Last Confession of Alexander Pearce, The

This high-quality BBC/ABC historical dramatisation tells the gruesome but true story of Irish convict turned cannibal, Alexander Pearce. Locked up and shackled in a Hobart prison Pearce (Ciaran McMenamin: Jericho) is visited by parish priest and fellow Irishman Father Philip Conolly (Adrian Dunbar: The Crying Game). Pearce's unfathomable tale of abuse and murder will push Father Conolly's religious convictions to the limit.

Sentenced to seven years jail for stealing six pairs of shoes Pearce, a farm labourer, was shipped to Van Diemen's Land in 1819 to serve out his term. After being flogged hundreds of times for misbehaviour he was deemed beyond redemption and sent to an isolated prison on Sarah Island. Held in atrocious conditions, tortured and degraded, Pearce was determined to break out. He soon met like-minded inmates and together they planned their escape through the remote Tasmanian wilderness. Already weak from lack of food at the camp, within days their hunger was unbearable and the group leaders decided to kill and eat one of the fugitives to survive. After fifty days, only Pearce was alive.

Tried and found guilty of murder and cannibalism Pearce was condemned to death.

Featuring a standout cast, including Don Hany (Lucky Miles), Dan Wyllie (Underbelly), Chris Haywood (Shine), Martin Jacobs (All Saints) and Bob Franklin (Stupid Stupid Man), The Last Confession of Alexander Pearce is a gripping portrait of a man who endured the unimaginable by doing the unthinkable.

Extras:

• Audio commentary by Michael James Rowland (writer and director), Nial Fulton (writer and producer) and Martin McGrath (director of photography)
• Foley Audio Track with commentary by Michael James Rowland, Tom Heuzenroeder and Adrian Medhurst
• Storyboards
• Deleted and extended scenes
• Stills gallery