The Dressmaker

The Dressmaker is a 1988 British drama film directed by Jim O'Brien and starring Joan Plowright, Billie Whitelaw and Pete Postlethwaite. It is an adaptation of the 1973 novel The Dressmaker by Beryl Bainbridge. Plot Set during the Second World War in England, the story concerns a claustrophobic relationship between two middle-aged sisters and their fragile 17-year-old niece. Cast Joan Plowright – Nellie Billie Whitelaw – Margo Pete Postlethwaite – Jack Jane Horrocks – Rita Tim Ransom – Wesley Pippa Hinchley – Val Rosemary Martin – Mrs Manders Tony Haygarth – Mr Manders Michael James Reed – Chuck Sam Douglas – Corporal Zawadski Bert Parnaby – Mr Barnes Lorraine Ashbourne – Factory Girl Mandy Walsh – Factory Girl Margi Clarke – Shopwoman Andrew Moorcroft – Butcher's Boy Marie Jelliman – Mrs O'Toole References