Tipping The Velvet Thread

[Nix42]

I mentioned several pages that SW was doing an online Q&A session for the Guardian. The answers make interesting reading, esp SW's reaction to the shows portrayal of Flo.



Guardian Q&A

[VampNo12]

Thanks Nix42 for posting the link to the Guardian Q&A, it was a fascinating/enlightening interview !

[witchfoo]

don't know whether you guys have been, but there are lots more pics uploaded here since I last visited....



groups.yahoo.com/group/HILW/





....there's a couple of articles too.



There's lots of pics from Othello, which both Keeley and Rachael were in. I think it's the same director as TTV. Never seen it so it was nice to see the pics.



not many of jodhi, but I'm sure you could sort that out!

Edited by: witchfoo at: 11/9/02 12:25:53 am

[Hanki]

thanks witchfoo! woo hoo! more yummy rachael photos

~ Han ~
"...cuz i shove a hanki down my trousers..." ~ Rachael Stirling

[Kendahl897]

Just wanted to let everone know that UK Amazon has the DVD of Tripping the Velvet for under 13 pounds right now..It doesn't say that when you click on, but it does when it goes to the shopping basket

[SJ]

Does TTV DVD have a booklet in the case with the disc?

[witchfoo]

no I don't think so. dvd's a bit thin really, just the 3 eps and a couple of token extras. still at least there's a dvd I suppose!!

[Hanki]

thats the one thing i don't like about the dvd... the lack of extras... just imagine things like interviews with all the leads... *hanki floats off to her happy place*

~ Han ~
"...cuz i shove a hanki down my trousers..." ~ Rachael Stirling

[the kat whisperer]

I just finished reading the book a couple of days ago, and I loved it - especially Part 3. Great book, great ending! It's not normally the type of book I like to read (I like sci-fi) but this was amazing. I loved all the characters, the descriptions were "real", but above all the story was just the most sweet, romantic, fun, sexy, tragic, adventurous story I have ever read.



Sarah Waters is a wonderful writer, I really felt I got into Nan's head when I was reading this - how she felt and why she did what she did, I liked how her perception of other characters was clouded by her own experiences... if that makes sense to anyone (eg. Nan thinking that Ralph is Flo's husband). Anyhoo, I loved it all. Seriously, I cried when I read the last line, and I have never done that while reading a book before.



So anyhoo, I got the DVD on Thursday and I haven't stopped watching it since - mostly, because it's a much quicker fix than reading through the entire novel again ('cause I'm a really slow reader). The TV series was wonderful, and I recognized lines of dialogue that were lifted straight from the book, so for the most part, it did closely follow the book.



The scene that I love the best is where Nan and Flo kiss after they have just crept into the house. It's incredibly brief, but it always makes me shiver as I think it's the most romantic thing I've ever seen. The way they raise their hands as they slowly intertwine their fingers, then Flo places Nan's hands on her.... *swoon*



As Sarah Waters and Andrew Davies mentioned in their interview, the biggest advantage of the TV adaptation is being able to hear the songs that were sung. I loved the songs (I am a total sucker for musicals and stuff like that), and I now find myself singing bits of the songs at the most inappropriate moments.



My only problem with the whole thing is that the more I watch the DVD the more I'm annoyed at the changes they made to Flo's character. I would go as far as to say that Flo became my favourite character in the book, and I would have loved to have seen her more like that in the TV series. The out lesbian who explains "tipping the velvet" to Nan (don't even get me started on the reversal of their conversation in the pub), the Flo who took charge during their first love making, the Flo who introduced Nan to her open lesbian world. I'm really beginning to wish that Sarah Waters had been unhappy enough to fight for this aspect of the story.



Having said that though, the one change I thought did work better on TV (as has been said before) was Nan's return to the music hall and her final song, complete with the nail-bitingly tense scene where she must decide who to throw the rose to. Everytime I watch that I shout "Flo! Throw it to Flo!" even though I know what happens now. Also, the very last scene where Nan takes Flo to meet her family just felt right to me. I wished that had been in the book.



But more importantly, on a completely shallow note, the TV adaptation has Rachael Stirling, Keeley Hawes and Jodhi May, who are all simply gorgeous. So in that way the book comes a poor second...



Anyhoo, after that rather long and rambling post, I'll just say finally, that I'd recommend either the book or the TV adaptation to anyone.



kw



Edited to add: I was disappointed too at the lack of extras, however, the one thing, IMO, that the DVD has going for it is the menu screens, the accompanying music is great to sing along to.

Oh miss, what a thing to do!

Edited by: the kat whisperer at: 11/10/02 12:06:25 pm

[Hanki]

kw: i agree with the whole flo thing, i just reread the book and i really hate how they changed the character especially the bit in the pub!



on a different note, does anyone else think that there are some amazingly funny lines in the last part? the couple that i can remember are when Nan can't keep her hands off Flo and Flo says something like "you made me wait for two and a half years, you can wait an hour until the palour clears." also when Nan thinks something like "blimey, i was wasted in male impersonation, i should have been in melodrama" when she is persuading Flo to let her stay. the other thing that made me laugh for a while was when Nan and Flo are talking to Annie, who says how she saw a flower that reminded her of her gf and Nan says that she saw a fish at the market that reminded her of Flo.

~ Han ~
"...cuz i shove a hanki down my trousers..." ~ Rachael Stirling

[the kat whisperer]

Hanki: yes, you're right! I laughed out loud at quite a few lines in the book, especially the ones you've mentioned.



That whole aspect of Nan and Flo's relationship was missed out in the TV series. Oh, if only it had been six parts instead of three. I think a longer series would have done the book more justice.



I think I'm going to go read the book again...



kw

Oh miss, what a thing to do!

[hellmouthhottie20]

Just to let you know that the BBC are now showing the promos of "Danial Deronda" staring none other then the lovely Jodhi May AKA Flo.



She of course looks georgous.

It doesnt say when it will be screened yet, but it does say coming soon.



Caz

"Its only human nature after all" - Tipping The Velvet

[witchfoo]

yeah, I saw a promo clip this evening! looks good!

[Sarah Bennett]

Hey all!

Just a heads up:- If anyone's interested, my friend Bonnie has just started a Tipping The Velvet Fanlisting. It's the only one of it's kind, and it's just started and she needs lotsa members

Sarah.

www.tvandfilmgrrl.com

[Kendahl897]

I haven't watched the program yet, but what I liked about the book was that it was obvious to the reader that Nan was falling in love with Flo and vice- versa, though it took until the end for them to realize and admit it. But they way Flo went from plain to beautiful in Nan's eyes, and the way she couldn't keep her hands off of her, it was obvious.

One question, again, but in the series, on the bridge after they have kissed, does Nan tell Flo she loves her or is that just the sound of the ice skates?

[Rane018]

pleading again... would anyone be kind enough to make a little video of the scene in between the Flo and Nan kissing under the stars and the scene when they are about to make love in the parlor. there seems to be a silhouette scene in between them that i cant find anywhere. sigh... wish i could get all of part three on kazaa (not that it would matter cause my dial up sucks as does my computer) sigh... wish my tape would arrive. hrrrmph... thanks!

[Kendahl897]

I'm in agreement with Rane please. But one request, if you do, can you PLEASE do it in Divx or Realplayer..Can't download Quicktime to save my life...

[SJ]

Thanks as I wasn't sure. I bought the dvd at the weekend. Also got the book. Pity the BBC didn't include a booklet as it would've been nice to have had some colour pics.

[themagicpixie]

YAY! I met Sarah Waters at a lesbian book festival on Saturday and she signed my copy of Tipping the Velvet!



She is a very cool & witty person, but seemed quite nervous, and overwhelmed by the 1400 lesbian fans she had at said festival!



I will post more about what she said later!



Did anyone else go to the Libertas! Book Festival in York (England)?

[Hanki]

on the daniel deronda front i think i saw somewhere that it started on the 23rd of november? i'm not sure though

~ Han ~
"...cuz i shove a hanki down my trousers..." ~ Rachael Stirling

[hellmouthhottie20]

HANKI - just gotta say i LOVE your avatar.



Caz

"Its only human nature after all" - Tipping The Velvet

[Sarah Bennett]

Rane018 wrote:

Quote:

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pleading again... would anyone be kind enough to make a little video of the scene in between the Flo and Nan kissing under the stars and the scene when they are about to make love in the parlor. there seems to be a silhouette scene in between them that i cant find anywhere. sigh

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I think I have that clip on my site Rane. Feel free to get it there

Sarah.

www.tvandfilmgrrl.com

[tommo]

Sigh. I love the bit when Nan and Flo kiss in the house, and intertwine their fingers on Flo's breast. And Flo whispers..."Press me harder..."



Wow.

You exquisite little tart!" ~ Diana Letharby

[Kendahl897]

Sarah,

Can you post it in Divx on your site? The one in the parlour that is. I can't download Quicktime for some reason..If not, thta's cool. LOVE your site

Edited by: Kendahl897 at: 11/11/02 5:04:23 pm

[Rane018]

there's a third clip on that page, sarah? i only saw the one outside and the one in the parlor. going to go check on it again. thanks!



edited to add: i love that part, ruth!!! is it the show as well? swooooonnnn.... and i'd also like to say i see only the two clips i already downloaded on there, sarah.



editing to add more: thanks for trying, sarah! i'm sure i'll see it one day. ps- your site is fantastic!!!!!

Edited by: Rane018 at: 11/11/02 8:14:27 pm

[Sarah Bennett]

Kendahl, gonna see about making it Divx Keep checking back, and when the link becomes an avi then you should be able to download it easier. (quick tip: hold down "control" key and click refresh to reload web pages properly and see changes).



Rane yeah you are right. I only have two scenes from Part 3. I thought you meant one of those, but you must mean a different one. Sorry bout that. I haven't seen TTV so it's a bit of guesswork I do have another clip from Part 1...it's the FIRST kiss Kitty and Nan ever have (at the party). I need to fix it up first (slight sound glitch). But I could probably upload that later too.

Sarah.

www.tvandfilmgrrl.com

[VampNo12]

Just wanted to say thanks again Sarah for all the clips (you truly have a great site), and like Kendahl I too would be deeply grateful if you could make the other clip into a Divx form .

[the kat whisperer]

I've seen promos for "Daniel..De..whatsit" too (never heard of it before). Ironically, I don't usually watch costume dramas, but I'm going to make sure I see this 'cause Jodhi May is in it.



Kendahl897 wrote:

Quote:

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I haven't watched the program yet, but what I liked about the book was that it was obvious to the reader that Nan was falling in love with Flo and vice-versa, though it took until the end for them to realize and admit it. But the way Flo went from plain to beautiful in Nan's eyes, and the way she couldn't keep her hands off of her, it was obvious.

---

Yes, that's exactly what I liked about the book too. It felt to me that it was all instinct and subconscious feelings on Nan's part, but as she began to describe Flo more beautifully it was obvious to the rest of us that she was falling in love with her. Even at their first meeting Nan felt drawn to Flo, so I think Nan's feelings were almost there from the start, she just didn't know it yet.



Kendahl897 also asked:

Quote:

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One question, again, but in the series, on the bridge after they have kissed, does Nan tell Flo she loves her or is that just the sound of the ice skates?

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Okay, I've just gone and checked for you... and I'm pretty sure that it's just the sound of the ice skates you're hearing. Nan does appear to open her mouth to say something, but I don't think she does. In fact, now that you mention it, I don't think either Flo or Nan say they love each other during the series at all.



Rane018 pouted:

Quote:

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there seems to be a silhouette scene in between them that i cant find anywhere.

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Oh damn! IMO, that little scene is the best of the whole series. You have to get it! Someone please make copies! I'd do it myself, but I don't have the technical knowhow or proper equipment stuff to do it, sorry.



themagicpixie exclaimed:

Quote:

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YAY! I met Sarah Waters at a lesbian book festival on Saturday and she signed my copy of Tipping the Velvet!

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Woo hoo, congrats to you! I look forward to your long and extensive report on exactly what happened. Hmmmm, 1400 screaming lesbian fans...sorry my mind just drifted to another place there...



tommo sighed:

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Sigh. I love the bit when Nan and Flo kiss in the house, and intertwine their fingers on Flo's breast. And Flo whispers..."Press me harder..."



Wow.

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So that's what she said!! Thank you! She whispers so quietly it's difficult to make out. On the other hand, darn! I don't have to keep going over and over that scene to find out exactly what she says now... But anyhoo, yep, definite wow moment that one. For me, I think it's the fact that Flo herself places Nan's hands on her breasts that makes it so swoon-worthy.



Sarah Bennett mentioned:

Quote:

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I do have another clip from Part 1...it's the FIRST kiss Kitty and Nan ever have (at the party).

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I'm pretty sure their first kiss wasn't at the party. I think it was just after Kitty arrives back at their room and finds Nan dressed in her stage clothes. I don't think they ever kiss at any party, and their first real kiss (where they both knew exactly what was happening) was in the carriage home from the party. Sorry, I'm either just being completely nitpicky or I've misinterpreted what you said. Please ignore.



kw

Oh miss, what a thing to do!

[Rane018]

i agree... i loved how nan's feeling for flo evolved and how she began to see flo's beauty. you can tell when she sees her again that she's so worried abuot how skinny she is and such that she's paying attention to flo already.



i liked the parallel between kitty and flo in the way that nan sees them from afar (ok, love at first sight with kitty but...) she seduces them both with oysters... she feels like an 18 year old all over again... when they kiss the first time she shakes... it's like she's starting a whole new life with Flo and i LOVED flo in the book. jodhi may is so innocent looking (swoon worthy everytime i see her face) that may be one of the reasons they toned down flo in the film. or not, i'm sure it was written first and then cast. hehe. but then again jodhi's had issued while filming before and scenes and costumes have been changed so who knows.



I like flo being the vixeny girl she was in the book with her category of women and tipping the velvet exhibition... and certainly *the press me harder* and the... um, the first time she makes love to nan... talk about claiming someone as yours. oh! i loved the fishface comment too. and the thing that surprised me most was that flo was younger than nan, she was like twenty wasn't she while nan was 25? not that it should surprise me but it just seemed she was the same age if not older...

Edited by: Rane018 at: 11/11/02 9:13:15 pm

[Sarah Bennett]

VampNo12 wrote:

Quote:

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Just wanted to say thanks again Sarah for all the clips (you truly have a great site), and like Kendahl I too would be deeply grateful if you could make the other clip into a Divx form

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TY No probs, I've now made that 2nd clip from Part 3 an avi instead of a quicktime file for anyone who needed it.



the kat whisperer wrote:

Quote:

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I'm pretty sure their first kiss wasn't at the party. I think it was just after Kitty arrives back at their room and finds Nan dressed in her stage clothes.

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Yeah, that's the one. Thanks I've just uploaded the clip of that too. It's clip 4 on the 'Part 1' page. A friend in England made this from the DVD (good quality).



I haven't seen TTV except for these clips, but I can't even pick my favourite scene out of all these. I'm just so glad they made the whole thing like they did, and it turned out to be so classy and watchable, not to mention well received by the general public. Whee. Time to roll

Sarah.

www.tvandfilmgrrl.com