The Secret Life of Arnold Bax

A cheaply-made TV movie about the romantic life of English composer Arnold Bax (1883-1953). Set in 1948, it is remarkably accurate, as Bax loved women and had many affairs, including a long relationship with virtuoso pianist Harriet Cohen (1895-1967) played here by Glenda Jackson. As in the movie, Cohen expected Bax to marry her once his wife died, but he never mentioned his wife's death or proposed, as he preferred to chase after younger women.

Directed by Ken Russell (1927-2011), who plays the lead role (and bears a remarkable similarity to the elderly Bax), the plot is rather dull but might appeal to lecherous old men. Some brief nudity featuring Russell's wife at the time, Hetty Baynes, as Annie.

One example of the quality of production occurs when Bax follows Annie from the theater, and the London street is parked full of autos of the1990s.