Billie Whitelaw Spotlight: The Dressmaker

This riveting, if devastating tale of a British family during WWII is one of two films making up Warwick Arts Centre's spotlight on Coventry actress, Billie Whitelaw.

Set in Liverpool during World War II, 17 year old Rita is looked after by two aunts: elderly dressmaker Nellie tries to shield Rita from the changing world, whist Margo who takes a more liberal view...

In his first feature, Jim O'Brien admirably conveys an atmosphere of arsenic and old lace through realistic period sets, claustrophobic camerawork, and dim lighting, while John McGrath's wittily scripted adaptation of Beryl Bainbridge's novel is played with stylish gusto by all concerned.

Before the feature film, there will be an exclusive screening of CineCov Stories: Billie and Colin, a short documentary filmed and edited by filmmaker Paul Stringer and produced by Ian Francis from Flatpack, including an interview with Whitelaw's childhood best friend, Colin Watkins, who shares stories and fond memories of his beloved pal.