Mulheres Apaixonadas (1969)

Two best friends fall in love with a pair of women, but the relationships soon go in very different directions.

Director:

Ken Russell

Writers:

D.H. Lawrence (novel), Larry Kramer (written for the screen by)

Stars:

Alan Bates, Oliver Reed, Glenda Jackson

Won 1 Oscar. Another 4 wins & 17 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Alan Bates	...	Rupert Birkin
Oliver Reed	...	Gerald Crich
Glenda Jackson	...	Gudrun Brangwen
Jennie Linden	...	Ursula Brangwen
Eleanor Bron	...	Hermione Roddice
Alan Webb	...	Thomas Crich
Vladek Sheybal	...	Loerke
Catherine Willmer	...	Mrs. Crich
Phoebe Nicholls	...	Winifred Crich (as Sarah Nicholls)
Sharon Gurney	...	Laura Crich
Christopher Gable	...	Tibby Lupton
Michael Gough	...	Mr. Brangwen
Norma Shebbeare	...	Mrs. Brangwen
Nike Arrighi	...	Contessa
James Laurenson	...	Minister

Storyline

The battle of the sexes and relationships among the elite of Britain's industrial Midlands in the 1920s. Gerald Crich and Rupert Berkin are best friends who fall in love with a pair of sisters Gudrun, a sculptress and Ursula Brangwen, a schoolteacher. Rupert marries Ursula, Gerald begins a love affair with Gudrun, and the foursome embarks upon a Swiss honeymoon. But the relationships take markedly different directions, as Russell explores the nature of commitment and love. Rupert and Ursula learn to give themselves to each other. The more withdrawn Gerald cannot, finally, connect with the demanding and challenging Gudrun.

---

Plot Keywords:

1920s | bisexual man | based on novel | male objectification | veil | 

---

Taglines:

The relationship between four sensual people is limited: They must find a new way.

---

Genres:

Drama | Romance

---

Certificate:

M/18

Did You Know?

Trivia

In a scene between Gudrun (Glenda Jackson) and Loerke (Vladek Sheybal), she declares herself to be Antonina Milyukova, a nymphomaniac married to Tchaikovsky. He, pretending to be the composer, replies, "but I am a homosexual." Jackson played Milyukova, a nymphomaniac married to a gay man, in Ken Russell's Tchaikovsky, Delírio de Amor (1971).

---

Goofs

Ursula is seen toasting pre-sliced bread in front of the fire. Pre-sliced bread wasn't invented until 1928, eight years after the action.

---

Quotes

Ursula Brangwen: You always seem to think you can - force the flowers to come out. People must love us because they love us. You can't make them.

---

Connections

Followed by Arco-Íris (1989)

---

Soundtracks

Enigma Variations: Nimrod
(uncredited)
Music by Edward Elgar

User Reviews

The model for film adaptation of literature

Film versions of great books are expected to be lesser beings than their inspirations, but Ken Russell's adaptation of D. H. Lawrence's masterpiece refuses to obey any rules. It's smaller than the book, of course, but compensates by working on multiple levels to create a striking density. The gaudy, almost baroque cinematography actually compliments the sincere and subtle performances (even Oliver Reed!) to create a web of cross-references; every moment connects with every other. Kudos especially to the fine cast, not least Eleanor Bron, who forever cemented her cult status here, and is no mean hand with a paperweight, either.

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English German

Release Date:

13 November 1969 (UK)

Also Known As:

Mulheres Apaixonadas

Filming Locations:

Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$1,600,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Brandywine Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

131 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.75: 1