Jimmy Savile: A British Horror Story is a documentary film that delves into the dark side of a popular entertainer in the UK. This film is directed by Rowan Deacon and was released in 2022. In this documentary, we learn about the life and career of Jimmy Savile, who was a successful entertainer in the 1960s and continued to be so until the 2000s. However, behind his charismatic personality and charitable work, Jimmy Savile harbored a dark and disturbing secret that was only revealed decades later.
Synopsis
The documentary is divided into two parts, with each episode lasting about 90 minutes. In the first part, the film tells the story of Jimmy Savile’s rise to fame as a DJ and host on BBC television. He had a popular children’s program called Jim’ll Fix It where he fulfilled the wishes of children across the UK. Jimmy Savile’s popularity grew, and he became known for his charity work, which included raising funds for hospitals and volunteering at medical facilities. He even raised a considerable amount of money to renovate the Stoke Mandeville Hospital for spinal cord injury patients. All of these activities helped to establish Jimmy Savile as a respected member of society and someone who had close relationships with members of the British Royal Family, including Prince Charles and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
However, the second part of the documentary reveals the hidden side of Jimmy Savile that was rumored but never proven during his lifetime. Investigations by journalists revealed that he was a pedophile who had abused young girls at Duncroft School. Anonymous letters were sent to the Yorkshire police, but the reports were overlooked due to Jimmy Savile’s connections with the police force. The victims remained silent, and despite the efforts of detectives, there was not enough evidence to prosecute him. Even after his death, his legacy was celebrated, and he was given a grand funeral. It was only after several years that a BBC journalist finally revealed the truth about Jimmy Savile’s sexual crimes. The story then quickly spread across the media, leading to more victims coming forward and the police taking the matter seriously.
Review
Overall, Jimmy Savile: A British Horror Story is a well-crafted documentary that delivers a disturbing but necessary account of one of the UK’s most notorious sex offenders. The documentary is well-structured, with the first part providing context and the second part revealing the shocking truth about Jimmy Savile’s criminal past. The interviews with victims and experts provide insight into the psychological effects of sexual abuse and the difficulties that victims face when they first come forward.
The documentary is also effective in highlighting the failures of the UK justice system and the media’s complicity in protecting notorious figures such as Jimmy Savile. The film serves as a reminder that those who abuse their power should be held accountable for their crimes, regardless of their status in society.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jimmy Savile: A British Horror Story is a documentary that sheds light on the hidden and disturbing history of a beloved public figure in the UK. This film serves not only as an account of Jimmy Savile but also as a warning about the dangers of ignoring the cries of victims and blindly trusting those in power. It is a must-see for those who want to gain a deeper understanding of the complex and often troubling issues surrounding abuse and power dynamics.
