Dance with a Stranger
“It wasn't simply love. It was a case of cold-blooded passion.”
Synopsis
Ruth Ellis lives with her ten-year old son Andy next to a night club. One night she meets David Blakely, and they start a love affair. However, for David with his upper-class background, it is impossible to uphold the relationship. He breaks up with her, something which makes Ellis, obsessed by him, very upset.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Brian Trenchard-Smith on DANCE WITH A STRANGER
Type: Featurette • Published 2014-07-24
Top Cast
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Miranda Richardson
Ruth Ellis
Rupert Everett
David Blakeley
Ian Holm
Desmond Cussen
Matthew Carroll
Andy
Tom Chadbon
Anthony Findlater
Jane Bertish
Carole Findlater
David Troughton
Cliff Davis
Paul Mooney
Clive Gunnell
Stratford Johns
Morrie Conley
Joanne Whalley
Christine
Susan Kyd
Barbara
Lesley Manville
Maryanne
Sallie Anne Field
Claudette (as Sallie-Anne Field)
David Beale
Man in Little Club
Martin Murphy
Roy
Tracy-Louise Ward
Girl with David Blakely
Michael Jenn
Wilf
Alan Thompson
Ralph
Release History & Theatrical Window
August 9, 1985
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Mike Newell
- Screenplay & Story
- Shelagh Delaney
- Original Score
- Richard Hartley
- Original Title
- Dance with a Stranger
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 36m
- Production Studios
- National Film Finance Corporation, Goldcrest Films International, Film Four International
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Mike Newell
Shelagh Delaney
Richard Hartley
Peter Hannan
Mick Audsley
Roger Randall-Cutler
Department Leadership Roster
Jim Dowdall
Stunt Coordinator
Mike Newell
Director
Richard Hartley
Original Music Composer
Roger Randall-Cutler
Producer
Shelagh Delaney
Writer
Peter Hannan
Director of Photography
Mick Audsley
Editor
Pip Newbery
Costume Design
Andrew Mollo
Production Design
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Dance with a Stranger.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Dance with a Stranger.
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A consuming pursuit, and what it costs. Art, achievement, beauty, love, status, knowledge and impossible ambitions can produce extraordinary things while exacting a price in relationships, health, morality or identity. Across genres; obsession must be central, not merely ordinary enthusiasm, professional dedication or an incidental motive. Mainly English-language with selected international exceptions. Feature films only. Independently curated with BFI Film Feels: Obsession as a thematic anchor and film-by-film editorial additions. Not an official BFI list.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dance with a Stranger
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Dance with a Stranger about?
Ruth Ellis lives with her ten-year old son Andy next to a night club. One night she meets David Blakely, and they start a love affair. However, for David with his upper-class background, it is impossible to uphold the relationship. He breaks up with her, something which makes Ellis, obsessed by him, very upset.
Who directed Dance with a Stranger?
Dance with a Stranger was directed by Mike Newell.
Who stars in Dance with a Stranger?
The principal cast of Dance with a Stranger includes Miranda Richardson, Rupert Everett, Ian Holm, Matthew Carroll, Tom Chadbon.
When was Dance with a Stranger released and how long is it?
Dance with a Stranger was released in 1985 with a total runtime of 1h 36m.
Who composed the musical score for Dance with a Stranger?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Dance with a Stranger was composed by Richard Hartley.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Dance with a Stranger?
Dance with a Stranger holds official age classifications: AU: M (Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).