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Ken Russell, director of such films as Women in Love, The Music Lovers and The Devils showed his lighter touch in the 1971 British film musical, The Boy Friend.
This is a Technicolor extravaganza with a campy, over-the-top Busby Berkley panache. I never knew before seeing this film that Twiggy could sing and dance, I previously believed she could only strike a pose and give good face.
The dance numbers trip the light fantastic, especially when none other than Tommy Tune shows up to dance with our ingenue, Miss Twiggy!
Russell's muse, Glenda Jackson appears, uncredited, in a small but memorable role in this film. When I originally saw this with a friend in Boulder, Colorado (where I went to college), we found this a giddy delight.
See The Boy Friend! Twiggy and actor Christopher Gable make a charming pair. With this under his belt, Russell went on to direct Tommy. Suggested viewing.
Ken Russell's The Devils was released after editing in the United States that was enforced upon the director by The Legion of Decency. In fact, the Catholic church condemned the film after failing to stop its release altogether.
Although the edited American version is still all that's available on dvd in the States, other Regions throughout the world can now view the director's cut.
I was, however, able to find the original, unexpurgated UK trailer:
None other than director Gillermo del Toro lambasted the American cut for its abysmal treatment of an artistic masterpiece.
Vanessa Redgrave is brilliant in her co-starring role with Oliver Reed who is also splendid. Their scenes together scintillate and sizzle with real chemistry between the two (who were rumored to have an affair off the set).
The film, based on the book, The Devils of Loudin, written by Aldous Huxley, graphically details the sexual hysteria and sadomasochism that takes over a convent. Derek Jarman created the magnificently surreal sets.
Very highly recommended. It would be insane to bill this with, oh, say, The Trouble with Angels.
