IFC Films hasacquired US rights from Capitol Films to Adrian Shergold's true-life drama Pierrepoint (formerly The Last Hangman) following its recent world premiere inToronto.

The distributorplans a 2006 release on the picture, which stars Timothy Spall as Albert Pierrepoint,Britain's last Chief Hangman and arguably the country's best-known publicexecutioner.

Pierrepoint wassingly responsible for 450 hangings before his sudden resignation in 1956following his experiences at the Nuremberg Trials.

"Adrian Shergoldhas made a remarkable and bold statement," IFC Entertainment president JonathanSehring said. "It may be an English film, but challenges what is one of theseminal conflicts in the US today."

IFC's vicepresident of acquisitions Sarah Lash and Jonathan Sehring negotiated the dealwith Jane Barclay of Capitol Films represented by Ronna Wallace.