Dummy

Franc Roddam's gritty ATV drama about an unfortunate deaf mute girl Sandra's (Geraldine James) sordid descent into prostitution and degradation remains no less powerful, seen today, than upon its initial broadcast. Intimately shot in depressed working class districts of Bradford, Dummy isn't an easy watch, yet the magnificent cast, and Geraldine James's bravura performance rigorously bring this harrowing, profoundly moving biography to unsettlingly vivid life. Watching Dummy again frequently made me feel monumentally sad, yet it maintains a dark fascination throughout. There can be little doubt that what befell Sandra was nothing less than a tragedy, it's an extraordinary story dramatized in a compassionate, yet credibly unsentimental fashion. Dummy is an exemplary, hard-hitting kitchen sink drama that doesn't shy away from the many distressing events in Sandra's frequently brutal, heart wrenchingly loveless life. The exceedingly fine text, wholly uncontrived performances and Roddam's superb filmmaking are truly inspirational, and a credit to the industry.

Geraldine James was outstanding in this drama. It really affected me and the other girls growing up at the time in London. I wish it was accessible on YouTube or Prime !

I am Lara Crooks, the baby in the film! Geraldine James who played as Deaf girl but she's hearing and I am actually Deaf myself! I have NEVER seen the film because I was too young obviously. I have been searching for years without much luck. If you know where I can obtain the video, please let me know! Thanks.

A 16mm copy of this film is available for viewing at the British Film Institute (BFI), St. Stephen Street, London. It was this shocking and disturbing film which catapulted Geraldine James to stardom. I met the director, Franc Roddam, back in 2004 at the London International Film School and asked why the film had never been repeated on TV. He said that was due to Sandra X's family, who weren't happy with the way they were portrayed in the film. I suspect that's why a DVD or VHS tape of this film is unavailable, although I have the film on both VHS and DVD. It is, however an ungraded copy with Timecode visible.

At the time of pre-filming I was working at The Leeds Centre for Deaf People and we were visored by Franc Roddam and Geraldine James as part of their research. Recall being v impressed by the film and would love to see again. Does anyone have ideas about how to go about it?