Respectable: The Mary Millington Story

Documentary chronicling the extraordinary life and tragic death of Mary Millington - Britain's most famous pornographic actress of the 1970s.

I wouldn't say I'm incredibly knowledgeable about the history of pornography. But I've seen enough documentaries and read enough stories that I thought I had a fair handle on it. But, it turns out, the world of American pornography is apparently completely different from British (or perhaps European) pornography. Because I have never even heard of Mary Millington.

This documentary is quite a good one, because it not just follows Mary's life, but follows the industry, which is really the more interesting story. It's a story of morality, censorship, and more. This is even more fascinating today (2016) in the era of the internet.

This documentary provides insight into the all-too-brief life of Mary Millington, both celebrated and damned during her life because of her appearances in both "hard" and "soft" porn.

Mary comes across as eminently likable, independent of spirit but also vulnerable.

Offending "the Establishment" has never been a free ride, and although by the 1970s attitudes to matters sexual had become more liberal than in the early 1960s when the likes of Christine Keeler, Mandy Rice-Davies and Stephen Ward were prosecuted (one might say persecuted), with the well publicised efforts of Mary Whitehouse, Lord Longford and Malcolm Muggeridge, Mary's exploits were unlikely to go unremarked. And judging from the notes she left at the time of her death she clearly felt "they" - the police and the tax man in particular - were out to get her.

With proper help (if she had been prepared to accept it) Mary might well have got through her problems, especially her relationship with her mother and the effect of her death, and gone on to make her mark as an actress or elsewhere, but sadly that is purely hypothetical.

I felt very sad by the end of the film - at the loss of such a vibrant free spirit so early in her life. But also heartened at the reminder of this free spirit who refused to accept other peoples norms.

As to the documentary as a piece of film making, I cannot see how it could have been improved. A truly excellent piece of work by Simon Sheridan and those with whom he worked.

Simon Sheridan has produced the last word on the life of Mary Millington. This documentary explores in detail the fascinating (and never boring) life of Britain's first and only (!) mainstream porn star.

Whilst the work of every British film genre is celebrated with pride, the soft porn film is typically neglected except for cheerleaders especially Sheridan. These films were major earners and drew on big stars who would go from children's films to soft porn films (such as Ronnie Fraser going from Swallows and Amazon's to Come Play with Me with Mary Millington!). These were different times!

This film is going to be revolutionary to even the most hardened (lol!) fan but it is also even handed in approach. In short it is a Meister work and is worth a watch for anyone with an interest in British cinema...indeed anyone! Fantastic!

This is a wonderfully moving warts and all documentary that shows the extreme ups and downs of the UK'S only real iconic porn star,the love and respect Simon Sheridan has for Mary shines through as much as that of her friends and family.

Dexter Fletcher's narration is perfect and most of the major people in Mary's life have been interviewed,including David Sullivan, Francoise Pascal and the late Stanley A. Long.

This is a must see for any one with an interest in British cinema or just an interest in a larger than life bundle of contradictions who fought against the strict censorship laws of the time..... She really did want to stick it to the man...

First time director Simon Sheridan pays his respects to Mary Millington, Britain's sex superstar of the 1970s. Blending a perfect recipe of primary documentary evidence, expert talking heads, original audio recordings and varied video clips, Sheridan's story is both moving and captivating. All aspects of Mary's life and career are examined in detail to provide a comprehensive and compelling depiction of her spectacular rise to fame and tragic fall into depression in a few short years.

Key players in Mary's short life including David Sullivan, Mary Whitehouse and Diana Dors are featured, as are extensive examples of Mary's professional print and film output. Documentary contributors include Mary's lovers, friends and family who between them create a detailed picture of Mary's complex personality and motivations. Sheridan's documentary film is expertly pieced together and is not to be missed.