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The Dressmaker

  • 19881988
  • 1h 32m
IMDb RATING
6.3/10
260
YOUR RATING
The Dressmaker (1988)
DramaRomance
In England during World War II, a repressed dressmaker and her sister struggle looking after their seventeen-year-old niece, who is having a delusional affair with an American soldier.In England during World War II, a repressed dressmaker and her sister struggle looking after their seventeen-year-old niece, who is having a delusional affair with an American soldier.In England during World War II, a repressed dressmaker and her sister struggle looking after their seventeen-year-old niece, who is having a delusional affair with an American soldier.
IMDb RATING
6.3/10
260
YOUR RATING
  • Director
    • Jim O'Brien
  • Writers
    • Beryl Bainbridge(novel)
    • John McGrath
  • Stars
    • Joan Plowright
    • Billie Whitelaw
    • Pete Postlethwaite
  • Director
    • Jim O'Brien
  • Writers
    • Beryl Bainbridge(novel)
    • John McGrath
  • Stars
    • Joan Plowright
    • Billie Whitelaw
    • Pete Postlethwaite
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 2User reviews
    • 6Critic reviews
  • See production, box office & company info
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Nominated for 1 BAFTA Award
      • 1 win & 1 nomination total

    Photos

    The Dressmaker (1988)
    The Dressmaker (1988)
    Jane Horrocks and Tim Ransom in The Dressmaker (1988)
    Jane Horrocks, Joan Plowright, Tim Ransom, and Billie Whitelaw in The Dressmaker (1988)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Joan Plowright
    Joan Plowright
    • Nellie
    Billie Whitelaw
    Billie Whitelaw
    • Margo
    Pete Postlethwaite
    Pete Postlethwaite
    • Jack
    • (as Peter Postlethwaite)
    Jane Horrocks
    Jane Horrocks
    • Rita
    Tim Ransom
    Tim Ransom
    • Wesley
    Pippa Hinchley
    Pippa Hinchley
    • Val
    Rosemary Martin
    Rosemary Martin
    • Mrs. Manders
    Tony Haygarth
    Tony Haygarth
    • Mr. Manders
    Michael James Reed
    Michael James Reed
    • Chuck
    • (as Michael James-Reed)
    Sam Douglas
    Sam Douglas
    • Cpl. Zawadski
    Bert Parnaby
    • Mr. Barnes
    Lorraine Ashbourne
    Lorraine Ashbourne
    • Factory Girl
    Mandy Walsh
    • Factory Girl
    Margi Clarke
    Margi Clarke
    • Shopwoman
    Andrew Moorcroft
    • Butcher's Boy
    Marie Jelliman
    • Mrs. O'Toole
    Rita Howard
    • Producer
    Pamela Austin
    Pamela Austin
    • Singer
    • Director
      • Jim O'Brien
    • Writers
      • Beryl Bainbridge(novel)
      • John McGrath
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Jane Horrocks's debut.
    • Connections
      Featured in Siskel & Ebert: Physical Evidence/Parents/Gone with the Wind (50th Anniversary)/The Dressmaker (1989)
    • Soundtracks
      You Are My Sunshine
      (uncredited)

      Written by Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell

    User reviews2

    Review
    Review
    Featured review
    10/10
    An Unexpected Wow!
    I know a film is powerful when I find myself talking out loud to the characters. This was the case with The Dressmaker. The four main characters: Rita, Margo, Nellie and Jack, each had an intense character to play and did so with great acting. And, the script itself gave them a great vehicle in which to display their considerable skills.

    I found myself thinking about something I was taught when writing a filmscript: a main goal of the script is to produce emotion, both in the characters and in the viewers. This film did so in spades. The plot had enough going in it, including the relationships between the main four, to produce intense feelings. Enough so I was compelled to try and tell them what to do or think or say.

    The ending was both unexpected and satisfying in a odd way. Having a satisfying ending was a relief after such tension.

    If you want to watch a great drama about both familial relationships and their interactions with world events (WWII) don't miss this film.
    helpful•7
    3
    • Moviegoer19
    • Jul 28, 2019

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • October 26, 1989 (Australia)
    • Country of origin
      • United Kingdom
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Sömmerskan
    • Filming locations
      • Liverpool, Merseyside, England, UK
    • Production companies
      • British Screen Productions
      • Channel Four Films
      • Freeway/Shedlo Film
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 32 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Mono

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