Christie and his estranged wife Ethel are reunited after a nine year separation and move into 10 Rillington Place. As war breaks out, the fractures in their relationship begin to reappear, with deceit, suspicion and violence never far below the veneer of married respectability.

When newly-weds Tim and Beryl move into 10 Rillington Place they are befriended by their older neighbours, the Christies.As time passes and the young couple's relationship hits a rough patch, Christie's interest and influence over the couple takes a much more sinister turn.

After the strain of Timothy Evans' trial, Christie finds it increasingly difficult to maintain the charade.As his marriage breaks down he embarks upon a course of action which finally reveals his true nature to the world.