The Observer, October 1951: "No one would put this among the Plays Pleasant, but it does seize the mind." [15]

Chapman, J. (2022). The Money Behind the Screen: A History of British Film Finance, 1945-1985. Edinburgh University Press p 358 The film is an adaption of the play of the same name, written by Sylvia Raymanand which had its premiere at the Regent Theatre in Hayes the previous year before going on to have an extended run in the West End. Newly restored, the film is due to have its first ever DVD, Blu-ray, and Digital release in March 27 ththis year via Europe’s leading film and television studio, STUDIOCANAL. Women of Twilight is a lost gem: a gritty, ground-breaking drama based on the hit West End play by Sylvia Rayman that was the first British film to receive the recently introduced X certificate. There’s Michael Sheen just chewing the scenery as Aro the mind-reading Volturi vampire – or is it Tony Blair? There’s the disturbing business of Jacob the werewolf “imprinting” on Renesmee the vampire-human baby and planning to become her lover when she is fully grown. There’s the sippy cup of blood with a straw when Bella gets those pregnancy cravings. There’s the eternal youth and immortality bestowed by vampirism, so why do all the actors look like they have been Botoxed and lathered in clown paint? Worse still, there’s a hidden anti-vegan message when Edward explains to Bella that his family are “vegetarian vampires” and only drink the blood of animals. “It’s like a human on tofu – keeps you strong but never satisfied.” Finally, it’s worth remembering that Fifty Shades of Grey began as Twilight fan fiction. Trade shown on 4 November 1952, the film opened at the Plaza, Piccadilly Circus on 15 January 1953, with general release following from 23 February. Press responses ranged from "Though grossly overacted by all in sight, the film will draw pity from those who know how harsh the world can be" [25] to "Before virtue triumphs we are treated to a great deal of horror and degradation ... It is not only rapacious boarding-house keepers and baby-farmers who exploit the misfortunes of unmarried mothers. Where would popular playwrights and film producers be without them?" [26]Larry Carroll (2009-02-23). " 'Twilight' Star Robert Pattinson Talks 'New Moon,' 'Eclipse' and 'Breaking Dawn' ". MTV . Retrieved 2009-03-03. Chelsea Palace, London, Metropolitan Theatre, Edgware Road, and other locations 6 th April – 22 nd August 1953. As one of the characters points out, the public doesn't want to know or hear what happens to the young women who are dismissed as shameless and who in the mid-20th century were still being treated like the "fallen" women of Victorian novels. With her silky tones, middle-class vowels and air of authority, Helen's word holds more sway than that of the young women unfortunate enough to enter her domain like flies entering a spider's web. No wonder she gets away with larceny, child neglect and worse. As a hangout space The Pleasance lives up to its name. The chirpy staff and apartment style front of house, with its sprawling sofas and walls of photographic stills from previous productions, make it a relaxing place to while away a couple hours. Great for a play like this, which leaves plenty of room for post theatre discussion. Additionally, Women of Twilight is a play which really deserves to be seen by many more people, so the move from The White Bear to the higher capacity Pleasance seems like a natural choice.

Sunday Dispatch, January 1953: "A study of low life and bad morals in the Russian manner. A houseful of unhappy unmarried mothers will arouse the sympathy of all but the most censorious. Many of the original stage cast repeat their lifelike performances on the screen. If the aim of tragedy is to purge the soul with pity, this is indeed a great tragic film." [30] Broadly, the cast is divided into three elements. One is the unfortunate mothers. The second is the put-upon staff of the hostel, to an extent divided in their response to the morality of what they are helping to do. The third is the single figure of the proprietor, Helen, a twisted, contemptuous and unhappy woman who takes out her various malaises on her victims. Sally Mortemore seizes her chances in this almost larger than life role with understandable energy. Some of the language was ultimately sanitised for the film market, but that doesn’t detract from this still being a bold and gritty piece of cinematic history. With its references to rape, infanticide, and prostitution, and given the prevailing attitudes of the day, the film was also seen as being highly controversial. It was originally intended to be part of a double bill with Cosh Boy, starring Joan Collinsand another film focussing upon a different contemporary issue – this time that of juvenile delinquency – but eventually Women of Twilightwas to enjoy its own individual release. Some of her victims also have interesting catastrophes to deal with, but for all that, the first act consists of encounters between them and Helen, which Helen inevitably wins. She is the boss. Her victims have nowhere else to hide.An adaptation of the 1951 play by Sylvia Rayman that enjoyed an extended run in the West End, this newly restored version of WOMEN OF TWILIGHT comes complete with a host of new special features and is a welcome addition to the ever-expanding Vintage Classics collection. a b c Nicole Sperling (2009-08-18). " 'Twilight Saga: Eclipse' beings production today". Entertainment Weekly . Retrieved 2009-08-18. Embassy Theatre, London, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Vaudeville Theatre, (Strand) London, and other locations 15 th October 1951 – 10 th May 1952. Another screen version of Rayman's play, Mulheres do crepúsculo, was broadcast as part of the Brazilian TV series Grande Teatro Tupi on 13 January 1963. [28] Film criticism [ edit ]