Director: Stephen Whitaker

Producer: Malcolm Craddock

Executive Producer: Muir Sutherland

Starring: Tony Maudsley, Olympia Dukakis

 

NOMINATED, BAFTA, BEST SINGLE DRAMAWON, PRIX ITALIAWON, RTS AWARD, BEST NEWCOMER (TONY MAUDSLEY)WON, BEST SCREENPLAY, PETER BERRY

 

A 1998 2 hour Celtic Films Entertainment/Picture Palace production for Carlton.

 

“A Life for a Life” is based on events surrounding the trail and conviction of Stefan Kiszko (Tony Maudsley), one of the most tragic miscarriages of justice in recent years. In 1976, Kiszko was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of 11-year-old Lesley Molseed, who was knifed to death and left on the bleak Pennine moors. Kiszko’s mother, Charlotte (Olympia Dukakis) campaigned tirelessly for his release but her son was to serve sixteen years before evidence that had been supressed at his trial was brought to light. It was conclusive proof he could not have committed the crime. Kiszko’s is a compelling story of human tragedy; he was an awkward uncommunicative figure from a sheltered background who confessed to the mirder only after being told he could return home to his mother if he did so. In truth, it was his confession that was the sole evidence against him…