Watch Respectable: The Mary Millington Story

Respectable: The Mary Millington Story is a captivating biographical drama film based on the life of a British pornographic actress and model, Mary Millington. Directed by Simon Sheridan, the film features an impressive ensemble cast, with Dexter Fletcher, David Sullivan, and Dudley Sutton portraying key characters. The movie explores the life and career of Mary Millington, who rose to prominence in the early 1970s and became one of the most recognizable faces of the British adult entertainment industry. Starting as a pin-up model, Mary soon transitioned into adult film acting, and quickly gained a reputation as a fearless performer who was willing to push the boundaries of sexual explicitness.

However, the film is not just a celebration of Mary's sexual liberation and her rise to fame, it's also a poignant exploration of her personal life and the struggles she faced both in her career and personal life. Dexter Fletcher stars as David Sullivan, a softcore pornographer and Mary's long-time friend and confidante, who narrates the story through his own reminiscences and archive footage of Mary.

David is instrumental in Mary's rise to fame, and the film shows how he helped her navigate through the adult entertainment industry and become a popular icon. However, the film also depicts David's own struggles with addiction and his complex relationship with Mary, which is both symbiotic and fraught with tension.

As the film progresses, it explores Mary's own struggles with addiction, financial turmoil, and the increasing censorship of the British adult entertainment industry. Despite her initial success, Mary's personal life soon takes a darker turn, with her struggles with depression and substance abuse leading to a tragic end.

Throughout the film, the audience is treated to riveting performances from Dudley Sutton as Mary's father, who has his own share of demons, and David Sullivan, who portrays a complex and conflicted character with aplomb.

What sets Respectable apart from other biopic dramas is its use of archive footage, which includes interviews with Mary, behind-the-scenes footage, and clips from her films. This gives the film an added layer of authenticity and, in some ways, provides a more intimate look into Mary's life than traditional biopics.

The film also delves into the cultural and social context of Mary's career, exploring the debates around censorship and morality, and the societal attitudes towards sex and nudity in the 1970s. This adds an element of social commentary to the film, making it both an engaging tale of one woman's triumphs and tribulations and a reflection of broader cultural shifts.

Overall, Respectable: The Mary Millington Story is a well-crafted and engaging biopic that brings to life the story of a fascinating and controversial figure in British cultural history. With powerful performances, an authentic portrayal of a unique time and place, and a poignant exploration of personal struggles, the film will appeal to anyone interested in human drama, history, and cultural commentary.

Respectable: The Mary Millington Story is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.