Statement of intent

 This documentary will explore the crimes and investigation surrounding John Christie, focusing on how he was able to commit multiple murders while living an apparently ordinary life. The aim of the documentary is to inform the audience about the historical case while also examining how social trust, authority, and deception allowed Christie to avoid suspicion for so long. The documentary will also highlight the wider impact of the case, including the miscarriage of justice involving Timothy Evans and how the case contributed to debates around capital punishment in the UK. 

 

 

 

Media Institutions 

 

The documentary would likely be produced and distributed by a factual broadcaster such as BBC or a streaming platform like Netflix, as both regularly produce true-crime documentaries aimed at a wide audience. These institutions are known for creating investigative and informative content that balances storytelling with factual accuracy. The documentary format fits the public service values associated with the BBC, while also appealing to the growing demand for true-crime content on streaming services. Institutional backing would allow access to archival footage, expert interviews, and historical research that help build credibility and authenticity. 

 

 

 

Media Representation 

 

In this documentary, John Christie will be represented as a manipulative and deceptive figure who used his position of trust to exploit vulnerable people. The documentary will avoid glorifying him and instead focus on the victims and the failures of the justice system. The representation will also explore how gender roles and social expectations of the 1940s and 1950s allowed Christie to appear respectable, which meant he was rarely questioned. Victims will be represented with sensitivity, ensuring the focus remains on the human impact of the crimes rather than sensationalising them.