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Citizen Ruth

Satire about a substance-abusing woman who is prosecuted for endangering her foetus. Her case is exploited by both the pro-life and pro-choice camps. Starring Laura Dern.

Co-written and directed by Alexander Payne, the award winning director of Election, About Schmidt, and Sideways.

Ruth Stoops is a drug-user whose down-and-out existence is complicated once more by becoming pregnant. When a judge orders that she gets an abortion or face a felony charge, she is befriended by Gail Stoney, a pro-lifer whose husband is president of the local 'Babysavers' group. Suddenly Ruth is thrust into the middle of the pro-choice/pro-life debate, with each side wanting her to take their side as a 'message' to others - and the situation escalates.

1 hour, 40 minutes

Last on

Wed 18 May 201123:50
BBC Two except Northern Ireland

Credits

Ruth StoopsLaura Dern
Norm StoneyKurtwood Smith
Gail StoneyMary Kay Place
RachelKelly Preston
HarlanMC Gainey
Jessica WeissTippi Hedren
Blaine GibbonsBurt Reynolds
DirectorAlexander Payne
WriterAlexander Payne

Broadcasts

  • Thu 9 Aug 200723:30
    BBC One except Northern Ireland
  • Wed 18 May 201123:50
    BBC Two England, Scotland & Wales only