The Fox (1967)

Based on D.H. Lawrence's novella about two young women - sickly, chattering Jill Banford and quiet, strong Ellen March - who are trying, hopelessly, to run a chicken farm in Canada. A ... See full summary »

Director:

Mark Rydell

Writers:

Lewis John Carlino (screenplay), Howard Koch (screenplay)

Stars:

Keir Dullea, Sandy Dennis, Anne Heywood

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 1 win & 5 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Sandy Dennis	...	Jill Banford
Anne Heywood	...	Ellen March
Keir Dullea	...	Paul Grenfell
Glynne Morris	...	Overstreet (as Glyn Morris)

Storyline

Based on D.H. Lawrence's novella about two young women - sickly, chattering Jill Banford and quiet, strong Ellen March - who are trying, hopelessly, to run a chicken farm in Canada. A gentle but powerful man named Paul Grenfell who used to live on their farm returns and puts things in order. But his proposal of marriage to Ellen awakens the homosexuality dormant in the girls: Jill uses her weakness to make Ellen feel protective, and the women become active lovers.

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Plot Keywords:

live chicken | double barreled shotgun | cow | female star appears nude | woman looking at herself nude in a mirror | 

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Taglines:

Ellen didn't know who she was or what she was...with Jill she was one thing...with Paul another.

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

As of 2016 the house and barn seen in the film still stand, located at the end of Laskay Lane, Laskay, King Township, York, Ontario - north of Toronto.

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Goofs

Throughout the movie, the fox is referred to as male. After the fox has been shot, it is shown strung up by its hind legs before Paul starts skinning it, and you can see it is actually a vixen.

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Quotes

Paul Grenfell: Maybe you need a man around the place... make things more efficient.
Ellen March: It isn't a question of efficiency. We just don't believe in working that hard.
Paul Grenfell: Why did you start?
Jill Banford: Oh... um... The good life, independence, and that sort of thing...
Paul Grenfell: Tell me. Have you ever tried talking to them?
Jill Banford: To...?
Paul Grenfell: The chickens. Grandpa did it all the time. He used to go out there and he'd have a real heart-to-heart with them about how they weren't doing well by him, and how he's spending good money for feed. And the next morning...
[...]

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Connections

Referenced in 42nd Street Forever! Volume 1: Horror on 42nd Street (2004)

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Soundtracks

That Night
(uncredited)
Music by Lalo Schifrin
Lyrics by Norman Gimbel
Sung by Sally Stevens

User Reviews

A great film!

Until I saw "The Fox", I had believed that the book was always better than the movie. A superb cast of extremely complex characters make this a worthwhile film. Also, anyone who is a fan of Sandy Dennis will enjoy her performance.

Details

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 February 1968 (USA)

Also Known As:

D.H. Lawrence's The Fox

Filming Locations:

Unionville, Ontario, Canada

Box Office

Budget:

$1,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Motion Pictures International

Technical Specs

Runtime:

110 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1