Tipping the Velvet : The Complete BBC Series [2002] [DVD]

United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Dolby Digital 2.0 ), ANAMORPHIC WIDESCREEN (2.35:1), SPECIAL FEATURES: Cast/Crew Interview(s), Interactive Menu, Photo Gallery, Scene Access, SYNOPSIS: This adaptation of Sarah Waters popular novel follows Nan Astley (Rachael Stirling) as she blossoms into womanhood and explores her sexuality, ostensibly forbidden in Victorian society. Nan seems destined for marriage to a nice, but dull, suitor in her seaside, English town. However, a trip to the theater changes everything when she falls in love at first sight with the ravishing Kitty Butler (Keeley Hawes), a gorgeous woman who makes a living posing as a young boy and singing in a vaudeville-style cabaret--even to the extent of cutting her hair short. Though at first unable to identify her feelings, Nan simply cannot get enough of Kitty, and soon begins to spend every available second with her. As the two grow closer, Kitty invites Nan to accompany her to London. Against her family's wishes, the two move, and Nan eventually joins the show as another gender-bending performer. However, while Nan feels only blissful love for Kitty, Kitty cannot accept the fact of their relationship, and soon begins an affair with a man. Her relationship over, devastated Nan has no career and no love. Using the boyish costumes from her show, Nan begins to prostitute herself to men who are looking for teenage boys. From there, her life spins in wild directions, as she resolves her sexuality, becomes a concubine for an abusive wealthy woman, again ascends to stardom, and finds true love.
SCREENED/AWARDED AT: BAFTA Awards, ...Tipping the Velvet

Screenwriter Andrew Davies describes Tipping the Velvet, his adaptation of Sarah Waters's acclaimed novel of lesbian love, betrayal and redemption in Victorian England, as "Pride and Prejudice with dirty bits". This three-part BBC production chronicles with relish the story of Nan Astley (Rachael Stirling, the ravishing image of her mother, Diana Rigg), barely 18, and certain that life holds more for her than her oyster girl's existence. "You'll meet someone who'll have your head spinning and your legs turning to jelly", her sister promises. That someone surprisingly turns out to be "gay and bold" Kitty Butler (Keeley Hawes), a music-hall entertainer with whom Nan falls instantly, and swooningly, in love. Nan follows her to London, where, as a double act, they become the toast of London, until Kitty's "marriage of convenience" breaks up the act and Nan's heart. The outcast Nan, decked out in Victor/Victoria duds, becomes a streetwalker, and then "tart" to the aptly named Diana Leatherby (Anna Chancellor). This affair, too, comes to "a bad end" as a destitute Nan is deposited back on the streets, where she insinuates herself into the lives of Florence (Jodhi May), a social worker, and her socialist brother.

Is Nan "too spoiled and stained for love"? Will she risk her blossoming relationship with Florence when Kitty inevitably returns to rekindle their affair? Nan's couplings, while tastefully done, do carry what Waters calls "a queer erotic charge". They are graphic by BBC standards. But the sterling writing and performances will captivate even the most sensitive viewers, making this groundbreaking mini-series, to quote one character, "a delightful evening... a rare treat". --Donald Liebenson