The Fox

This is a subtle, dynamic presentation, working within the confines of the late 60's attitudes towards sexuality, and the way society pressures us to conform to it's norms. The entire cast shines in their roles.

I can't really remember why I sat and watched this movie years ago. I guess because it was late at night and there was nothing else to watch on t.v. The movie is about two women who live in a log cabin in the middle of the woods during the whitest and coldest winter. It is not really obvious that they are lesbians, they just look like good friends at first, but then the secret gets out and catches you by surprise(especially that explicit scene where they make-out on the bed and then one of them starts to kiss the other on the neck, shoulders and chest). All hell breaks loose when one of the lovers soon becomes romantically and physically involved with a man who wanders slowly but painfully into their lives. The other woman gets jealous and will stop at nothing to win the heart of her lesbian lover back!! Pretty good acting!!

"The Fox" is a rare cinematic gem that deserves to be appreciated by a wider audience today. At the very least, it needs to be released on DVD. I saw it in a theater when it first came out, and several times again when it was shown on the Bravo cable channel. I have read the book and feel this adaptation into a contemporary setting is without blemish. Production standards and acting quality are very high. The photography and musical score are excellent. Never did the Canadian winter wilderness seem so romantic.

Some have complained that this film is supposedly dated because of some alleged Hollywood idea in the 1960's that lesbianism should be frowned upon or seen as something that happens only when male partners are not available. That is simply not the case. The film follows the book. This is an intelligent, subtle, and very adult study of human sexuality. There is nothing cheap or tawdry about this picture. D. H. Lawrence had incredible intuitive observations into the motivations and desires of his characters' sexual lives. It is high class all the way.

The three talented lead actors (Sandy Dennis, Anne Heywood, Keir Dullea) can be very proud of their work in this "high-brow" art film. Highly recommended for everyone, not just gay audiences.

Until I saw "The Fox", I had believed that the book was always better than the movie. A superb cast of extremely complex characters make this a worthwhile film. Also, anyone who is a fan of Sandy Dennis will enjoy her performance.

Robert Morgan's comments about no nudity are true only because he saw the censored version which did get a PG rating. The original version has a fair amount of nudity at the proper time. I'm certain he saw this on some cable channel which prohibits nudity. I am opposed to such censorship. If TV channels are going to show a film at all, they need to show the entire film!

Excellent film, and a bit shocking for its time.

The two lead actresses (Anne Heywood and Sandy Dennis) were very believable, and Kier Dullea gives his usual fine performance. It's been many years since I saw this, so it's hard to be more specific.

I am also interested in seeing this film released on video/DVD.