Place of Execution (2008)

In 1963, a schoolgirl left her small English village home and literally vanished into the mist. The mystery unnerved a nation, and made a hero of investigating officer George Bennett. Journalist Catherine Heathcote (Juliet Stevenson, Bend It Like Beckham) is putting the finishing touches on a documentary about the case, when Bennett (Philip Jackson, Poirot) suddenly pulls out of the film. What could have so rattled the one-time hero? Place of Execution deftly interweaves the stories of an obsessed detective and an ambitious journalist, building to a shocking climax that challenges the concepts of truth and justice. As seen on Masterpiece Contemporary.

Modern-day London: Journalist Catherine Heathcote is making a documentary about Alison Carter, a schoolgirl who vanished from the English village of Scardale in 1963, sparking a major police hunt and making a hero of investigating officer George Bennett.
When George hastily withdraws his cooperation, Catherine is devastated and sets off for Scardale to demand an explanation, accompanied by her rebellious teenage daughter Sasha. As she tries to salvage her documentary, Catherine uncovers new information - but the truth may indict George, the man she so highly admires. A tragic turn of events threatens to silence Catherine's inquiry entirely.
1963: In his first missing person investigation, George Bennett carefully pieces together a case against one of Alison's family members. Incriminating evidence offers a strong link to the apparent murder scene. But under intense questioning, the suspect is unnervingly calm and unwavering - repeatedly claiming innocence.

Directed by David Percival
Written by Patrick Harbinson, Val McDermid
Film Editing by David Thrasher
Costume Design by Ray Holman