Esther Hall had second thoughts when she discovered just what she would have to go through to make this movie. And for someone who has never had a problem stripping for a part, it was a nude scene with co-star Rupert Evans that gave her the most problems. "We had to run naked into the sea," said Esther. "Although I don't have a problem about taking off my clothes in front of people, this was different... I'd been asked to put on weight and to grow my body hair. I'd been naked in the Channel 4 drama Men Only, but I could shave and do a few sit-ups in advance. For Sons And Lovers, director Stephen Whittaker told me not to work out and that I should pile on the pounds, presumably to acquire Clara's pendulous breasts. But all the extra weight went on my middle, so I ended up looking like a boy with a potbelly. At one point, Clara opens a door, stark naked. I was in hysterics watching it later. All I could see was body hair. I'm sure it will end up as the basis for a French And Saunders sketch."
