Fair warning: The Killing of Sister George is not for the faint of heart. The subject matter of open homosexuality was very daring in 1968, so while it might not be shocking to modern audiences, it's still shocking when you remember that other movies released that year were Funny Girl, The Odd Couple, and Yours, Mine, and Ours. This British drama received an X-rating for its graphic content and subject matter. Quite frankly, the big scene primarily responsible for the rating is still very graphic even by today's standards.
Beryl Reid stars as a beloved television actress with a sweet persona completely different from her offscreen life. In real life, she smokes, drinks, swears, and lives with her much younger girlfriend, Susannah York. When the television producers announce the termination of her character (hence the film's title), Beryl goes to pieces. She takes her anger and unhappiness out on Susannah, and there are times when we can actually see her mood improve as she harasses her girlfriend.
The abusive relationship is sometimes tough to watch. Beryl enjoys that Susannah prances around the house in lingerie and plays with dolls like a young girl. When out for a fight, she accuses Susannah of flirting with men or deliberately enticing them; she's jealous and afraid of losing her because without fame and money, she has nothing to offer. There's a particular scene that will no doubt stay with viewers: as a punishment, Susannah has to get down on her knees and eat a cigar. Another scene just as memorable for me is when the couple dresses up as Laurel & Hardy and goes to a lesbian bar. Filmed on location with non-actors as extras, the sadness and pain on all the women's faces are actually palpable. This isn't a movie that glamorizes lesbianism or pretends that all lesbians look and act like Susannah York. It's a peek inside one couple's world, as we see the immense flaws and dysfunctionality. Very good acting and a realistic script, but it's hard to watch.
Kiddy Warning: Obviously, you have control over your own children. However, due to graphic sex scenes, I wouldn't let my kids watch it.
Beryl Reid stars as a beloved television actress with a sweet persona completely different from her offscreen life. In real life, she smokes, drinks, swears, and lives with her much younger girlfriend, Susannah York. When the television producers announce the termination of her character (hence the film's title), Beryl goes to pieces. She takes her anger and unhappiness out on Susannah, and there are times when we can actually see her mood improve as she harasses her girlfriend.
The abusive relationship is sometimes tough to watch. Beryl enjoys that Susannah prances around the house in lingerie and plays with dolls like a young girl. When out for a fight, she accuses Susannah of flirting with men or deliberately enticing them; she's jealous and afraid of losing her because without fame and money, she has nothing to offer. There's a particular scene that will no doubt stay with viewers: as a punishment, Susannah has to get down on her knees and eat a cigar. Another scene just as memorable for me is when the couple dresses up as Laurel & Hardy and goes to a lesbian bar. Filmed on location with non-actors as extras, the sadness and pain on all the women's faces are actually palpable. This isn't a movie that glamorizes lesbianism or pretends that all lesbians look and act like Susannah York. It's a peek inside one couple's world, as we see the immense flaws and dysfunctionality. Very good acting and a realistic script, but it's hard to watch.
Kiddy Warning: Obviously, you have control over your own children. However, due to graphic sex scenes, I wouldn't let my kids watch it.