Steaming DVD, 1985

Nell Dunn’s play about six women who meet regularly at a crumbling Turkish bathhouse in London was something of a cause celebre when it premiered in the West End in 1981: theatregoers had never seen this much nudity in one production, let alone heard female characters talking this frankly. But beneath the novelty factor is a poignant, funny and genuinely warm portrait of female camaraderie. The bathhouse is a place for the women to trade intimate stories, to express their hopes and fears; when the building is threatened with closure, they are mobilised to try and save it.

Highly faithfully to the original staging, this adaptation has become more notable for being the last film of director Joseph Losey and star Diana Dors. As the bathhouse’s maternal attendant, Dors exudes class and calmness in what was a rare chance to shine this late in her career. As the patrons, Sarah Miles, Vanessa Redgrave and Patti Love cast their clothes aside and tackle the material with admirable gusto.

Julian Upton on 30th September 2009
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