The Whisperers
| The Whisperers | |
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| Directed by | Bryan Forbes |
| Produced by |
Michael Laughlin Jack Rix Ronald Shedlo |
| Written by |
Robert Nicolson Bryan Forbes |
| Starring | Edith Evans |
| Music by | John Barry |
| Cinematography | Gerry Turpin |
| Edited by | Anthony Harvey |
| Distributed by | Lopert Pictures Corporation |
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Release date
|
24 August 1967 |
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Running time
|
105 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $400,000 |
The Whisperers is a 1967 British drama film directed by Bryan Forbes, based on the 1961 novel by Robert Nicolson, and starring Edith Evans. Although the fictional setting of the film is not named, it was mainly shot on location in the Lancashire town of Oldham, a once-thriving textile centre near Manchester which by 1967 had fallen into decline. Star Edith Evans received many honors for her leading performance, including her third Academy Award nomination.
Mrs. Margaret Ross, an impoverished, elderly, eccentric woman, is living in a ground floor flat, in an unnamed town in North England. Aged 76, she is dependent on National Assistance from the British government. She is visited by her criminal son, who hides a package containing a large sum of money, in her unused spare room. The son confesses to the police of his robbery, then is sent to jail. Meanwhile, Mrs. Ross finds the money. Thinking the money is a windfall intended for her, Mrs. Ross makes elaborate plans. She casually confides to a stranger, who befriends her in order to ply her with spirits, kidnap her, then rob her of the stolen money. Rendered drunk and abandoned to the elements by her captors, Mrs. Ross contracts pneumonia. She is found by neighbors, then after almost dying, recovers in an hospital. It's the first time anyone has cared for her in years. Doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, and social workers all focus on her case. An agent at the National Assistance bureau traces down her husband, Archie (who deserted her decades ago). Motivated by the agent, who threatens him with legal pressure, informing him of his legal responsibility to her, the husband is strongly encouraged to move back in with her, which he does. Soon, he becomes involved with gamblers, then steals their money at a chance opportunity, which forces him to flee, so he deserts her again. Having been on the verge of a return to functional living, Mrs. Ross resumes her lonely status as an isolated person, who talks to the walls. This movie depicts these events as occurring during the year 1966, ironically the year that British National Assistance was abolished.
Edith Evans was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress, and won the BAFTA Award, the Silver Bear for Best Actress award at the 17th Berlin International Film Festival, the National Board of Review award, the New York Film Critics Circle award, and the Golden Globe Award all for Best Actress.
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