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A seaman named Paul, on-leave for two weeks, returns to his grandfather's chicken ranch only to discover two women, Jill and Ellen, residing there instead; they welcome him in, but soon he begins lusting for Ellen, who is seen as sexually unfulfilled and is therefore drawn to this handsome stranger. This drives a wedge between the two ladies, whose close relationship is ultimately steeped in the hypothetical (they sleep in the same bed, but back to back). Mark Rydell directed this adaptation of D.H. Lawrence's novella, and he's infinitely helped along by beautifully desolate, wintry Toronto locales and by William Fraker's incredible cinematography. The three-person sturm and drang which develops is blanketed by ambiguities and eye-rolling symbolism, however the cast is first-rate. Keir Dullea's performance is flattened out a bit in the last third by Rydell, who has a penchant for cheap melodrama, and also by composer Lalo Schifrin, whose 'suspenseful' music cues become repetitive (you almost expect Norman Bates to come running in). Sandy Dennis and Anne Heywood do extremely well with difficult characterizations, but the notion that Heywood has to pleasure herself in private weakens the bond we sense between the women--this is truly the love which dare not speak its name!--and the final events feel tacked on, with the psychological contest between Jill and Paul leading to an unsatisfying climax. **1/2 from ****

Based on a D.H. Lawrence novella, this daring drama about a pair of lesbians(Sandy Dennis and Anne Heywood) and what transpires when a male stranger(Keir Dullea) enters their lives is one of Hollywood's finest attempts to bring a literary genius and one of his finest creations to the screen. It's a magnificent achievement. The original story(written in 1918) has been modernized, which, of course, means that the sexual themes have been made more explicit. Surprisingly, this doesn't hurt the dramatic impact of the story one bit(let's face it, so many great literary works have been botched up when adapted for the movie screen), and, in some ways, the updating even adds to it. A fine scripting job by Lewis John Carlino and Howard Koch. The performances by the two femmes are striking, with top honors going to the great Sandy Dennis who, although ladylike, is the more dominant party of the relationship. Lalo Schifrin's haunting score received a much deserved Oscar nomination. Released just before they started issuing MPAA ratings, this film nevertheless features some steamy scenes. The film would probably qualify for an "R" rating, even by today's standards. Not for all tastes, but required viewing for those who are game. ****!

Jill Banford (Sandy Dennis) and Ellen March (Anne Heywood) are raising chickens in the remote Canadian wilderness. They keep losing chickens to a wily fox. One day, Paul Renfield (Keir Dullea) arrives looking for his grandfather who was the late previous owner. The girls allow him to stay. He slowly insinuates himself in their lives dividing them when he proposes to Ellen.

I don't know much about the D. H. Lawrence novella. The movie builds up to a nice tension with the conflict between Jill and Paul over Ellen. He should have stayed with them to continue building that tension. When he leaves, the movie takes a break and it has an uptick for the climax. There could have some great conflict opportunities with a more direct climax. As it stands, it has a literary distance despite the emotional powder keg. I'm ready for it to set it off but the climax is more a metaphor than anything else.

"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.

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.

Another Sandy Dennis movie that ought to be on video. Love to see a revival of this one. Keir Dullea--2001 star--plays a very different cutting edge role! Captures the essence of Lawrence's take on men, women and nature.

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.

A ridiculous movie that plays to the '60s-style stereotype that a lesbian is a woman who hasn't found the right man yet, so bides her time with another woman. If she doesn't, heaven forbid, want a man, then she's an evil temptress and must die in the end. Of course, there's the usual batty performance from Sandy Dennis and some interesting imagery with Keir Dullea and the fox. The relationship was almost redeemed when the word 'love' was finally uttered near the end of the film, but it was too little, too late for this dated and cowardly film.

Great sexual tension, but quite subtle. Symbolism relating to the fox is very clever. The film is atmospheric, you can feel the cold as you watch it, plus the atmosphere of the ending will impact upon any feeling person. Anne Heywood is gorgeous, tantalizing; after I saw the film I wanted to see more of her. Her relationship to the fox will delight you. I felt sorry for her though and you may understand what I mean after you've watched it yourself. Sandy Dennis does not come across as a very sympathetic character. She plays the part of a shrew and is unpleasantly shrill. I can say that she is a fine actress and does the part very well even if you don't like the character she portrays. I found the story depressing in parts because of the bleakness of the women's situation before the man enters the scene. I had the feeling that they weren't going to make it on their own. If you don't like this film you need to ask yourself why and realize that perhaps you should expand your horizons. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

I loved this movie. I wish it were on DVD or VHS. I have no idea why it was never released for either medium. Some people now would find it a bit trifling, but it was very moving. The visuals and soundtrack were stunning.

There is the love between the two women. The love between the man and the woman. The pain and agony of both. The mysterious. And all of this in the cold and beautiful and desolate loneliness of winter. Picture the fox at the stream in the midst of the snow and barren trees. The warmth of love of the two women. The searing passion of the man and the woman. Why wouldn't anyone love this movie? Why isn't is available?

This movie follows D.H. Lawrence's novel exactly, word for word. It is a visual masterpiece and treat for all the senses. It's the story of two women trying to maintain their independence on a small farm in Canada. Although opposite personalities, they maintain a deepening friendship and gather strength from each other. It is only when a male stranger appears on the scene that the deeper, sexual tension begins and, thus, a heated competition ensues. The correlation between the stranger and the fox draws you into a vivid world of raw passion and intrigue. Georges Delerue's magical blend of beautiful music with outstanding photography will carry you through this mesmerizing film of complex characters. The cast (Anne Heywood, Sandy Dennis and Keir Dullea) is at their best under the direction of Mark Rydell. Sadly, it has become a cult film and will be pigeonholed and lose its deserving credit as a beautifully-photographed love story. Nevertheless, it deserves to be seen in its entirety for the breathtaking masterpiece it is. Soundtrack may be purchased from ScreenArchives.com for $20.

Saw this movie listed to be shown in my cable lineup. Was going to be on at 4 in the morning, so I set the box to record it.

I grew up in the 60's, so I like to sometimes watch a movie from back then, especially when it deals with a somewhat divergent topic.

Now I am heterosexual, but the lesbian theme of the movie did not bother me. What did bother me though, was mostly the casting of Anne Heywood. I could not get past the fact that she was too physically perfect to make her role believable in my eyes. I don't know about you, but if I was living on an isolated chicken farm in the middle of nowhere, I sure wouldn't be worried about my eyebrows being perfectly groomed, or my hair being styled, or wearing just the right shade of lipstick. Along with my refined touch of a British accent. And Sandy Dennis's character, Jill...I just could not figure out how many jars of Dippity Doo and rollers it would take for her to keep up her hairstyle everyday. Also, her character just seemed too ditzy and insecure to me to be out there in this situation trying to make a living.

Getting back to Anne Heywood's character...she looked like she did covers for Vogue magazine. So I thought to myself- why would someone that looked like her be on a chicken farm in the middle of nowhere? And if Sandy Dennis's character was worried about making a living on the chicken farm and expenses to run the place...well why didn't Anne Heywood's character Ellen jump up and say "Jill darling, don't worry about those pesky bills and money- I'll just jet over to Paris and do another cover for Vogue, that should keep us solvent for a while!" And like another reviewer pointed out...why did she come down to dinner in that one scene in that peach dress and high heels? What sense did that make? Why would you even have something like that with you if you lived in that place? Oh yes, the bedroom arrangement was odd as well. Why did they not have separate bedrooms to start with? Sigh. I really just could not get past these strange random thoughts.

I fast forwarded through most of the movie. Enjoyed the scenery very much. Kier Dullea's character seemed ok.

For me, what would have been an interesting topic and movie was thwarted by the casting and character quirks. Just too odd to me.

I saw it on BBC TV in 1977 before video recorders unfortunately,it is well acted there is good chemistry between the stars adding to sufficient tension. Scott Walker recorded the theme song, I can't find that either' it's memorable! with regard to films about lesbianism this cannot be seen as positive because it does not have a good ending, but if Anne Heywoods character is seen as bisexual It's admissible. The entertainment value is excellent and there is no gratuitous sex. Lets hope it emerges somewhere, In a charity shop maybe! I heard the BBC were going to concentrate on Twentieth century writers maybe someone working for them reading this could give them a nudge, though they might think the Fox to dated to make in today's slightly more liberal climate

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.

I have been looking for this movie ever since videos first became available. I saw it when I was twenty and was deeply moved by this honest look at sexuality, especially for its day. The subtle introduction of the animal, a fox, and the male visitor, fox like, was a great work of art.

I would love to view it again in light of today's more open sexual expression and see if it indeed was as good as I remember. I have never met another person who has seen the movie and wonder if it had wide screening. I lived in Southern California, which might explain why many did not have a chance to hear of it. For its day, it was a real eye opener to relationships and beautifully composed. I look forward to the day that it is put on DVD.

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!!