Cherished (2005)
A powerful BBC drama recounting the true story of a mother wrongly convicted of killing her children on the basis of discredited expert testimony.
Cherished - Movie Information
Cherished - Plot
A drama based on the true story of Angela Cannings, who was wrongly convicted of killing two of her children, on the basis of "expert witness" evidence about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (Cot Death Syndrome) which has since been discredited.
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Cherished - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Robin Sheppard
Main Cast
- Timothy Spall
- Sarah Lancashire
- James Barriscale
- Ian McNeice
- Marion Bailey
- Ronald Pickup
- Maggie Ollerenshaw
- Mark Tandy
- Stephen Boxer
- Harvey Virdi
Writers
- Gwyneth Hughes
Producers
- Polly Hill
Cherished - FAQs
What is Cherished about?
Cherished tells the harrowing true story of Angela Cannings, a British mother wrongly convicted of murdering two of her babies. The conviction rested on now-discredited expert testimony about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The film follows her fight for justice and the devastating toll the ordeal takes on her family.
Is Cherished based on a true story?
Yes, Cherished is directly based on the real case of Angela Cannings, a UK mother convicted in 2002 of killing her infant sons. Her conviction was overturned in 2003 after the expert evidence of Professor Sir Roy Meadow — who testified against her — was found to be fundamentally flawed.
Who plays Angela Cannings in Cherished?
Sarah Lancashire takes on the role of Angela Cannings, delivering a deeply emotional performance as a mother fighting to prove her innocence. Timothy Spall plays her husband Terry, and the two together anchor the film's most devastating scenes with raw, understated power.
What role does Professor Sir Roy Meadow play?
Professor Sir Roy Meadow, portrayed by Ronald Pickup, was the expert witness whose controversial testimony helped convict Angela Cannings. His application of so-called Meadow's Law — that multiple cot deaths in one family indicate murder — was later discredited, leading to the overturning of several wrongful convictions across the UK.
Where can you watch Cherished?
You can find streaming and viewing options for Cherished on JustWatch, which lists all available platforms in your region. Availability may vary depending on your location, so checking JustWatch is the easiest way to see where the film is currently accessible.
Who directed and wrote Cherished?
Cherished was directed by Robin Sheppard and written by Gwyneth Hughes, a screenwriter known for crafting emotionally intelligent true-story dramas. The film was produced by Polly Hill for the BBC, bringing this landmark miscarriage-of-justice case to a wide television audience in 2005.
What is the significance of the cot death evidence in Cherished?
The cot death — or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome — evidence is central to the film. Expert testimony claiming multiple infant deaths in one family must indicate foul play was used to convict Angela. That statistical argument was later exposed as scientifically unsound, making her case a landmark moment in British legal history.
What are some films similar to Cherished?
If Cherished resonated with you, similar true-story dramas worth exploring include Girl in the Box (2016), I Am Elizabeth Smart (2017), and TalhotBlond (2012). These films share Cherished's focus on real-life injustice, personal trauma, and the emotional aftermath of extraordinary circumstances.
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