Set in Liverpool during 1944, this absorbing drama examines the fears and insecurities that rock a family of women when a young U.S. soldier enters their lives. Nellie (Joan Plowright) is an elderly dressmaker who deplores the general loosening of morality which she attributes to the war. Her younger sister, Margo (Billie Whitelaw), resents Nellie for driving away a prospective husband after she had lost her first spouse. No longer a young girl, Margo is still attractive, and she is easily given to flirting with younger men. When the sisters' niece, 17-year-old Rita (Jane Horrocks), becomes involved with Wesley, an American G.I., she looks to the worldly Margo for advice--but also fears the way Margo openly flirts with Wesley. It's a volatile situation, and something has to give: that something turns out to be innocence. A powerful drama, based on Beryl Bainbridge's novel, with excellent performances from all. Highly recommended. (R. Pitman)
The Dressmaker
color. 89 min. Capitol Home Video. (1988). $79.95. Not rated. Library Journal
The Dressmaker
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