The Music Lovers (1971)

Piano teacher Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky struggles against his homosexuality by marrying, but unfortunately he chooses a nymphomaniac whom he cannot satisfy.

Director:

Ken Russell

Writers:

Melvyn Bragg (screenplay), Catherine Drinker Bowen (book)

Stars:

Richard Chamberlain, Glenda Jackson, Max Adrian

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Richard Chamberlain	...	Tchaikovsky
Glenda Jackson	...	Nina (Antonina Milyukova)
Max Adrian	...	Nicholas Rubinstein
Christopher Gable	...	Count Anton Chiluvsky
Kenneth Colley	...	Modeste Tchaikovsky
Izabella Telezynska	...	Madame Nadedja von Meck
Maureen Pryor	...	Nina's Mother
Sabina Maydelle	...	Sasha Tchaikovsky
Andrew Faulds	...	Davidov
Bruce Robinson	...	Alexei Sofronov
Ben Aris	...	Young Lieutenant
Xavier Russell	...	Koyola
Dennis Myers	...	Von Meck, twin
John Myers	...	Von Meck, twin
Joanne Brown	...	Olga Bredska

Storyline

The compelling and bizarre story of Tchaikovsky's life and music. In Ken Russell's own words: "It's the story of the marriage between a homosexual and a nymphomaniac."

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Plot Keywords:

period drama | gay russian | nymphomaniac | piano | homosexuality | 

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Genres:

Biography | Comedy | Drama | Music

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Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

Glenda Jackson (Nina) and Andrew Faulds (Davidov) would later serve together as Labour Party MPs in the British House of Commons from 1992 to 1997. Jackson was the MP for Hampstead & Highgate from 1992 to 2010 and for Hampstead & Kilburn from 2010 to 2015 whereas Faulds was the MP for Smetwick from 1966 to February 1974 and for Warley East from February 1974 to 1997.

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Quotes

Madame Nadedja von Meck: [concerning Antonina] She'll ruin you! She'll ruin you . . .

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Connections

Referenced in Monty Python's Flying Circus: Mr. and Mrs. Brian Norris' Ford Popular (1972)

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Soundtracks

Romeo and Juliet (overture)
(uncredited)
Written by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Conducted by André Previn with London Symphony Orchestra

User Reviews

Ken Russell at full tilt.

"The Music Lovers" captures the Ken Russell style at its best. It's a full blown expression of his romanticized, shocking, exaggerated biographies, previously seen in black and white, low-budget BBC productions (more adequately financed here thanks to the success of "Women In Love"). Russell's excessive style contrasts the supreme beauty of Tchaikovsky's music with the turbulent, tormented, messy life from which it arose. The visual flights of fancy succeed in conveying the musical transcendence. Performances go way over the top, but the treatment calls for it. Richard Chamberlain bravely goes where few actors would in 1970. Glenda Jackson is absolutely fearless. She'll do whatever it takes, from writhing around nude to shaving her head. There's no denying the film is a deliberate assault on the senses, but thoughtful viewers will leave with much to contemplate and digest. I should not omit the fact that it's highly entertaining as well.

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English French

Release Date:

17 February 1971 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Lonely Heart

Filming Locations:

Pump Room, Roman Baths, Bath, Somerset, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

GBP1,600,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Russ-Arts, Russ Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

123 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1