The Short and Curlies
Encyclopedia
The Short and Curlies is a 1987 short film written and directed by Mike Leigh
. It stars Alison Steadman
, Wendy Nottingham, Sylvestra Le Touzel
and David Thewlis
. The hairdressers 'Cynthia's' was in Willesden
and exterior locations were in nearby Harlesden
. Channel Four put up money for the film and, pending the success of this project, agreed to co-produce with Portman Productions Leigh's first feature film since Bleak Moments - what became 1988's feature movie High Hopes. Music by Rachel Portman
.
The short, 18 minute film, made after three weeks rehearsal, concerns a chatty hairdresser Betty (Alsion Steadman), her shy daughter, Charlene (Wendy Nottingham), and one of her customers, Joy (Sylvestra Le Touzel). Joy works in a chemist's shop and is chatted up by Clive (David Thewlis - in the first of his three Leigh roles) over the Durex
counter. "On the one hand there is ritual, physical indignity, rubber, prevention; on the other, new life, love , marriage. Charlene slips sadly and silently between two stools..."
Mike Leigh
Michael "Mike" Leigh, OBE is a British writer and director of film and theatre. He studied theatre at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and studied further at the Camberwell School of Art and the Central School of Art and Design. He began as a theatre director and playwright in the mid 1960s...
. It stars Alison Steadman
Alison Steadman
Alison Steadman OBE is an English actress. She established her career with roles such as Beverley in Abigail's Party and Candice Marie in Nuts in May for the director Mike Leigh, to whom she was once married. In addition to her stage and radio work, she has had lead roles in The Singing Detective,...
, Wendy Nottingham, Sylvestra Le Touzel
Sylvestra Le Touzel
Sylvestra Le Touzel is a British television, film and stage actor who was born on Jersey in the Channel Islands and raised in Kensington, London. She was schooled in East Acton.-TV:...
and David Thewlis
David Thewlis
David Thewlis is an English actor of stage and screen. His most commercially successful role to date has been that of Remus Lupin, in the Harry Potter film series...
. The hairdressers 'Cynthia's' was in Willesden
Willesden
Willesden is an area in North West London which forms part of the London Borough of Brent. It is situated 5 miles north west of Charing Cross...
and exterior locations were in nearby Harlesden
Harlesden
Harlesden is an area in the London Borough of Brent, northwest London, UK. Its main focal point is the Jubilee Clock which commemorates Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee....
. Channel Four put up money for the film and, pending the success of this project, agreed to co-produce with Portman Productions Leigh's first feature film since Bleak Moments - what became 1988's feature movie High Hopes. Music by Rachel Portman
Rachel Portman
Rachel Mary Berkeley Portman, OBE is a British composer, best known for her film work. She was the first female composer to win an Academy Award in the category of Best Original Score...
.
The short, 18 minute film, made after three weeks rehearsal, concerns a chatty hairdresser Betty (Alsion Steadman), her shy daughter, Charlene (Wendy Nottingham), and one of her customers, Joy (Sylvestra Le Touzel). Joy works in a chemist's shop and is chatted up by Clive (David Thewlis - in the first of his three Leigh roles) over the Durex
Durex
Durex is the trademarked name for a range of condoms that used to be made by British company SSL International. This company was sold to Reckitt Benckiser in July 2010....
counter. "On the one hand there is ritual, physical indignity, rubber, prevention; on the other, new life, love , marriage. Charlene slips sadly and silently between two stools..."