The Dressmaker is a 1988 British drama film directed by Jim O'Brien and starring Joan Plowright, Billie Whitelaw and Pete Postlethwaite. It is an adaptation of the 1973 novel The Dressmaker by Beryl Bainbridge.
Plot Set during the Second World War in England, the story concerns a claustrophobic relationship between two middle-aged sisters and their fragile 17-year-old niece.
Production Some scenes were shot on location in Liverpool, including at Liverpool Cathedral.
The costume designer for The Dressmaker was Academy Award-nominated British designer Judy Moorcroft.
Cast Joan Plowright – Nellie Billie Whitelaw – Margo Pete Postlethwaite – Jack Jane Horrocks – Rita Tim Ransom – Wesley Pippa Hinchley – Val Rosemary Martin – Mrs Manders Tony Haygarth – Mr Manders Michael James Reed – Chuck Sam Douglas – Corporal Zawadski Bert Parnaby – Mr Barnes Lorraine Ashbourne – Factory Girl Mandy Walsh – Factory Girl Margi Clarke – Shopwoman Andrew Moorcroft – Butcher's Boy Marie Jelliman – Mrs O'Toole Release The film was shown at the London Film Festival on 16 November 1988. It opened in New York and Los Angeles on 14 December. Reception Time Out Magazine reported: "John McGrath's wittily scripted adaptation of Beryl Bainbridge's novel is played with stylish gusto by all concerned. Horrocks plays the innocent so well that you feel like strangling her; Plowright and Whitelaw are a joy throughout."
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