the story

Emily Blake is based on the true story of a young domestic servant involved in a scandalous love affair and a case of tragic murder. During the sensational court trial which follows, Emily finds herself at the centre of a media storm, transformed from an inexperienced girl into a 19th century tabloid celebrity.

Emily’s story of passion and rebellion starts with her origins as a British workhouse orphan sent to the town of Brandon, Manitoba, to be forced into domestic service.

Despite the drudgery, she resists her fate by escaping into a fantasy world filled with daring exploits and secret love trysts—like the beautiful heroine in one of her favourite dime novels.

In the summer of 1899, Emily’s fantasy becomes reality when she’s swept up in a passionate affair with her employer, a handsome young businessman called Robert Lane. She dares to dream about romance and happy endings – the opposite of her cramped existence as a servant.

But the fantasy soon spins out of control with the mysterious gunshot murder of Robert’s wife, Mary Lane. The sensational murder case makes headlines across the country, grabbing the attention of Archie Mowbray, a disgraced reporter from Fleet Street looking for a way to repair his reputation.

Archie tracks down Emily Blake, hoping to find out what she knows about the murder. He’s faced instead with another unsolved mystery which lies at the core of her character—an even deeper secret she’s determined not to reveal.

Throughout the murder trial, Emily Blake presents a fascinating enigma to the scandal-hungry public. Is she an innocent orphan tossed on the seas of fate, a seductress who found her target, or a bright young woman struggling to escape a life she never chose?

Read an excerpt of Paula Kelly's script.