Tipping the Velvet

Starring:Rachael Stirling, Keeley Hawes, Anna Chancellor, Jodhi May, Hugh Bonneville, Johnny Vegas, Alexei Sayle, John Bowe, Sally Hawkins, Monica Dolan, Milly Gregory, David Simeon, Theresa Watson, Janet Fullerlove, Edward Clayton, Di Botcher, Alex Kelly (II), Peter Kelly, Richard Hope, Tilly Vosburgh
Director: Geoffrey Sax
Studio: Acorn Media
Product Type: DVD

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"It's Pride and Prejudice with dirty bits." That's how screenwriter Andrew Davies (Bridget Jones' Diary), in an interview contained on this disc, describes his adaptation of Sarah Waters's acclaimed novel of lesbian love, betrayal, and redemption in Victorian England. This three-part BBC production chronicles with relish the story of Nan Astley (Rachael Stirling, the ravishing image of her mother, Diana Rigg), barely 18, and certain that life holds more for her than her oyster girl's existence. "You'll meet someone who'll have your head spinning and your legs turning to jelly," her sister promises. That someone surprisingly turns out to be "gay and bold" Kitty Butler (Keeley Hawes), a music-hall entertainer, with whom Nan falls instantly, and swooningly, in love. Nan follows her to London, where, as a double act, they become the toast of London, until Kitty's "marriage of convenience" breaks up the act and Nan's heart. The outcast Nan, decked out in Victor/Victoria duds, becomes a streetwalker, and then "tart" to the aptly named Diana Leatherby (Anna Chancellor). This affair, too, comes to "a bad end" as a destitute Nan is deposited back on the streets, where she insinuates herself into the lives of Florence (Jodhi May), a social worker, and her socialist brother. Is Nan "too spoiled and stained for love?" Will she risk her blossoming relationship with Florence when Kitty inevitably returns to rekindle their affair? There is enough "backbiting and bitching" to fuel several seasons of The O.C. Nan's couplings, while tastefully done, do carry what Waters, in the co-interview with Davies, calls "a queer erotic charge." They are graphic by Cinemax standards, let alone the BBC. But the sterling writing and performances will captivate even the most sensitive viewers, making this groundbreaking miniseries, to quote one character, "a delightful evening... a rare treat." --Donald Liebenson

Description

Smitten by music hall life, and by the beautiful male impersonator Kitty Butler (Keeley Hawes), Nan Astley (Rachael Stirling) leaves her family's Whitstable oyster parlor and follows her heart to London. There she finds unimaginable joy—and misery—as she explores the secret side of fin de siècle life.

Based on the acclaimed novel by Sarah Waters and adapted by Andrew Davies (Bridget Jones's Diary, Doctor Zhivago), this powerful BBC drama is both a frank depiction of lesbianism and a witty and moving account of a young woman who will win your heart while searching for her own. Also starring Anna Chancellor (Pride and Prejudice), Jodhi May (The Last of the Mohicans), Hugh Bonneville (Iris) and John Bowe (Poldark). "Provocative and uplifting" --The Baltimore Sun. "Flat-out sublime" --The Seattle Times.

Customer Reviews:

A Groundbreaking Masterpiece! The Best Production I've Ever Seen!.......2007-06-27

"Tipping The Velvet" is one of the modern day television productions that proves that some television can be just as good or even better(as this is) than what you see at your local theater.
If you want to read the plot, read this and if you want other details skip down to the next paragraph. This is the unforgettable portrait of an unconventional young girl named Nan who works as a naive oyster girl, until she discovers her repressed homosexuality when she falls in love with a successful woman named Kitty who dresses as a male for her stage proffession. The young girl soon joins the act as another male impersonator and they are a major hit. Soon the both of them embark on a tender affair. Kitty eventually becomes enveloped in a marriage of convenience and ravages young Nan's heart. From then on, Nan works as male impersonated prostitute to men looking to have sex with boys, then she becomes the private sex slave to the evil and sadomasochistic Diana where Nan experiences severe emotional abuse. When that ends badly, Nan is on the streets again where she recalls a young woman named Florence; a good-hearted socialist who had the true potential of being a wonderful partner. That's where Nan will discover the power of socialism and learn how to get back to fame.
The region 1 transfer is of exceptional picture quality, there is a very good scene selction, an eloquent photo gallery and a fun interview between novelist Sara Waters and the film's writer Andrew Davies.
The sets, costumes, cinematography and music are gorgeous. The acting, writing and directing are extremely strong and filled with realism, class and originality. I loved the film and the novel. Section III in the film is much different in the film than in the novel, because section III in the novel is great written down, but isn't screen material. I will be brave and say that I love the films interpretation of it much more.
This breathtaking historical ingeniously combines drama, comedy, erotica and romance to vibrant perfection in a way that is both deeply moving and spiritually uplifting. For every mature and open-minded adult who has ever felt the pleasures, pains and power of falling in love and living life to it's fullest. A revolutionary production; an absolute must-see!

Didn't like it........2007-06-21

Bad acting, predictable story, terrible editing, lousy obtrusive music, all in all I really disliked this film.

A smart, intellegent film about women -- who happen to be in love with each other.......2007-06-10

I'm a sucker for a good romantic tale. It doesn't really matter what sort of story it is, as long as the emotions are honest, there's a good chance that I'll take it in. And controversy doesn't bother me at all either. That all said, I was very surprised at how much I enjoyed watching this adaptation of Sarah Waters' first novel, Tipping the Velvet.

Starting in a seashore town in Kent, we meet Nancy Astley (Rachael Stirling). She works in the family oyster shop, labouring away in the back, opening up oysters and finding life, well, a bit cramped. She has a steady beau, Freddie, but she doesn't feel too much in his arms. Nan doesn't quite know what she wants, she just knows that it's not going to be happening here in Whitstable. But very soon, things are going to be in an uproar, especially when her elder sister's fiance treats them all to a night at the music hall.

There on stage is the beautiful Kitty Butler (Keely Hawes), daring and luscious, dressed as a young man and singing about love. Nan is instantly smitten with a crush, unable to take her eyes from her. She's not quite sure what's happening, all she knows is that she wants a future with Kitty in it. Night after night she returns to watch, waiting for that moment when Kitty flings her rose into the audience and it lands in the lap of a young woman. But, alas, the rose never does come flying her way. At home, Nan is starting to realize that she's just not fitting in, and even her would-be suitor and sharp-eyed sister are starting to take notice.

On the last night of Kitty's appearance in the music hall, Nan finds herself the recipient of that rose, and an invitation to come and talk to Kitty in her dressing room. Why not, Kitty suggests, come to London with her to be her dresser? And Nan leaps at the chance, leaving behind her family, having already shed her boyfriend in a fit of pique.

Things are a bit awkward at first in the room that they share in the boarding house. But Kitty finds herself falling in love, not just with Kitty, but also with the theatre life. And Kitty's manager, Mr Bliss (John Bowe) encourages Nan to try for herself in dressing as a male impersonator and singing on the stage in a double bill with Kitty.

The result is, as they say, a hit. Soon the pretend kisses on stage are resulting in a fiery affair in bed as well, as Nan falls head over heels for Kitty -- that is until a visit home reveals that she simply doesn't fit in any more, and worse, her sister's firm repugnance and rejection of Nan's new lifestyle. Reeling, Nan returns to London, and finds Kitty in bed with their manager, and an impending marriage in the works. Heartbroken, Nan flees and right into the sordid underworld of prostitution in London. It's a lucrative trade, dressing as a boy, and relieving well-heeled toffs of gold soveriegns.

That is, until an encounter gone bad has the unlikeliest of rescuerers. Plucked from rape and disaster, Nan finds herself in the hands of Diana Lethaby (Anna Chancellor), wealthy aristocrat and a very dominant personality. Soon Nan is esconced in a very gilded, very dull cage, where she happily submits to any sort of desire that Diana can dream up. It's a decadent, depraved existance, and the excitement comes to a tumultuous end in a night of violence and abuse.

Back on the streets, Nan is penniless and alone. Can she possibly put her life back together and survive?

This is a strong, powerfully acted and directed drama. Director Geoffrey Sax gives the viewer a story that at times hinges on the pornographic, but never pushes it over into the realm of the tasteless. I'll admit it, I was entranced by Nan's story of survival and love. Adapted by Andrew Davies from Waters' novel, it's full of smart dialog, complex characters, and while not much is left to the viewer's imagination, there's more eroticism in this one than what you'd see in most adult fare. Call it tasteful, smart, soft-core porn if you will.

The acting from Keeley Hawes and Rachael Stirling is what really makes this film work. They're beautiful, seductive, but never quite trashy, and the backdrop of music hall life gives it a tawdry humor that you can laugh at, but not feel bad about. The rest of the cast is good as well, with Chancellor providing a real menace and danger with the character of Diana that was chilling at times.

Other good points are the details in the clothing and set design as well as the on-location shooting. Author Sarah Waters has a small cameo in the film, a rather nice touch. What I enjoyed the most about the film was that there wasn't any excuses made for the characters' sexual orientation, and that it's not there as a sordid bit of titillation for the audience. These women have embraced their lifestyle choice, and are revelling in it, at least as much as Victorian morality will let them. It's certainly is a bit freer than what there is today, without the sermonizing and damnation that the straight world provides in most films.

Yes, it's certainly not for children of any age, and I'd say that most adults would feel a bit uncomfortable with the subject matter, and especially as a sex toy plays a, ahem, prominent role in the film. But it's very tastefully done, and the sex itself is actually a smaller part of the story than you'd suspect. Rather it's the story of coming of age, and the very complicated relationships between Nan and the various people that she meets in her effort to find a home of her own.

Those who are curious may be surprised that male impersonators were a feature of music hall society, and while lesbianism wasn't accepted openly, it was far more common than most percieved notions would lead us to believe. Hawes and Stirling would work together on another BBC production, a modern day version of Othello.

The DVD has a few extras, including an interview with Sarah Waters and Andrew Davies, scene and episode selections, and a photo gallery, along with filmographies for the cast. The film itself is divided up into three episodes, and runs close to three hours in length. It also looks as though there is to be a theatrical version in 2009.

I would strongly suggest that parents be a bit wary in letting their children watch this one, as it is very adult material. The film itself is unrated, but I would give it a very hard R rating, given the topic.

Recommended.

tastefully scrumptious .......2007-06-01

bbc gets a gold star for airing this. 10 gold stars actually.
what a succulent romp through victorianna!
tipping the velvet is visually rich in hue, costume and setting, only to complement the plush plot, script and convincing acting. {a sensual tour-de-force!}. it has what many great classic stories have- love, betrayal, hope, shattered dreams, loss, struggles, [and hot sex sceens,] along with growth within the characters. you instantly fall in love with the main character, nan. she's a creative fighter, and lovely to look at. you see her rise from seaside working class to selling herself to endearing friend and lover all in this fantastic series. i only wish it was a longer run. i could watch this for hours. rent it, buy it, just don't be surprised at how fantastic and entertaining it is!

why don't we have good [free] programing like this in the usa???

The underbelly of Victorian England.......2007-05-08

This BBC TV production is brilliant at every level. It's rich in detail, fast moving and involving. Stirling and Hawes are deliciously sexy to look at, beautifully dressed, and their love scenes are erotic and believable. The narrative had three distinct moods--first the rise of passion and loss of innocence, then the struggle for survival and lastly the birth of maturity and independence. All three were presented with colour and aplomb. I loved the glimpses into the world of Victorian music halls and pubs, and shuddered to remember what life was like for women without means or husbands in a world without welfare. Bravo BBC!

Average customer rating:

A Groundbreaking Masterpiece! The Best Production I've Ever Seen!
Didn't like it.
A smart, intellegent film about women -- who happen to be in love with each other
tastefully scrumptious
The underbelly of Victorian England

Tipping the Velvet [Region 2]
Starring: Rachael Stirling , Keeley Hawes , Anna Chancellor , Jodhi May , and Hugh Bonneville
Director: Geoffrey Sax
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

( T ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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Customer Reviews:

A Groundbreaking Masterpiece! The Best Production I've Ever Seen!.......2007-06-27

Didn't like it........2007-06-21

Bad acting, predictable story, terrible editing, lousy obtrusive music, all in all I really disliked this film.

A smart, intellegent film about women -- who happen to be in love with each other.......2007-06-10

tastefully scrumptious .......2007-06-01

The underbelly of Victorian England.......2007-05-08

Tipping the Velvet [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - Great Britain ]

Average customer rating:

Very enjoyable
Can Nan the oyster girl find love and happiness in London?

Tipping the Velvet [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - Great Britain ]
Director: Geoffrey Sax
Manufacturer: BBC
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Tipping the Velvet
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ASIN: B000AQDPGK

Product Description

Great Britain released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: it WILL NOT play on standard US DVD player. You need multi-region PAL/NTSC DVD player to view it in USA/Canada. Languages: o English (Dolby Digital 2.0) Synopsis: This adaptation of Sarah Waters popular novel follows Nan Astley (Rachael Stirling) as she blossoms into womanhood and explores her sexuality, ostensibly forbidden in Victorian society. Nan seems destined for marriage to a nice, but dull, suitor in her seaside, English town. However, a trip to the theater changes everything when she falls in love at first sight with the ravishing Kitty Butler (Keeley Hawes), a gorgeous woman who makes a living posing as a young boy and singing in a vaudeville-style cabaret--even to the extent of cutting her hair short. Though at first unable to identify her feelings, Nan simply cannot get enough of Kitty, and soon begins to spend every available second with her. As the two grow closer, Kitty invites Nan to accompany her to London. Against her family's wishes, the two move, and Nan eventually joins the show as another gender-bending performer. However, while Nan feels only blissful love for Kitty, Kitty cannot accept the fact of their relationship, and soon begins an affair with a man. Her relationship over, devastated Nan has no career and no love. Using the boyish costumes from her show, Nan begins to prostitute herself to men who are looking for teenage boys. From there, her life spins in wild directions, as she resolves her sexuality, becomes a concubine for an abusive wealthy woman, again ascends to stardom, and finds true love. Special Features: o Cast/Crew Interview(s) o Interactive Menu o Photo Gallery o Scene Access

Customer Reviews:

Very enjoyable.......2006-05-29

Tipping the Velvet is a very enjoyable adaptation from book to screen by the BBC. Victorian England and the unlikley mix with Lesbianisim of the time, makes for a very interesting, emotional journey. I would recomend this to anyone with a interest in Victorian drama. Even if you have never watched muched period drama, please make this your first. Beautiful adaptation.

Can Nan the oyster girl find love and happiness in London?.......2005-12-21

The title of "Tipping the Velvet" is a euphemism, and given that this 2002 BBC production is about lesbians in Victorian England you can connect the dots on that one on your own. The story begins with Nan Astley (Rachael Stirling) wishing that Kitty Butler (Keeley Hawes), a male impersonator at the local music hall, would toss her the rose she always gives to one member of the audience at the end of her song. Nan has to keep going back until that finally happens, but that moment is the real start of "Tipping the Velvet." The ending comes when it is Nan who has to decide which lucky lady in the audience gets the rose.

When we first meet her, Nan is an oyster girl, working in her family's oyster bar in a coastal town. Watching Kitty dressed as a man stirs feelings in Nan and the two becomes friends, although it takes a while for those feelings to ignite. First Nan is Kitty's assistant, and when Kitty goes off to London to be a success Nan not only goes along but eventually becomes her partner, both on and off stage. But then Nan has the first of several rude awakenings that turns her story into pretty much the lesbian equivalent of Moll Flanders. If you have been looking for something different, then this three-part series would certainly fit the bill. It is certainly a captivating tale, although sometimes it veers too much towards camp or melodrama. Yet we have an affection for our heroine and certainly want her to find happiness on her own terms.

One advantage of the series is that the three parts constitute such distinct periods in the story of Nan's life. Just as we have the symmetry of receiving and giving of the symbolic rose there is a similar correspondence between the end of the first two parts, as Nan gets to be the person who walks in and then one of the people who is walked in upon. The first part focuses on Kitty and life on the music hall stage. The second has Nan starting off continuing to dress as a boy picking up older men and then becoming the plaything of the rich and decadent Diana Lethaby (Anna Chancellor), who throws revelries for her friends that includes at least one object that stands out as an example of why British television is closer to American cable than American network television. The third part brings Nan to the lower class home of Florence Banner (Jodhi May) and her Socialist brother Ralph (Hugh Bonneville). With the Banners, Nan enjoys a simple life until the prospect of returning to the stage brings up new opportunities and old memories.

It does seem strange that there was such a thriving lesbian community, both among the upper and lower classes of Victorian society, but then "Tipping the Velvet" is about Nan looking for love and trying to survive in the real world, and not about finding acceptance for her Sapphic love life. Indeed, although she expects to be rejected because of her lesbianism, Nan is really attacked only once, although of course this turns out to be by the one person whose love and acceptance she thought she could count on. The three-part series is based on Sarah Waters' novel, adapted by Andrew Davies ("Bridget Jones's Diary"), and directed by Geoffrey Sax, who is a bit too enamored of cutting back and forth between a pair of reaction shots as a different sort of cinematic double-take. Overall the tone tends to be cute, more than bawdy, although there are some unpleasant moments that help define the dark points in Nan's life before the requisite happy ending.

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