The Executioners is a three-part documentary special which explores the social history of Capital Punishment in Britain, America and France with a unique perspective through the often-overlooked and shadowy figures of the executioners themselves.
The series aired in the USA from 11 - 25 January 2005.
The Executioners premieres in South Africa on Dstv's Crime and Investigation Network on Monday 4 February 2008, at 20h40.
Synopsis
Capital punishment has existed through the ages. This three-part special looks at the ultimate punishment through the unique perspective of the often-overlooked and shadowy figures of the executioners themselves.
The series tells the fascinating story of the Hangmen, Britain’s part-time killers who faced the grim task with compassion, pathos, and sometimes, humour.
In Dynasties of Death the Bourreau is revealed: generations of executioners who were shunned by society in France.
Finally, we visit America to see the history of the men who experimented with the many different forms of execution – hanging, gas chamber, firing squad, lethal injection and the electric chair.
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