The Way I See It
The shipyard painter, political activist and razor-sharp cartoonist Bob Starrett has just written a new book The Way I See It on his eventful life and times. Below we reprint one of his stories and review an essential read
La Boheme
ENO's production of La Boheme is a triumph,
Hysteria (15)
by Maria DuarteDirected by Tanya Wexler
Thursday 20 September 2012
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The invention of the electric vibrator in the Victorian era forms the fascinating but bizarre premise for this surprisingly sweet and funny romantic comedy.
Partially based on fact, there is nothing smutty or vulgar about Hysteria. It is Merchant Ivory meets Carry On but all done in the best possible taste.
Hugh Dancy plays Dr Mortimer Granville who is hired by a leading London physician (Jonathan Pryce) to treat his rich female patients for "hysteria," a catch-all diagnosis for numerous conditions.
The treatment consists of giving them a pelvic massage resulting in an orgasm.
Due to this hands-on work Granville develops RSI and creates the vibrator to alleviate his symptoms.
Despite its eye-raising premise this is a film that you can safely take a date and even your mother to see.
And it stars a superb A-list cast alongside Maggie Gyllenhaal, who convinces as a British social reformer.
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