Search - Fanny Hill on DVD

FANNY HILL'S STILL HOT -- AND SWEET

Robin Simmons | Palm Springs area, CA United States | 10/20/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Although John Cleland's 1748 version of "MEMOIRS OF A WOMAN OF PLEASURE" was written while in prison for debt and subsequently banned in Britain for over 200 years because of its sexual theme, it has been filmed several times since the obscenity ban in the U.S. was lifted only in 1966.



What is often overlooked because of the scandalous controversy of the source material, is the drama, wit and charm and especially the feel good ending of the episodic melodrama itself.



This new to DVD version won raves when it was originally broadcast. The Times (UK) called it "Beautiful, sensual and extremely witty."



Screenwriter Andrew Davis, lauded for his sexy adaptations of classics like "Brideshead Revisited," "Pride and Prejudice" as well as pop fiction bestseller "Bridget Jones's Diary" does not shy away from keeping the sexuality at the forefront of Britain's first erotic novel.



Fanny -- newcomer Rebecca Night -- shines in the title role. And we believe her as she relates her journey from wholesome innocent to worldly wise woman. In a nutshell, the story is her journey from orphaned country girl virgin to London prostitute under an infamous madam. In order to survive, she enthusiastically takes a series of lovers while somehow protecting her heart for her true love.



Beautifully photographed with wonderful period detail, the overt atmosphere of ever-present sensuality is still eye-brow raising but necessary for the tale. Without the nudity and strong sexual scenes the story would not be Fanny Hill's.



James Hawkes' direction is smooth and he makes Rebecca Night's transformation from dewey country girl to wise but not hard-hearted woman believable.



This fable resonates on a lot of levels -- it's not about the beauty of prostitution and [...] with a heart of gold, but rather that anyone can be redeemed.



Extras include Behind the Scenes footage, interviews, previews etc."

Not bad for a tv movie; more explicit than I thought. Rebecc

Michael D. Chlanda | 07/02/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This adaptation of the book was, for a tv movie, surprisingly explicit, and featured the lovely Rebecca Night (though I'd like to have seen more of her, and heard her talk less, in the movie). She's got a nice combination of innocence and seductiveness [if I might put it that way] and she's got a lovely figure. Other characters were nice too. It's too bad I didn't see anything of Ms. Louisa Clein's figure, which was nicely displayed in Island At War. I can tell you though, if this had run on tv (especially in Missouri) they'd have cut half of it. Still, not bad."

I love Period Dramas, and this one was great!

L. Johnson | Oklahoma City, OK, USA | 04/02/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Fanny Hill

This movie has a little bit of everything in it.

I was never bored watching it.

Rebecca Night and Alison Steadman do not dissappoint.

Superb Acting on both their parts.

Loved the supporting cast and lovely costumes also.

It does have nudity, but the human body is a beautiful thing right? :)

If you like movies that tell a story, this ones for you.

For all I know it could've been true.

Enjoy It!"

The British know how to make movies!

Maureen Gardner | San Francisco, CA | 12/15/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you are into period piece movies (even if you are not) this is a must see! It's about a young English country lady who is lured into the city by a 'so-called' friend & is soon taught the wicked ways of prostitution. It starts with her innocent, quiet & trusting in others & slowly she learns what she has become & what her life could turn out to be! This movie is meant for an older audience as there is much talk of sex & there is a fair share of nudity. Really interesting & quite funny @ times! The British sure know how to make a quality film! Enjoy!"