User Reviews

Based on the true story of the Acid Bath Murderer, John George Haigh, this TV drama stars Martin Clunes as the odd-looking, charming serial killer.

Normally I don't go in for TV dramas, but since this I have a passing interest in serial killers, I watched it -- I found it well scripted and well acted, with Clunes doing a good job -- at times he did bear a resemblance to the real Haigh (from old photographs I've see), and he brought a certain charm to his character, making his deceits all the more realistic, whilst his narrative voice contrasted this with a certain lack of emotion or inflection. Also, nicely paced.

A highly entertaining telling of a real life drama about a glamourous British serial killer. Not the most likely subject to tempt an audience but the production was put together with great attention to detail, perfectly capturing Britain in the 1940's, the props, clothes, cars and atmosphere all seeming perfectly genuine. Martin Clunes was superb as Haigh and the supporting cast all played their parts wonderfully well too. A rather unusual subject portrayed with a balanced perspective and having read accounts of the events surrounding Haigh I thought it was a great visualisation of the words I had read. Very interesting indeed.

Martin Clunes has an amazing range as an actor; he has attempted everything from Mr Chipps in "Goodbye Mr Chipps" to Garry the Slob in "Men Behaving Badly". In this TV film scripted by Glenn Chandler, creator of "Taggart", he impersonates a dapper, cheerful, sport car driving type who is also an accomplished pianist called John Haigh who turns out to be a diabolical serial killer who disposes of his victims in acid baths.

. It is a nice performance and the production values are splendid – seldom has England in the 1940s been better evoked, but there is something missing. What happened is clearly conveyed. How it was done is depicted as graphically as most audiences could reasonably take. But, the question of "why" is left hanging, as it were. Was it for the money? Did Haigh, like Dr Shipman, just get a kick out of killing? Or, despite the opinion of the dozen or so experts the prosecutors and the Home Office consulted, was Haigh crazy? At the trial, not shown in this film, Haigh, represented by top-flight counsel paid for by "The News of the World", pleaded insanity. Only one psychiatrist gave evidence for the defence, to such little effect that the prosecutor didn't bother to cross-examine him.

Well, it's not the film-makers' fault that Haigh was one of those bland serial killers who defy understanding. In line with his own account, Haigh's Yorkshire Plymouth Brethren parents are depicted as strict and narrow, but not as unloving. He turned to crime at an early age and had quite a record of petty dishonesty offences. For him, prison was Crime University and he hatched the idea for his body disposal method, the acid bath, while inside. He was capable of conducting an emotional relationship with the youthful "Gillian" (Keely Hawes) while luring his victims to their deaths.

For what it's worth I think Haigh's train of thought went something like this: "I am an outsider, society does not value my true worth, I will be good to people who do really appreciate me (like my parents and Gillian), and the rest are fair game." At least it makes more sense than the vampire theory. Haigh is also one of those criminals who were bound to be caught sooner or later (his arrest was not a miracle of detection), which makes one ask: did he think he was invincible or did he really want to be caught? The film doesn't help us with this, but it's a good reconstruction and a fine piece of acting by Martin Clunes.

This TV movie was a superb historical drama about a true life murderer in England during and after the Second World War. Martin Clunes portrays the serial killer in a sincere but occasionally humourous way. The film shows how the killer gradually loses control and how he eventually is caught where he thought he couldn't based on an old law where a person could not be convicted of a murder if no body is found. I really found it enjoying and the acting of Clunes and his co-stars gave a true feeling of the times and the addition of a character being played by a person who actually met the real killer whilst she was child in London at the time make this film a very enjoyable treat

An affable psychopath in post-war Britain suckers in his down-at-heel acquaintances to liquidate them in acid and release ready funds. Will he be caught?

Lovely Poirot-style production, with oodles of acting quality. No great psychological insight, but at least the moral brigade is kept at bay and the natural horror seeps through the period atmosphere.

It refuses to creepify in the acid bath scenes - the last victim might have breathed in then gurgled out a great bubble of blood, but no - so a gentle horror, which was fine by me. I still took pleasure in the pace and performances, the setting and sound.

Overall, nicely judged and a good surprise.

This is a TV dramatization of the life of Acid Bath Murderer, John George Haigh. Starring Martin Clunes and Keeley Hawkes in headline roles. I came across the film on terrestrial free-view and really enjoyed it. Far from his "Men Behaving Badly" days Martin Clunes plays a role with vast emotional ranges in a beautifully recreated 1940's. Occasionally out right charming he is able to turn on a creepy and sadistic persona with ease. I don't normal like his acting but he seemed ideal for this role. Despite the films grizzly content matter it comes of as beautifully created piece of work, authentic to it's era with attention to detail. There is a maybe a heavier touch of violence compared to other TV dramatizations, but that goes with the territory when you base a film on one of the UK's biggest serial killers. Definitely worth a watch.

The film traces the life and deeds of a true life serial killer, John George Haig AKA the Acid Bath Murderer. Whilst in jail for fraud in the thirties he accidentally discovers the effect that acid has on animal bodies. He subsequently "offs" a series of people including a couple a family and three strangers by inviting them to his "workshop". He dissolves the bodies in oil drums full of acid. The film cuts to flashbacks of his upbringing by zealously religious parents, but steers clear of obviously blaming the parents for the son's murderous behaviour.

The film has a similar attention to detail as "10 Rillington Place" and Martin Clunes is excellently creepy as the charming Mr Haig. The contrast is small between Haig's day-to-day behaviour and the actual murders and disposals of the body but fascinating, leading to comparisons with Richard Attenborough's portrayal of Christie in 10 Rillington Place, but this film is more darkly humorous.

The film is written by Taggart creator Glenn Chandler and directed by Harry Bradbeer who directed most of the excellent BBC series "The Cops".

Martin Clunes plays with relish the real life Acid Bath murderer, John George Haigh in made for television film.

Haigh was a fraudster who came from a strict religious upbringing. He turned to murder supposedly on the premise that if they cannot find a body you cannot be charged for murder. Something he was wrong about.

Presumably his motive was money because as an inventor and gamble he was not much cop. He did well with fast cars, women and being charming. He was also handy with an acid bath where he would dump the murdered corpses which in time would dissolve.

The film looks very nice but its ultimately shallow like a lot of ITV drama films that rely on its star and the production design rather than depth in its screenplay.

We know very little why he killed. Was it an addiction? Haigh also killed several strangers a crime he confessed to after his arrest.

A decent enough drama but it amounts to being just average.

I have just seen a repeat of this TV film and was very impressed. I had the opportunity of doing some gardening work for the Sgt Inspector Heslin (Ret'd) before he died, when he lived in Torbay. As one of the detectives who interviews Haigh and discovered his gun, he showed me photographs which very much resembled the film set of Haigh's workhouse.

I also specialized someone in the RAF when, as a medic, I saw just what Sulphuric acid can do. Now I am a prolific author and wish I had taken more notes about this case. Heslin and I enjoyed good conversation and he was very proud to have been one of the main detectives to interview Haigh.

Peter Carroll

I saw this TV-made film for the first time last night. I know "sociopath" and "psychopath" are labels and that everyone is an individual and no label, even attached to a mass-murderer such as Haigh could really explain his actions which can only be described as destructive and evil. Martin Clunes was clearly relishing the role and I have to say, I found him completely convincing in it. Whilst the adaptation does suggest the strict religious sect his parents adhered to was a strong influence in his development into a psychopathic murderer, I think this film interpretation of his character indicated he had a sense of entitlement to taking what he wanted in life and he had no boundaries, no conscience, saw no reason why he could not do what he wanted to do to get it all. He would appear to be one of those people who believes their own lies to the extent they can successfully convince many others. I think the reason he committed the murders was because he could and he seems to have committed them for personal gain. He had none of the normal moral and ethical boundaries in place to prevent him. He was unable to understand or foresee the consequences of his actions. Since the explanation he was influenced by his religious background came from Haigh himself, who was a practised and pathological liar, I leave it to the experts to determine whether such people as Haigh are the products of nature or nurture or a tragic combination of many contributing influences.

Not brilliant but OK. Unfortunately Clunes in this greatly resembles Harry Enfield, so I was never sure I wasn't seeing comedy.

Martin Clunes is again is a wonderful actor in this drama of a true story set in the war years. He plays a highly convincing murderer and plays the part wonderfully. Another great British drama which is very interesting to watch. 'Goodbye, Mr Chips' is another great British drama which no american ones even seem to get close to! Keep them coming British tv, keep this entertaining drama coming.

Worth 9/10 definitely!

I thought Martin Clunes was excellent as Haigh as was the rest of the cast and the locations look the part, too. I had heard of Haigh before, but I didn't realize how weird he was. His insanity plea was a good try what with thee vampires ectetera but it was all for money, wasn't it? I wonder how his parents coped bearing in mind their strict religious views. I doubt that the Plymouth Bretheren upbringing can really be blamed or they'd be banned, wouldn't they? His girlfriend and wife were lucky to live! I lived in Sussex for 25 years and am glad it was two decades after his demise. I expect that these days he'd have got a sentence of 6 months for theft and a course of psychotherapy on the NHS! brrrrr! really good creepy drama.

Whilst a grisly subject, this is so well done. The violence whilst brief does make you flinch in occasion, but it isn't gratuitous at all.

A seemingly authentic 40's atmosphere is evident throughout with superb sets and clothing.

Acting is superb throughout and from all, there isn't a weak performance. Martin Clunes gives the part of Haigh much charm, and you can see why people would have fallen for his spiel.

Your heart bleeds for both his parents and his girlfriend at the end.

There's no happy ending of course, not one to watch if you're in a low mood!

How I missed this one first time around, I don't know, as I would have watched it had I known about it.

I viewed this on a DVD which is part of a 'British Serial Killers' box set, and the transfer is crisp and if excellent quality.

Highly recommended.

My Review - A is forAcid

Streaming on Prime

My Rating 8/10

I think Martin Clunes gives a career defying performance as John George Haigh commonly known as the Acid Bath Murderer it's a far cry from the irritable but indispensable Doc Martin .

Based on true events that occurred in the mid to late 1940's A is for Acid was filmed in 2002 but I had never heard of it till a friend recommended it .

Its a true story told a little in the style of Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street . While it may sound odd for me ,considering the subject matter to say it's more a dark comedy than a depiction of explicit murderous carnage I found it a very interesting and entertaining story .

John George Haigh was raised in the stifling atmosphere of two very strict Plymouth Brethren parents a experienced constant religious nightmares as a child . His parents Emily and John Haigh taught their son that everyone outside their faith was a sinner in God's eyes .

While serving a stretch in Prison for fraud John Haigh became fascinated with The "Great Writ" of habeas corpus which is a fundamental right in the Constitution that protects against unlawful and indefinite imprisonment. Translated from Latin it means "show me the body" so he interpreted that as no body no charge . While in prison he experimented on rats dissolving them in acid and discovered their body's dissolved to nothing in 30 minutes.

After being released John George Haigh then rented a small workshop at 2 Leopold Road, Crawley, Sussex, he moved acid and drums there from Gloucester Road.

He was eventually convicted for the murder of six people, although he claimed to have killed nine. Haigh battered to death or shot his victims and disposed of their bodies using sulphuric acid before forging their signatures so he could sell their possessions and collect large sums of money.

Martin Clunes as John George Haigh is devilishly delightful as the almost debonair accomplished con man / inventor who equally impresses bank manages , the ladies and the wealthy society couples he con's successfully.

He has no moral judgment and anyone including best friends are dispensable in sulphuric acid if they dd to his aspirations of wealth .

No spoilers but special mention must be made for the delightful performance from Keeley Hawes as Gillian Rogers who is smitten by the charms of John Haigh this must have been one of her early movie roles .

Another standout for me was the equally delightful and Celia Imrie as Rose Henderson the acerbic but flirty wife of Archie one of Haigh's targets .

The Director Harry Bradbeer who went on to direct Killing Eve and Fleabag gives this movie just the right tone it's dark but not black.

The sets by Production Designer George Kyriakides and costumes by Brian Ashley authenticity take us back to the 1940's as does the music soundtrack of hits of the era .

In an era where some screenplay writing just leaves me cold Glenn Chandler has written an entertaining story that keeps the viewers interest to the inevitable conclusion.

My only problem with this movie is Martin Clunes. He acts it well, but is so often shown on TV as an extremely affable and likable character that it's almost impossible to believe him as a serial killer. Be it in fiction ("Men Behaving Badly") or documentary (about both dogs and horses) he always comes over as a jolly nice chap (which I'm sure he is). Casting him as a cold-blooded serial killer just doesn't work – it worked when Leone cast the blue-eyed angel Henry Fonda as a psychopath in "Once upon a Time in America", but casting Clunes as a serial killer is a step too far.

Having said that this is nonetheless a gem of a movie. Set design is pure '40s and the use of 1940s music is extremely well done. Hence my 8/10 rating.

Martin Clunes plays a truly pig-full, chauvinistic (unfortunately slightly-hysterical but it shouldn't) performance as he plays the clever inventor who drops comical one-liners. The film makes one's ribs crack in sadness and pain as Haigh (Clunes), dressed to mimic Hitler (moustache, hair and all) seduces women in typical Clunes innuendo style, and then proceeds to kill and dip their bodies in acid.

This film certainly is A is For Acid, as Haigh (Clunes) recites the dream he had when he was a child about 'His Vampire Story'. I do not believe I have ever seen so many 'straight' faces in my life throughout the whole film never mind the lyrics to the music from the start to 'The End', quoting from the Dad of Johnny George Haigh.

This film is ultimately a rip-off from Alfred Hitchcock's 'Johnny Brown's Body' (1955-1962). It has been done in the most satirical way that ITV (shown on ITV3 (Britain) on 4th March) and IMDb viewers have seemed to overlook this in their reviews.