FRENCH DRESSING - LE [US]

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(Ken Russell, 1964, 86 mins)Release date: 18 August 2026Limited Edition Blu-ray (World premiere) Part romantic comedy, part slapstick, and easily the most British film to ever have ‘French’ in its title, cine-maverick Ken Russell’s feature debut sets about mocking the masculine ego and exposing the ‘sex sells’ mantra as it follows the fortunes of deckchair attendant-turned-publicity officer Jim Stephens (James Booth, The Man Who Had Power Over Women). In an attempt to revive the fortunes of run-down Gormleigh-on-Sea, Stephens sets up a film festival, inviting continental starlet Françoise Fayol (Marisa Mell, Danger: Diabolik) to be its main attraction. Soon, he finds that rivalries with neighbouring seaside towns develop, and realises that his time might be better spent getting acquainted with local journalist Judy (Alita Naughton, Gideon’s Day). Co-starring the much-loved Roy Kinnear (The Deadly Affair), and featuring dialogue by the legendary Johnny Speight (Till Death Us Do Part), French Dressing features some of the most gorgeous British seaside cinematography ever committed to screen as it takes a reflexive swipe at the film business. INDICATOR LIMITED EDITION BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES 4K restoration Original mono audio Making a Movie (1963, 3 mins): extract from the Herne Bay Newsreel, featuring rare colour footage of Ken Russell at work, as well as glimpses of the principal cast members Interview with James Booth (1963, 3 mins): archival footage of the actor discussing the film between takes Interview with Roy Kinnear (1963, 4 mins): archival footage of the actor on location Ken Russell Introduces ‘French Dressing’ (2008, 11 mins): video recording of the director at the Herne Bay Film Festival before a special screening of his debut feature The BEHP Interview with Kenneth Higgins (1991, 86 mins): archival audio recording, made as part of the British Entertainment History Project, featuring the cinematographer in conversation with Sidney Cole and Alan Lawson Original theatrical trailer Image gallery: publicity and promotional material Script gallery: complete dialogue and continuity script New English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing Limited edition exclusive 36-page booklet with a new essay by Melanie Williams, Ken Russell on French Dressing, an overview of contemporary critical responses, and film credits World premiere on Blu-ray Limited edition of 3,000 copies for the US #PUSLE514BREGION AUPC: 843501651162 Show more