[2] The story of the nineteenth century burglar and murderer Charles Peace is told in flashback in a lecture by Sir Clement Barnes KC at Hendon Police College: Peace's murder of Arthur Dyson, his subsequent false identities, his career as a burglar, and his shooting of a policeman.

Much of the films success is due to Michael Martin-Harvey's brilliant characterisation of the eccentric, Jekyll and Hyde-like Peace.

"[3] Kine Weekly wrote: "Michael Martin-Harvey, mincing and menacing in turn, does a sound acting job as Charlie Peace.

Chili Bouchier, Jean Shepeard and Roberta Huby are slightly less effective as Mrs. Dyson, Mrs. Peace and Sue Thompson, respectively.

"[4] Picture Show wrote: "Thoroughly entertaining within its modest limits is this reconstruction of the amazing career of Charles Peace ... Michael Martin-Harvey gives a compelling prformance as the sinister little man.