve Carrell ? him out of the American office play a serious roll about a wrestling coach who,spoilers alert, murders his coach who's brother is this Olympic protégés,i couldn't believe a guy known for comedy could pull off that roll,but like you say great actors et cetera..
It sure was beautiful and actually hit home so many candles, each representing a life he took, that made it sad. He tried to play a nervous breakdown when he knew he was caught, and I'm glad they gave him life, because he will be visited by their spirit, and he'll know what a real breakdown is then.
This is a simply outstanding film. The acting especially by Bolam is exquisite. The supporting cast are superb too. A sharp script makes for a superb film. Do not underestimate Bolam's achievement - he manages to somehow bring a 'old uncle' feel to the protagonist. Watch it.
This was really a masterpiece: the writing, acting, music, casting, cinematography, everything. I love British films! They are state of the art in every respect.
totally agree the British are masters at this and although our film industry went down the pan a long time ago films that are made in the uk are some of the best x
@@manichairdo6346 Can you imagine an American version of this. There would be at least one car chase, a gratuitous sex scene and a heated discussion with a DA.
manic hairdo I'm a brit and I fully agree but with this film and 10 rillington place with Richard attenborough these are exceptions. The lawer women in his movie wasn't good actress but that's just my opinion. the british films have got worse recently . but under the lefty Hollywood look at the liberal crap coming out of their studios its never been as bad as the last 5 years and many people have stopped watch their anti - white cultural Marxist shite. the green book is a classic example of lefty indoctrination bullshit.
@Christina Reynolds You're welcome. I suspect you may be being snarky here, but hey-ho. I work in show-biz. I meet famous people. It's a fact. I am not bragging about it. Just thought it would be nice to say something nice about someone on the internet rather than falling into the usual trap of just offering negativity.
Well, this doesn't aleviate the fear people have of going to the hospital. My favorite part was the judge's sentencing at the end. Boy, was he enraged!
'When a doctor does go wrong, he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge' - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. James Bolam gives a great performance. Pathetic at the end and so utterly normal otherwise.
A VERY HOLY REST AND PEACE FOR ALL THOSE INNOCENT PEOPLE WHO DIED AGAINST THEIR WISHES!!!!!!!!!!???? ABSOLUTELY IT IS GREATEST, TOUCHABLE AND IRRESISTIBLE ACTING PERFORMANCES FROM ALL THOSE POWERFUL AND WONDERFUL ACTORS AND ACTRESSES...AND OF COURSE MY WARMER GREETINGS AND CONGRATULATIONS TO THE DIRECTOR AND HIS CREW TEAM BEHIND THE CAMERA. GOD BLESS YOU ALL WITH GREATEST AND PERFECT HEALTH. GOD WILLING.
This is one of the best films about the case of a criminal that I've seen. I don't know how much is actual and how much is license, but it was informative and worthy of a watch.
Loved him in London's Burning as Bayleaf - and also saw him in a couple of plays in London. I hadn't realised what a stunning stage actor he was too. Such a sad loss to his family at that age, and to acting in general.
@@racheldemain1940 I think it was sudden. I remember it was just before he opened in a London play, as my friend was due to get tickets and told me he'd died. A heart issue or heart surgery I think? Way too young. He seemed like such decent & respected "actors' actor" too.
Fantastic writing and acting - merciful on his wife by not bringing her into the film beyond a short scene. Iatrogenic problems are way higher than the medical profession would ever want to admit to, which is what: (1) makes finding clinicians like Shipman much harder. (2) makes it easier for clinicians like Shipman to get away with what they do. In my opinion the undertaker and other clinicians who caught Shipman are heroes.
Siegrid Thomas it truly is superb acting from all. Having listened to the Kathleen Grundy and Winifred Mellor tapes in the past, I must say James Bolam has Shipman to a tee. Only someone like Michael Sheen could possibly do a better job, even though it’s difficult to get exact mannerisms right as there’s not much video footage of Shipman.
@@josephdyson3737 good comment. When this came out it was still deamed a 'too soon' job. For that it's never been heavily coverted. The recent Dennis Nilsen drama was equally brilliant. Kudos to David Tennant. Michael Sheen has been an acting God with the right material to work with. I guess James Bolam hadn't had a lot of TV work in a while. I'd love to know who else had been considered if anyone for this role.
55:46 "You're stupid, you are." This was very much in character for Shipman, who strongly believed himself to be an expert on computers and the intellectual superior of the police who were investigating him. The more evidence they presented against him, the more this demeanour collapsed.
I remember the hoo-ha when this was filmed and I can not believe it was 2002! It was a short time afterwards. Back then we did not know just how many he murdered. Since then the way doctors act, what they can do and how drugs are prescribed have changed. Our attitude to the medical profession was forever damaged by this man, as well as the actions of Beverly Alit, we are a people now with far less trust in our hearts. The police worked hard for this and I am glad they were exonerated afterwards for missing the first chance after the coroner gave them such strict guidelines to their investigation. This was beautifully done and at the end it was tastefully finished with the candles. I think the hoo-ha was overstated back in 2002.
This stunned me as much as 911 it stayed with me for a couple of years at the forefront of my mind,I just couldn't get my head round it,if a novelist came up with the idea the publisher would knock it back stating its too far fetched for the reader to take in!after shipman it made it possible for people to think any things possible
good insights; yes, many of our illusions have been shattered since my childhood ; which begs the questions how much truth about some aspects of human behaviour do we have the stomach for....it has made me pretty ambivalent about any credo that contains idealism. Life is an interesting but precarious journey to nowhere, that is all....Samuel Beckett was right...
sarah jane having practiced medicine for 30 years, I have seen some terrible things. I am glad people are becoming more aware and not treating doctors like they are gods.
As a person who lives in Hyde I did encounter shipman on occasions and he was so ordinary and people did hold him in high esteem. it is frightening that people trusted him so much. several people in the care professions did have suspicions but never voiced them to the authorities
But it WAS accurate that a doctor reported him to the coroner.. He WAS investigated by police and initially cleared of suspicion because of the lack of scope..
After reading some of these comments, I can't help but first express my gratitude at the praise given to British actors and production, especially by American viewers. I am very touched by it. I wanted to remark about how satisfying this production was. I always want to know why people do what they do. An educated guess at the great question of why is worth much more than attempts at ratcheting up the drama and spicing the cast with unnaturally beautiful people. The production mirrored the facts and the context in which they occurred perfectly. These were horrifying crimes set to the backdrop of normality. It is the ordinary nature of the community hub and flow that makes the presence of a serial killer all the more shocking. The excessive respect given to doctors is a universal. What happened is this drawn to its natural conclusion. In point of fact serial killers in the doctor class is far from unique. Sadly, arrogance and a god-complex among doctors is rather more common than it is comfortable reflecting on. A society that has replaced worship of a God that comes replete with ethical and moral requirements, with worship of science that has no inbuilt moral imperative, gives the authority due to God straight into the hands of men. Human hands are unfit for divine status. I agree with the films premise that arrogance was Shipman's motive. He wanted the power of life and death. He gained financially in a way someone would put in an invoice for expenses. I wish more attention would be given to motive in more studies of serial killers. We need to know. I also felt that the ending in particular showed great respect to those murdered by Shipman and their families. Altogether a first-class film.
Dianne Southport I haven't seen that one, Dianne - we're limited here in So. Cal. (and even on the Internet) as to what U.K. shows we can get. I remember in the late '70's, when we were first able to get a few Brit shows if we had special TV antennas (UHF), all we could get was "Father, Dear Father" and "Bless This House" - Lol!
+peasblossom1973 Ar, how nice to speak to a real life American lol! yes in the 70s/80s there was a sitcom based in a hospital ward , it was called Only When I Laugh! Me ,my mum and dad watched it religiously. James Bolam was lead in that. Check out Ronnie Barker in Porridge too if you can. xx
Dianne Southport Dianne - I'm one of those Americans who value the British actors and actresses whom most Americans have never heard of......you know, the ones with the real talent and not those who are just wildly well-known/famously famous (you probably know the ones I'm talking about)!
@Stuart Russell ...I watched from the USA & he is superb. But, after all, you English have mastered acting & steak n kidney pie. I came across this by accident then read up on that maniacal Shipman. Horrible!
Your total ignorance astounds me - you are such a gormless prick... To begin with ,THE LIKELY LADS is a 60's show - it ran from 1964 to 1966 or 1967 - not sure... and as for CRAP comedies of the seventies you obviously thought FAWLTY TOWERS, THE YOUNG ONES , MONTY PYTHON'S F.C. , PORRIDGE , THE FALL AND RISE OF REGINALD PERRIN , THE GOODIES and a plethora of other superb shows constituted English comedy in the 70's.. You must be from a country outside of the U.K. not to see that you are a total twat.
There's something about James Bolam's depiction of Harold Shipman that reminds me of Richard Attenborough's portrayal of John Christie in 10 Rillington Place.
James Bolam is such an amazing actor, I remember him playing Harold Wilson in the documentary about The Plot against Wilson, he was great in that, & great in this
Fascinating man Harold Shipman, from a psychological point of view. Interesting how the power of life and predominantly death held such a grip and ultimately corrupted him. Finacial gain seemed to escalate the horror
@@philipinchina I do not think this the case. I think he just became careless related to details, as he had already gotten away with so much, thought himself so-much smarter-than everyone, and believed that he was so beloved in the community (and he was) that he thought himself untouchable.
@@philipinchinahe didn't think anyone would twig that it was a bum will.. He certainly didn't think there was any possibility that records or bodies would be examined, he thought he had the perfect crime..
Excellent fact based movie! All the actors in this film did a great job under an apparently fantastic director! The film was clear and the colors were true to life! I never heard of this dude but am from the States. 🇺🇸 Scary story 😨! So sorry for the families, not to mention the victims. May God rest their souls 🙏 I am going to watch the documentary on that devil now. Thank you for posting! 👍✌
great stuff; Britain's most prolific murderer by some distance. Further evidence, if ever it were needed, that if you want to kill people with impunity, join the medical profession just as if you want a freewheeling sex life, enter holy orders and train to be a 'celibate' Catholic priest
final total was reputed to be 498 that includes all the people who were cremated and cases going all the way back to 1970 when he qualified that had all the hallmarks of his practices, what a monster,,.....
One of Shipmans poor defenceless victims was the mother of the best friend of my work associate. It was doubley shocking to know someone who was directly affected by this evil twat Absolutely riviting real life drama we have some fantastic actors here Hats off to them for their astounding acting, it must have been so difficult for them to bring this horrendous account to the screen. My only hope is that the families of the victims find peace and comfort that they will see their loved ones again when they themselves pass over. Bless them all.
Isn't it amazing how people 'in authority' got away with stuff, no one dared question him because he was a doctor. Sad to say, questions are still not raised, for various other reasons, when people are suspected. Very well acted film.
@@MargaritaMagdalena In the beginning, no one questioned him but then,his healthy patients kept on dying ,and they started having serious doubts.Also dodgy wills were made on Dr Death favour supposedly by some of his patients who mysteriously died.Investigations started on him and he went on trial and was found guilty.
Tracey Mills Yes, indeed, those poor souls, hundreds of them, it is hard to really understand why he dis these heinous crimes. Shipman was a total egoist . We have some most interesting murderers in Britain.💕😂😂😂😂😂
At the risk of sounding like I know what I'm talking about, which I absolutely don't, I'm a bit surprised he wasn't stopped sooner.... given his stats on deaths and cremations he was racking up.
A fascinating insight into the abuse of power , authority position . How people are frighten to question a Piller of community . Trust and blind loyalty , to a system that is care and compassion . And yet that very structure and the foundation's is the one that harms ...
I have watched this movie numerous times. So brilliantly done. Interestingly, WHO (World Health Organization) is trying to make it improper to put death by old age on the death certificate. Everyone dies of a specific cause. Death due to old age is often stroke or heart failure, but it should be specified.
I have been a life long fan of James Bolam's acting career, from series 1 of The Likely Lads to Grandpa in my pocket, born is Sunderland, a quality actor with a very long career, long may it continue.
Everyone was in a hoo hah when this came out because it was made so early, but watching it again, actually I find this quite underwhelming considering the severity and sheer depth of his crimes. This only touched the mere iceberg. The man was a monster and the victims will never get justice. No one even talks about it anymore which I think is shocking. He killed up to 400 people but it’s like it’s all been brushed away and forgotten about. Probably the worst serial killer in history
Watched 11 December 2019. Beyond belief that he was able to get away with so many killings for so long. Next time I'm ill I think I'll just see it through and not bother seeing my GP!!
Great acting by James Bolan really.. Harold Shipman didn't know anything about computers and audit trails, if he did he wouldn't have been caught at all!!
how can doctors not know about computers ? but apparently if he didnt forged the will on one of his victims on the typewriter, he would have got away with it.
@@Gencturk92 It was 2000. The knowledge that people had about computers, even among early users, was nowhere near as in-depth as it is now. Even now it's surprising how many people don't know about audit logs.
It's been one of those evenings when finding a decent movie has been impossible, for some reason. So, I'm going to watch this one. I'd much rather deal with a less macabre subject, but at least here I am quite sure I won't be disappointed quality-wise, based on the comments and the mere fact it is a British film.
2 links to this. I saw James Bolam in a play in Manchester early 80's. My doctor was Wally Ashworth, who was shipmans own doctor. Dr Ashworth was a great Dr , he had illness after all the news broke . I expect due to the shock of finding out your collegue and own family Dr was a serial killer.
Possibly the best docudramas I have watched. Brilliant acting. R.I.P. his poor victims.
Possibly one of the finest dramas shown on British television. Chilling, sinister and moving. Stunning performances.
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You can pretty much guarantee a fantastic viewing experience if James Bolam is in the cast list. Fantastic actor.
I agere.
just watched this after watching a couple of episodes of the likely lads. the contrast in characters james bolam played couldn't be any greater. very talented actor
Brilliant acting .. closing scene had me in tears .. may those candles forever burn brightly for those who lost their lives by one of the most heinous men who lived on this island of ours !
This is probably my 10th time watching this over the past five years. It has everything, great actors, music, cinematography, and blistering example of a pathetic human being who trust he exploited. The ending is very moving. Thank you for posting.
Be honest,some overacting is done in various parts…
Great informative drama. Fairly historically accurate, to the point, enough clear exposition to reveal each step of the process, and no stupid crap.
I'm only beginning to appreciate just how good of an actor James bolam is.
What a cast. Alan Rothwell, James Bolam and the late James Hazeldine. RIP James taken too soon. ❤️
Very well made docu-drama. It's amazing how in these films they manage to find actors who are not only very good, but also often look passably - often more than passably - similar to the people they are portraying. Oh, and James Bolan - so well known for The Likely Lads - shows once again what a fine serious actor he can be.
That is why they had those actors because it is a real story. It wouldn't look real if all the actors didn't have similar features to the people they are portraying.
@@kerrylawson3522 that's right Kerry. Impressive that they were able to find actors who looked similar to the actual people involved, and could also play the parts so well.
I never saw this! I LOVE JAMES BOLAM IN ALL TEN SEASONS OF NEW TRICKS! It is his calming quiet personality. He is a gem!
This was brilliant......the actors were totally believable! An excellent docu-drama! Thank you,VERY MUCH WORTH WATCHING!!👌
Very true and accurate.
I used to work with a woman who was one of Shipmans patients. He delivered her children. She said he was one of the nicest people you could meet. You can understand how people got duped by him.
catherine duffy
That's the scary part of these evil men - the deception is so convincing.
His cell mate said the same thing. He tried to hang himself in his cell and Shipman saved his life.
Ironic
@@clownnworldorder Take that account with a pinch of salt.
Psychopaths are. Charming to the end. You wouldn’t be fooled if they stared at you from across the road with their axes still dripping with blood.
American policemen must be a bit like that.
James Bolam is superbly cold and unnerving,also RIP to James Hazeldine,a fine actor with long line of excellent performances.
Dave Simpson Who’d JH play ??
@@shanet5604 He was DI Stan Egerton
Vanessa Casey Thank you !!
Watching in 2019 and this is now 17 years old! Still a very good watch.
me too, am im still to scared to watch it all the way through as cant stand that its true and scares/upsets me to much im female 48 ! RIP to all the old people an dtheir families and friends x
James Bolam portrays Shipman very well, his arrogant demeanour at the start of the interview smashed to smithereens once he realises the police know about his fabrication of the records
@@sarahsmith-el8br It is odd...I have a different attitude...{only speaking for myself} I'd much prefer to be given a kindly death of a diamorphine overdose if I was demented {as in , needing to be in a ''home''}
But the people Shipman murdered were not actually ill...huge difference.
Plus the sheer number of people he murdered...and the will forging...he was a psycho.
@@sarahsmith-el8br Well it's 2021 now and I've just plucked the up courage to watch it all the way through lol!
"The best prescription for you Julie, is the word no..."😂😂😂🙃...love the doc's sarcasm. Ijs
"The best prescription for you is the word Condom."
I met him several times when I was a funeral director in Manchester. And yes came across as a kindly old doctor. You never know.
What a fabulous dramatization. James Bolam captures the evil side of Shipman to a tee
This man was putting times of death into his computer system before they had even died. In altering patients records, he wasn’t just covering up what he’d already done; he was preparing for what he was about to do.
A vile part, to act
Yet he really acted, incredibly well.
It made you see how Dr Shipman, made his path so easily to killing so many.
His wife, must have had some idea to his uncontrollable murder. 🙏 Reast in peace to all, that crossed the Shipman path🌻
watched it for the second time and have nothing but praise for the actors and production,no special effects just honest and beleivable acting.x
God that guy who plays Shipman is a REALLY GOOD actor!! The scene at the end when he is breaking down and crying hysterically was so real/convincing it didn't seem like acting, but like a person who was genuinely in the grips of a nervous breakdown and completely overwhelmed by misery and the realization that his life was all over. It was a bit scary to be honest, to see someone that distraught in the throws of agonizing hellish pain. Fantastic acting!!
And can you believe he was known for comedy roles mainly like the likely lads,he did a police thing too but that was pretty light hearted too.Just shows his range..
@@paulanthony5274 I think despite his range/comedy roles this character is definitely what he was best suited to. Its like he actually IS Shipman.
JAMES BOLAN
@@paulanthony5274 And also Only When You Laugh. Hard to believe he has been acting since the 1960s.
@@johnrogers5658 James Bolam
From America, well done. This small piece of cinematography should stand as a lesson to Hollywood
Just like pretty much ALL British films. I am not from UK, it is simply my viewer experience.
@@HelenaVanCity Nah, we do some rubbish as well ... But this was one of our best. Truly wonderful in all aspects.
Are you kidding? Seems horrible to me. B list. Straight to blockbuster DVD without one weekend in movie theater.
British actors are tops across the board based on my experience as an avid viewer
@@sheilamiller2818 maybe you need Hollywood hyperbole and dumbing down melodrama
This was such a professional and superb portrayal of this deplorable story. British dramas are absolutely superb, the absolute best!!!
Stunning production, script, acting, the lot. I can't believe that is a 'likely lad' playing Shipman. That is what great actors are about
I thought the same sort of thing when I saw Steve Carrell ? him out of the American office play a serious roll about a wrestling coach who,spoilers alert, murders his coach who's brother is this Olympic protégés,i couldn't believe a guy known for comedy could pull off that roll,but like you say great actors et cetera..
The ending was beautiful, in memory of all of those who died.
It sure was beautiful and actually hit home so many candles, each representing a life he took, that made it sad. He tried to play a nervous breakdown when he knew he was caught, and I'm glad they gave him life, because he will be visited by their spirit, and he'll know what a real breakdown is then.
@@c.calliecoleman1531 he killed himself in prison
@@truecrime_and_everything_else he is berning in hell for all eternity
RIP to all whom he murdered
This is a simply outstanding film. The acting especially by Bolam is exquisite. The supporting cast are superb too. A sharp script makes for a superb film. Do not underestimate Bolam's achievement - he manages to somehow bring a 'old uncle' feel to the protagonist. Watch it.
You can see why English Actors are the bests in the World. Great sad movie .but Great Acting.🎬🎬🎬🎬
Eddie Murphy I agree, the Shakespearian heritage has an impact too, a lot of tv actors have been on the stage.
Except the young doctor near the beginning. "What? A week?? Oh my god!"
It should be British actors. Many are Scots, Welsh, Irish.
they are
This was really a masterpiece: the writing, acting, music, casting, cinematography, everything. I love British films! They are state of the art in every respect.
I can't stand most British films. I love American and Canadian movies. I'm a Brit btw.
totally agree the British are masters at this and although our film industry went down the pan a long time ago films that are made in the uk are some of the best x
I totally agree!
@@manichairdo6346 Can you imagine an American version of this. There would be at least one car chase, a gratuitous sex scene and a heated discussion with a DA.
manic hairdo I'm a brit and I fully agree but with this film and 10 rillington place with Richard attenborough these are exceptions. The lawer women in his movie wasn't good actress but that's just my opinion. the british films have got worse recently . but under the lefty Hollywood look at the liberal crap coming out of their studios its never been as bad as the last 5 years and many people have stopped watch their anti - white cultural Marxist shite. the green book is a classic example of lefty indoctrination bullshit.
I have worked with many many actors in my career, and without a doubt, James Bolam is one of my favourites. A great actor and a true gent
@Christina Reynolds You're welcome. I suspect you may be being snarky here, but hey-ho. I work in show-biz. I meet famous people. It's a fact. I am not bragging about it. Just thought it would be nice to say something nice about someone on the internet rather than falling into the usual trap of just offering negativity.
@@EVITANDY Bitter people swallow their own bile, them regurgitate it. Love James Bolam. Good Luck. 🍀
@Christina Reynolds 🍋
@Christina Reynolds 🍌
@Christina Reynolds 🌵
Well, this doesn't aleviate the fear people have of going to the hospital. My favorite part was the judge's sentencing at the end. Boy, was he enraged!
I know, wouldn’t you have loved to play that judge?
I hope James Bolam got an award for this. He can play anything.
Richard Hill What do you mean? Have you seen the missing postman?
Richard Hill 😀
He was good at playing Jack Ford in When The Boat Comes In.
philsaspiezone ho yes. I would love to see that again. 👍👍👍👍
aye... he's a bonny lad
James Bolam is a fantastic actor.
Lee Shaw
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Well - a brilliant film. Those poor relatives...I felt quite emotional at the Judge's closing remarks at sentencing. RIP to his victims.
The music and scene starting 1:19:03 is absolutely haunting. Utterly tremendous production.
'When a doctor does go wrong, he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge' - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. James Bolam gives a great performance. Pathetic at the end and so utterly normal otherwise.
A VERY HOLY REST AND PEACE FOR ALL THOSE INNOCENT PEOPLE WHO DIED AGAINST THEIR WISHES!!!!!!!!!!????
ABSOLUTELY IT IS GREATEST, TOUCHABLE AND IRRESISTIBLE ACTING PERFORMANCES FROM ALL THOSE POWERFUL AND WONDERFUL ACTORS AND ACTRESSES...AND OF COURSE MY WARMER GREETINGS AND CONGRATULATIONS TO THE DIRECTOR AND HIS CREW TEAM BEHIND THE CAMERA.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL WITH GREATEST AND PERFECT HEALTH.
GOD WILLING.
This is one of the best films about the case of a criminal that I've seen. I don't know how much is actual and how much is license, but it was informative and worthy of a watch.
It's actually very very accurate, which is rare in these cases
James Bolam has always been deserving of more crical acclaim than he has received. Brilliant.!!!!
He was reported to be nasty towards Rodney Bewes in The Likely Lads and isn't respected by the industry who decide who gets the awards.
Exactly he was a wank*r to Rodney bewes.
I love the end were he starts crying Great acting from James Bolam.
I know,stunning isn't it,I wish I was a fly on the wall watching him rehearsing in the mirror lol
Thanks all for telling the best part omg
"James, dear boy - remember your Lear!"
rectorman1, i know, i thought that part was hilarious, crying for himself lol
James Bolam is friggin’ legend of an actor.
He is usually a comedy actor, I couldn't believe how good he was.
Nice pussy.
He was brilliant in New Tricks
RIP James Hazeldine who played Detective Stan (main guy with the moustache).
Died same year this was shown on TV, aged only 55.
He was taken far too soon :(
Loved him in London's Burning as Bayleaf - and also saw him in a couple of plays in London. I hadn't realised what a stunning stage actor he was too. Such a sad loss to his family at that age, and to acting in general.
dear jh
I didn't know that! Was it suddenly?
@@racheldemain1940 I think it was sudden. I remember it was just before he opened in a London play, as my friend was due to get tickets and told me he'd died. A heart issue or heart surgery I think? Way too young. He seemed like such decent & respected "actors' actor" too.
Fantastic writing and acting - merciful on his wife by not bringing her into the film beyond a short scene.
Iatrogenic problems are way higher than the medical profession would ever want to admit to, which is what:
(1) makes finding clinicians like Shipman much harder.
(2) makes it easier for clinicians like Shipman to get away with what they do.
In my opinion the undertaker and other clinicians who caught Shipman are heroes.
The actors are so real....like they are the true persons, in the US it's all fake....my admiration to everyone
Siegrid Thomas it truly is superb acting from all. Having listened to the Kathleen Grundy and Winifred Mellor tapes in the past, I must say James Bolam has Shipman to a tee. Only someone like Michael Sheen could possibly do a better job, even though it’s difficult to get exact mannerisms right as there’s not much video footage of Shipman.
@@josephdyson3737 good comment. When this came out it was still deamed a 'too soon' job. For that it's never been heavily coverted. The recent Dennis Nilsen drama was equally brilliant. Kudos to David Tennant. Michael Sheen has been an acting God with the right material to work with. I guess James Bolam hadn't had a lot of TV work in a while. I'd love to know who else had been considered if anyone for this role.
Expect for that one actress 48:28 so wooden....
49:20 so flat, sounds like she's just reading instructions on a tooth paste packet.
Very well made and directed film. Clean dialogues. I for one prefer such movies over Hollywood stuff.
And all the actors look like real people. I've never seen anything like it.
Oooh good review about to watch. Cheers. 👍
This was excellent. It was so sad seeing all those candles representing a life he took. So many it's incomprehensible.
This is a brilliant drama so accurately portrayed and well acted
55:46 "You're stupid, you are." This was very much in character for Shipman, who strongly believed himself to be an expert on computers and the intellectual superior of the police who were investigating him. The more evidence they presented against him, the more this demeanour collapsed.
Mr Bolam is a very good actor.
The English are such great actors.
Outstanding telling of a despicable man.
I remember the hoo-ha when this was filmed and I can not believe it was 2002! It was a short time afterwards. Back then we did not know just how many he murdered. Since then the way doctors act, what they can do and how drugs are prescribed have changed. Our attitude to the medical profession was forever damaged by this man, as well as the actions of Beverly Alit, we are a people now with far less trust in our hearts. The police worked hard for this and I am glad they were exonerated afterwards for missing the first chance after the coroner gave them such strict guidelines to their investigation. This was beautifully done and at the end it was tastefully finished with the candles. I think the hoo-ha was overstated back in 2002.
This stunned me as much as 911 it stayed with me for a couple of years at the forefront of my mind,I just couldn't get my head round it,if a novelist came up with the idea the publisher would knock it back stating its too far fetched for the reader to take in!after shipman it made it possible for people to think any things possible
good insights; yes, many of our illusions have been shattered since my childhood ; which begs the questions how much truth about some aspects of human behaviour do we have the stomach for....it has made me pretty ambivalent about any credo that contains idealism. Life is an interesting but precarious journey to nowhere, that is all....Samuel Beckett was right...
sarah jane having practiced medicine for 30 years, I have seen some terrible things. I am glad people are becoming more aware and not treating doctors like they are gods.
As a person who lives in Hyde I did encounter shipman on occasions and he was so ordinary and people did hold him in high esteem. it is frightening that people trusted him so much. several people in the care professions did have suspicions but never voiced them to the authorities
But it WAS accurate that a doctor reported him to the coroner.. He WAS investigated by police and initially cleared of suspicion because of the lack of scope..
After reading some of these comments, I can't help but first express my gratitude at the praise given to British actors and production, especially by American viewers. I am very touched by it.
I wanted to remark about how satisfying this production was. I always want to know why people do what they do. An educated guess at the great question of why is worth much more than attempts at ratcheting up the drama and spicing the cast with unnaturally beautiful people.
The production mirrored the facts and the context in which they occurred perfectly. These were horrifying crimes set to the backdrop of normality. It is the ordinary nature of the community hub and flow that makes the presence of a serial killer all the more shocking.
The excessive respect given to doctors is a universal. What happened is this drawn to its natural conclusion. In point of fact serial killers in the doctor class is far from unique.
Sadly, arrogance and a god-complex among doctors is rather more common than it is comfortable reflecting on.
A society that has replaced worship of a God that comes replete with ethical and moral requirements, with worship of science that has no inbuilt moral imperative, gives the authority due to God straight into the hands of men. Human hands are unfit for divine status.
I agree with the films premise that arrogance was Shipman's motive. He wanted the power of life and death. He gained financially in a way someone would put in an invoice for expenses. I wish more attention would be given to motive in more studies of serial killers. We need to know.
I also felt that the ending in particular showed great respect to those murdered by Shipman and their families.
Altogether a first-class film.
Fatty.
Great comment and worryingly true. I have met some extremely arrogant doctors in my time. Thankfully none like Shipman.
Which god are you referring to? Would it happen to be your own favourite pet deity that you were raised with?
Scottish not British. Independence is coming 🏴 🏴 🏴
British acting .. classy and professional.
British shopkeeping Eddie, best in the world.
@@MaverickSolo_115 thug!!!
@@81chipper89 British thugs Richie, best in the world.
@nvsbl2 nvsbl2
nvsbl2
3 weeks ago
And emotionally rather sterile
MAIS NON!!!!!
Roadhouse Rebel 😂😂😂 what a smashing blouse you have on. 😂
To see all those candles at the end was just so moving.
I love James Bolam and now have had the chance to see him in yet ANOTHER great performance!
it hurts
only when I laugh tho
Dianne Southport I haven't seen that one, Dianne - we're limited here in So. Cal. (and even on the Internet) as to what U.K. shows we can get. I remember in the late '70's, when we were first able to get a few Brit shows if we had special TV antennas (UHF), all we could get was "Father, Dear Father" and "Bless This House" - Lol!
+peasblossom1973
Ar, how nice to speak to a real life American lol! yes in the 70s/80s there was a sitcom based in a hospital ward , it was called Only When I Laugh!
Me ,my mum and dad watched it religiously. James Bolam was lead in that. Check out Ronnie Barker in Porridge too if you can. xx
Dianne Southport Dianne - I'm one of those Americans who value the British actors and actresses whom most Americans have never heard of......you know, the ones with the real talent and not those who are just wildly well-known/famously famous (you probably know the ones I'm talking about)!
+peasblossom1973
yes love I know exactly what u mean.
on that, u evercwatched any Fawlty towers, Karl Lillington,Ricky Gervais or the Carry on films?
The actor playing Dr Shipman is frighteningly good at it. 😨
7.756.935 James Bolam , very well known in the UK with a long record of great acting , and the odd crap comedy show !
James Bolam. As said, famous here (UK).
He wasn't in a crap comedy called THE LIKELY LADS - That show happened to be bloody superb.
@Stuart Russell ...I watched from the USA & he is superb. But, after all, you English have mastered acting & steak n kidney pie. I came across this by accident then read up on that maniacal Shipman. Horrible!
Your total ignorance astounds me - you are such a gormless prick... To begin with ,THE LIKELY LADS is a 60's show - it ran from 1964 to 1966 or 1967 - not sure... and as for CRAP comedies of the seventies you obviously thought FAWLTY TOWERS, THE YOUNG ONES , MONTY PYTHON'S F.C. , PORRIDGE , THE FALL AND RISE OF REGINALD PERRIN , THE GOODIES and a plethora of other superb shows constituted English comedy in the 70's.. You must be from a country outside of the U.K. not to see that you are a total twat.
The medical profession that allowed him to continue after the theft of drugs should harbour blame
I Macey yes but theft and murder are completely different things.
They should both be to blame.
Clearly shows very bad character not fit for a GP
This was well done. And have to say I loved the end with the candles and the patients name on each candle. Well filmed.
This film pulls back the curtain on what senator Scott Jensen MD was saying. That hospitals were given cash incentives to relabel deaths as 'covid'
Seriously? If that's true, it's shocking!
The acting is great here.
There's something about James Bolam's depiction of Harold Shipman that reminds me of Richard Attenborough's portrayal of John Christie in 10 Rillington Place.
yes, I thought about that too. Chilling how accurately these British actors portrayed bad guys.
@@NarnianLady they were cousins
Yes,I absolutely agree with you!!
@@markwilliams7054 Cousins with who?
@@NarnianLady What's being British got to do with this?
I wish they hadnt got such a brilliant and well loved actor to play harold shipman...shipman was a complete monster
Actors like roles this. They don't all want to be Hollywood stars!
James Bolam is such an amazing actor, I remember him playing Harold Wilson in the documentary about The Plot against Wilson, he was great in that, & great in this
Wonderful film and so well put together, shame it has to be true, I still remember the news to this day.
A really well made drama of such a terrible true story. Prayers and kind thoughts to the victims' families.
Fabulous drama and James Bolam was outstanding! The second questioning....he was awesome!!
Great sound. Great image quality. Great film. Thank you, ever so much.
What a brilliant acting and editing! Hollywood could learn a lot from it...
Yes, you don't need explosions, expensive cars and women with big boobs to get people's attention, you just need a good story...
Shocking but outstanding drama with great acting, thanks very much.
john wells great acting?? Its like an episode of doctors
This is a really good drama and what a wicked man that shipman was. Thanks for the upload.
and thank you for the Sex Pistols icon
Great film, great acting, love the dry British wit. Thanks for uploading.
Fascinating man Harold Shipman, from a psychological point of view. Interesting how the power of life and predominantly death held such a grip and ultimately corrupted him. Finacial gain seemed to escalate the horror
Do you think eventually he wanted to be caught so did such an amateurish job on the Grundy will?
@@philipinchina I do not think this the case.
I think he just became careless related to details, as he had already gotten away with so much, thought himself so-much smarter-than everyone, and believed that he was so beloved in the community (and he was) that he thought himself untouchable.
@@philipinchinahe didn't think anyone would twig that it was a bum will.. He certainly didn't think there was any possibility that records or bodies would be examined, he thought he had the perfect crime..
Excellent fact based movie! All the actors in this film did a great job under an apparently fantastic director! The film was clear and the colors were true to life! I never heard of this dude but am from the States. 🇺🇸 Scary story 😨! So sorry for the families, not to mention the victims. May God rest their souls 🙏 I am going to watch the documentary on that devil now. Thank you for posting! 👍✌
great stuff; Britain's most prolific murderer by some distance. Further evidence, if ever it were needed, that if you want to kill people with impunity, join the medical profession just as if you want a freewheeling sex life, enter holy orders and train to be a 'celibate' Catholic priest
@@supergrahamg dont forget john wayne gacy, ted bundy, jeffrey dahmer and gary ridgway
final total was reputed to be 498 that includes all the people who were cremated and cases going all the way back to 1970 when he qualified that had all the hallmarks of his practices, what a monster,,.....
James bolam would make a good Hannibal lecter
Yeah he would but Anthony Hopkins did a great job of scaring the daylights out of me.
This was an excellent film, about an awful person. I was glued to my screen until the end.
I remembered the taxi driver being interviewed, he had no hesitation in declaring shipman murdered his business
One of Shipmans poor defenceless victims was the mother of the best friend of my work associate. It was doubley shocking to know someone who was directly affected by this evil twat
Absolutely riviting real life drama we have some fantastic actors here Hats off to them for their astounding acting, it must have been so difficult for them to bring this horrendous account to the screen. My only hope is that the families of the victims find peace and comfort that they will see their loved ones again when they themselves pass over. Bless them all.
Isn't it amazing how people 'in authority' got away with stuff, no one dared question him because he was a doctor. Sad to say, questions are still not raised, for various other reasons, when people are suspected. Very well acted film.
Same with priests
@@noka1979 Same with cops for a long time in America as well. If you blindly trust authority figures, some will inevitably abuse that power.
If no-one questioned him, how did he get caught?
❓
@@MargaritaMagdalena In the beginning, no one questioned him but then,his healthy patients kept on dying ,and they started having serious doubts.Also dodgy wills were made on Dr Death favour supposedly by some of his patients who mysteriously died.Investigations started on him and he went on trial and was found guilty.
The man’s arrogance of the man is beyond belief. This is an excellent movie, tells the story as it was.
Lesley Leith he displaying arrogance in his interview with the police, but I felt sorry for his victims none of those deserve to die.
Tracey Mills Yes, indeed, those poor souls, hundreds of them, it is hard to really understand why he dis these heinous crimes. Shipman was a total egoist . We have some most interesting murderers in Britain.💕😂😂😂😂😂
The lady who played the undertaker really looks like the real one
James Bolam - Legend
At the risk of sounding like I know what I'm talking about, which I absolutely don't, I'm a bit surprised he wasn't stopped sooner.... given his stats on deaths and cremations he was racking up.
A fascinating insight into the abuse of power , authority position .
How people are frighten to question a Piller of community .
Trust and blind loyalty , to a system that is care and compassion .
And yet that very structure and the foundation's is the one that harms ...
James Boland what amazing Acting! Worthy of any award...What an Evil man...James must have felt drained after filming...To shake that evil away...
I have watched this movie numerous times. So brilliantly done. Interestingly, WHO (World Health Organization) is trying to make it improper to put death by old age on the death certificate. Everyone dies of a specific cause. Death due to old age is often stroke or heart failure, but it should be specified.
James Bolam catches the arrogance of Shipman to perfection
``I went by at 8 o'clock this morning and she was still in her nightclothes.'' Appalling!
LINDA LA HUGHES James Bolam is brilliant
yes, yes, but now Harold Shipman's final victim is my happy childhood memories of James Bolam in The Likely Lads, traduced after all these years.
I have been a life long fan of James Bolam's acting career, from series 1 of The Likely Lads to Grandpa in my pocket, born is Sunderland, a quality actor with a very long career, long may it continue.
Because he's one arrogant bastard in real life
Brilliant acting performance from James Bolam
Shipman never told the cancer patient he was in remission he actually led him to believe he still had cancer to keep the morphine supply topped up.
Everyone was in a hoo hah when this came out because it was made so early, but watching it again, actually I find this quite underwhelming considering the severity and sheer depth of his crimes. This only touched the mere iceberg. The man was a monster and the victims will never get justice. No one even talks about it anymore which I think is shocking. He killed up to 400 people but it’s like it’s all been brushed away and forgotten about. Probably the worst serial killer in history
Spellbinding movie. Great from beginning to end.
A quote from I Claudius. Trust no one my friend.This film justify this statement.
Watched 11 December 2019. Beyond belief that he was able to get away with so many killings for so long. Next time I'm ill I think I'll just see it through and not bother seeing my GP!!
Great acting by James Bolan really.. Harold Shipman didn't know anything about computers and audit trails, if he did he wouldn't have been caught at all!!
how can doctors not know about computers ? but apparently if he didnt forged the will on one of his victims on the typewriter, he would have got away with it.
@@Gencturk92 It was 2000. The knowledge that people had about computers, even among early users, was nowhere near as in-depth as it is now. Even now it's surprising how many people don't know about audit logs.
If he'd not used his own type writer he'd have gotten away with it indeed.
I love Mr Bolam understated performance. Excellent
It's been one of those evenings when finding a decent movie has been impossible, for some reason. So, I'm going to watch this one. I'd much rather deal with a less macabre subject, but at least here I am quite sure I won't be disappointed quality-wise, based on the comments and the mere fact it is a British film.
Who’s watching 2019
me
Me
WHO THE FUCK IS REALLY BOTHERED
P*ss off .
me
2 links to this. I saw James Bolam in a play in Manchester early 80's. My doctor was Wally Ashworth, who was shipmans own doctor. Dr Ashworth was a great Dr , he had illness after all the news broke . I expect due to the shock of finding out your collegue and own family Dr was a serial killer.
Wonderful police work, here, here.
One of our best serial killers with over 300 kills.