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Ronald Ryan was the last man hanged in Australia. Narration and black-and-white stills tell the story of his upbringing and early life. He came from an impoverished family, brought up by his widowed mother. His wife, Dorothy Pirois recalls their first meeting and Ronald’s heavy gambling after they were married. Peter Walker, fellow escapee, recalls Ryan as an ordinary bloke. Ryan’s lawyer, Dr. Philip Opas QC says he liked his client.
Curator’s notes
Interviews with Ryan’s real wife and Peter Walker, Ryan’s fellow escapee are interestingly intercut with their voices overlapping each other in an effective story telling technique. There is also an intriguing interview with Ryan’s lawyer, Dr. Philip Opas QC admitting that, despite trying to maintain a professional distance, he couldn’t help but like Ryan.
