A Look At The Funnier, Cruder Side Of English Life (Press, 2 November 1987)

"Personal Services," directed by Terry Jones and written by David Leland, is a film that explores the life of Cynthia Payne, a renowned British madam, and presents a unique perspective on sexual attitudes in England. The film suggests that rather than caricaturing sexual behaviour with overt symbols, it embodies a more motherly and nurturing view, as epitomised by Payne herself, who famously stated that she wanted to be remembered for running "a really nice brothel." Cynthia gained notoriety following her conviction in 1980 for "keeping a disorderly house." Unlike typical brothel owners, she understood that her strength lay in understanding and catering to her clients’ needs, which primarily consisted of respectable men in their 50s seeking more than just physical companionship. Her unique services, particularly known as “after care,” involved comforting her clients with tea and conversation, making her establishment a haven for emotional solace. The film showcases a mix of British humour and music-hall antics, contrasting it with the often more serious portrayals of sexuality in American cinema. Jones incorporates comedic elements, such as the character of a former wing commander in a playful outfit, and the portrayal of Dolly, a gender-bent character who adds to the film's comedic yet poignant narrative. However, beyond the humour, "Personal Services" delves into the somber realities faced by these men and women. It portrays a world of emotional and sexual deprivation, suggesting that these encounters often reflect deeper psychological needs rather than mere debauchery. Payne serves as a kind-hearted figure, catering to a clientele desperate for intimacy and connection, even if expressed through unconventional means. Julie Walters delivers a standout performance as the madam, whose character in the film is renamed Christine Painter. Terry Jones, known for his work with Monty Python, adopts a more subdued and reflective tone that contrasts the levity typically associated with his previous projects. The film is based on Payne’s autobiography, "An English Madam," co-written by Leland, who is praised for his nuanced screenplay. Interestingly, the film's release was delayed until after Cynthia’s second trial in 1987, which stemmed from a police raid during one of her parties. Dubbed "Madam Cyn" by the media, she garnered significant attention during a 13-day trial which featured sensational testimonies of the parties. Ultimately, she was acquitted, with the jury approving the “harmless fun” of her gatherings. The film concludes by highlighting the hypocrisy of British society, particularly among its judges who were once her clients. The applause in the courtroom following her acquittal reflects a societal recognition of her impact, suggesting that Payne's story could lead to an entertaining sequel. "Personal Services" thus captures a complex portrait of sexuality, humour, and the human need for connection amid the social mores of the time.

The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact

The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand