VERA DRAKE

Drama

BACKGROUND
Post-war Britain found itself no longer a global world power with its economy in a state of decline largely because of relying upon trade with its commonwealth partners instead of developing new alliances with the European Economic Community. Consequently Britain continued to suffer from shortages of basic goods such as sugar and tea, nylon stockings and the like. For many, this was simply a continuation of the rationing that took place during the war.

PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS
Imelda Staunton: Vera Drake, a middle aged “domestic”
Phil Davis: Stan, her devoted garage-mechanic husband
Daniel Mays: Sid, her fun-loving tailor son
Alex Kelly: Ethel, her painfully introverted factory-worker daughter
Eddie Marsan: Reg, a shy young neighbour
Ruth Sheen: Lily, Vera’s two-faced black-market friend
Adrian Scarborough: Frank, Stan’s brother and business partner
Heather Craney: Joyce, Frank’s snobbish wife

REVIEW
A fact based film set in the early 1950’s we see Vera as a very kind and motherly individual who works outside of the home to provide a little extra income. A person with a heart of gold, she is much loved by all.

The acting throughout is excellent with Imelda Staunton doing an outstanding job (nominated for Best Actress in the 2004 Venice Film Festival). The realism throughout the film is exceptional.

CLASSIFICATION
for some sexual scenes and simulated medical procedures.

FOR NITPICKERS ONLY
While Vera is seen preparing a pot of tea there is a loaf of bread on the table; towards the end of that scene without her even approaching the table it has turned slightly.

When the WPC is about to leave the house her tie is loose; directly after when she goes to enter the car it’s nice and tight.

When they agree to meet “3 weeks later” that would be Monday December 13 not Saturday December 18.

P.S.
This film is so British there is hardly a scene that someone is not “putting the kettle on” or actually drinking tea.