Description

The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister has finally arrived on DVD in North America!

Based on a true story, this passionate BBC drama tells the sumptuous Victorian period tale of upper class society lady Anne Lister (played by the beautiful Maxine Peak) — who defied conventions by living with her female lover, and who recorded her numerous lesbian adventures in her diaries! Truly a must-see lesbian film — especially for fans of Sarah Waters (if you liked Fingersmith, Tipping The Velvet and Affinity you’ll LOVE this movie)!

In nineteenth century Yorkshire wealthy orphan Anne Lister lives with an aunt and uncle who are anxious for her to marry well and blissfully unaware that she is a lesbian, recording her thoughts and exploits in a coded diary. When her lover Mariana Belcombe makes a marriage of convenience to rich old Charles Lawton, she feels betrayed and, although Mariana visits and makes love with her regularly, the relationship is going nowhere.

Helped by old flame Tib she makes a play for innocent Miss Browne but sees she is barking up the wrong tree and diverts herself by renovating the family hall. A drunken Tib almost exposes her secret and scornful mine-owner Christopher Rawson, whose marriage proposal she rejects, tells her that her sexuality is a subject of local gossip.

Undeterred, Anne meets Ann Walker who becomes her new ‘wife’ and they open a coal-mine, living happily together.

This remarkable BBC drama is a true pleasure for lesbian movie fans. Enjoy!