StudioCanal has announced the release of a newly restored version of the powerful 1956 British drama, Yield to the Nightstarring the great Diana Dors (The Weak and the Wicked) and directed by J. Lee Thompson (The Guns of Navarone, Ice Cold in Alex). For the restoration, StudioCanal went back to the original camera negative which was scanned and restored in 4K to produce a brand-new HD master. The film will be available to own on Blu-ray and Digital for the first time, as well as on DVD, from 12 October. This stunning new restoration of Yield to the Night comes complete with brand new bonus content and is an exciting addition to the Vintage Classics Collection.

Salesgirl Mary Hilton (Diana Dors) is convicted of murder and sentenced to hang. She spends her final weeks in a condemned cell remembering the events that led to her crime. Having met and fallen hopelessly in love with impoverished musician Jim Lancaster (Michael Craig), Mary left her neglectful husband for him, only to find his attraction to her deflected by his involvement with rich socialite Lucy Carpenter (Mercia Shaw). When Jim’s relationship with Lucy takes a tragic turn, a heartbroken Mary snaps - transforming her love for him into a murderous hatred for her rival. Alone, imprisoned and desperately afraid; as each day the end grows closer Mary attempts to settle matters with her family as she awaits her final sentencing, or a possible reprieve.

Adapted for the screen by Joan Henry (from her own novel) and John Cresswell, the film is notable in being a rare female led 50s drama – both in terms of the story and the fact it was written by a woman. It has been described as one of the few “Angry Young Woman” films and is one of Diana Dors’ best critically reviewed roles. Nominated for 3 BAFTAs and The Cannes Palme D’Or in its original release in 1956, Dors is supported by a cast including Michael Craig (Sea of Sand, Mysterious Island), Yvonne Mitchell (Woman in a Dressing Gown), Marie Ney (Simba), Mercia Shaw and Harry Locke (Passport to Pimlico). Although Yield to the Night is widely believed to be based on the story of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be executed by hanging in the UK in 1955, the book that the film is based on was, in fact, written before then.

Yield to the Night will be released on UK Blu-ray, DVD and Digital on 12 October 2020 at yet-to-be confirmed RRPs.

Blu-ray and DVD special features:

• NEW: Interview with Michael Craig
• NEW Interview with Melanie Williams, film historian and author
• Film Fanfare – no 12: Diana Dors interview (1956)
• Film Fanfare – no 19: Yield to the Night Premiere (1957)
• Behind the scenes stills gallery