Salome's Last Dance
- Director: Ken Russell
- Writer: Oscar Wilde; Vivian Russell
- Producer: Penny Corke; Dan Ireland
CGiii Comment
Forget what the critics say (and they really hated it)...
Yes, it is rude and crude, extravagant, excessive and indulgent...but, it is a film by Ken Russell.
We expect no less (thanks Ken), eccentric theatrical campness done to perfection – it really is very funny, if it’s not taken seriously.
Admittedly, it may only be for die-hard fans and buffs...but, it is a rendition of Wilde’s play that is, truly, unforgettable.
Trailer...
The(ir) Blurb...
Late on Guy Fawkes Day, 1892, Oscar Wilde arrives at a high-class brothel where a surprise awaits: a staging of his play "Salome," with parts played by prostitutes, Wilde's host, his lover Bosey, and Lady Alice. The movie moves between the play and Wilde's night. In the play, Herod begs his pubescent step-daughter Salome to dance for him, promising her anything she desires. Her mother, Herodias, objects. Salome is stung by John the Baptist's rejection of her affections. The prophet's scolding celibacy puts him between the expressed desire of age and youth. Wilde dallies with a young man as he watches the show, provoking Bosey's jealousy. Two surprises await us.
Cast & Characters
Glenda Jackson as Herodias / Lady Alice;
Stratford Johns as Herod / Alfred Taylor;
Nickolas Grace as Oscar Wilde;
Douglas Hodge as John the Baptist / Lord Alfred 'Bosey' Douglas;
Imogen Millais-Scott as Salome / Rose;
Denis Lill as Tigellenus / Chilvers;
Russell Lee Nash as Pageboy;
Ken Russell as Cappadocian / Kenneth;
David Doyle as A. Nubin;
Warren Saire as Young Syrian;
Kenny Ireland as 1st Soldier;
Michael Van Wijk as 2nd Soldier;
Paul Clayton as 1st Nazarean;
Imogen Claire as 2nd Nazarean;
Tim Potter as Pharisee