Thank God for Sir Ian. I was just about to turn this film off when he appeared. I should have trusted my instincts earlier.
I don't know if it was supposed to be a commentary on the appalling treatment of single pregnant women during the 1960's or about the terrible state and behaviour of the health service at the time, but it wasn't a good or well made story either way.
The lead female didn't have much going for her and I can't see why anyone would even be friends with her let alone get her pregnant. As it happens, I only tuned in to watch it because the synopsis said that she had a baby with a gay TV presenter, which piqued my interests, but although Mr McKellen was a tad effeminate in his way, there was no indication or conversation to confirm his sexuality at all. That might have given it some drama had it been obvious, but alas that's not the case.
It's also a bit creepy. The music and style of filming is similar to 'Rosemary's Baby' which lead me to think that the baby could die at any moment or some sort of evil or paranormal activity could occur.
All in all not one of the best.
I don't know if it was supposed to be a commentary on the appalling treatment of single pregnant women during the 1960's or about the terrible state and behaviour of the health service at the time, but it wasn't a good or well made story either way.
The lead female didn't have much going for her and I can't see why anyone would even be friends with her let alone get her pregnant. As it happens, I only tuned in to watch it because the synopsis said that she had a baby with a gay TV presenter, which piqued my interests, but although Mr McKellen was a tad effeminate in his way, there was no indication or conversation to confirm his sexuality at all. That might have given it some drama had it been obvious, but alas that's not the case.
It's also a bit creepy. The music and style of filming is similar to 'Rosemary's Baby' which lead me to think that the baby could die at any moment or some sort of evil or paranormal activity could occur.
All in all not one of the best.