Vera Drake (2004)

Abortionist Vera Drake finds her beliefs and practices clash with the mores of 1950s Britain--a conflict that leads to tragedy for her family.

Director:

Mike Leigh

Writer:

Mike Leigh

Stars:

Imelda Staunton, Richard Graham, Heather Craney

Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 36 wins & 28 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Imelda Staunton	...	Vera
Richard Graham	...	George
Eddie Marsan	...	Reg
Anna Keaveney	...	Nellie
Alex Kelly	...	Ethel
Daniel Mays	...	Sid
Philip Davis	...	Stan (as Phil Davis)
Lesley Manville	...	Mrs. Wells
Sally Hawkins	...	Susan
Simon Chandler	...	Mr. Wells
Sam Troughton	...	David
Marion Bailey	...	Mrs. Fowler
Sandra Voe	...	Vera's Mother
Chris O'Dowd	...	Sid's Customer
Adrian Scarborough	...	Frank

Storyline

Vera Drake is a selfless woman who is completely devoted to, and loved by, her working class family. She spends her days doting on them and caring for her sick neighbor and elderly mother. However, she also secretly visits women and helps them induce miscarriages for unwanted pregnancies. While the practice itself was illegal in 1950s England, Vera sees herself as simply helping women in need, and always does so with a smile and kind words of encouragement. When the authorities finally find her out, Vera's world and family life rapidly unravel.

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Plot Keywords:

1950s | miscarriage | neighbor | pregnancy | police | 

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Taglines:

Wife. Mother. Criminal.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for depiction of strong thematic material

Details

Official Sites:

New Line Cinema [United States]

Country:

UK France

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 January 2005 (UK)

Also Known As:

El secreto de Vera Drake

Filming Locations:

UK

Box Office

Budget:

$11,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£266,010 (UK) (7 January 2005)

Gross:

$3,753,806 (USA) (25 March 2005)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Les Films Alain Sarde, Film Council, Inside Track Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

125 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film was submitted for the 2004 Cannes Film Festival, but as it was denied, Imelda Staunton thought that the film would eventually be released in the UK and have little impact. However, it was then a big success at the Venice Film Festival, and eventually was nominated for several Academy Awards.

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Goofs

Vera's sister-in-law Joyce says she wants a washing machine which costs "twenty five pounds". Until decimalization in 1971, most luxury goods (such as washing machines and men's suits) were priced in guineas not pounds. Interestingly, in the film the cost of the abortion is expressed as two guineas. (One guinea = one pound one shilling, equivalent to one pound five pence in decimal.) This was true for some outlets, particularly those wishing to appeal to the middle class or those aspiring to a degree of 'poshness'. Throughout the 1960s most domestic items were priced in £.s.d or Pounds, shillings and pence. Services and professions continued to charge in guineas as an affectation until much later.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Vera: Hello George, only me. How are you going today?

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Crazy Credits

After the end credits it says: "In loving memory of my parents, a doctor and a midwife."

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Connections

Referenced in The Benchwarmers (2006)

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Soundtracks

"Calling All Workers"
(1940)
Written by Eric Coates
(p) 1940 Chappell Recorded Music Library
(c) 1940 Chappell Recorded Music Library
A BMG Zomba Company

User Reviews

Most-Likely Best Film of 2004

Mike Leigh has done it again. I adore "Secrets and Lies", my 2nd favorite film of all time and Leigh strikes gold again in the emotionally draining, brilliantly directed study of a 50's era abortionist in London. Imelda Staunton gives, yet another in Leigh's film, outstandingly powerful and true performance as Vera Drake. She a inner-city housewife and mother, who spends much of her free time trying to "help out" the poor ladies of 50's London who are unable to get legal abortions. Some may consider this a hot-topic issue film, but it's moreover an independent study of a woman and her life, and how her emotions play in her world. Every nuance of this film is perfectly crafted, from every performance, to the sets, and the cinematography. The emotions overflow steadily, especially after the traumatic dinner scene where the police arrive for Vera. The look of horror that Staunton displays and changes as she realizes what is happening is acting and direction at it's best. Why is it American films aren't able to capture this from it's performers? I can't praise this film enough and truly believe that this will be my favorite film of the year. It's a shame this film got only a small release and audiences seemed unmoved by it. I don't understand it. Hopefully DVD will allow those who missed it to catch up with it and relish in it's brilliance. It will be a rewarding experience for all to see. I am praying for Oscar noms all around, but especially for Staunton. It is clearly and without any doubt, the best female performance as of this date, this year.