Filth: The Mary Whitehouse Story

This television film dramatizes the life of Mary Whitehouse, a formidable and controversial figure who led a campaign against perceived moral decline in 1960s and 70s Britain. The film explores her rise from a seemingly ordinary housewife to a national crusader, focusing on her relentless battle against sex, violence, and bad language on television, and the significant impact she had on public discourse and media regulation.

The film was generally well-received, with particular praise for Julie Walters' performance as Mary Whitehouse. Critics noted its nuanced portrayal of a complex and often polarizing figure, exploring the motivations behind her activism and the societal context in which it occurred. While some found it a sympathetic, albeit critical, look at her life, others debated the extent to which it fully captured the controversy surrounding her.

• Julie Walters delivers a compelling and multi-layered performance.

• The film offers a thought-provoking examination of a controversial social campaigner.

• It successfully captures the social and cultural anxieties of the era.

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Julie Walters received a BAFTA TV Award nomination for Best Actress for her role.

The film was broadcast on BBC Two as part of its 'An Englishman's Castle' season, which explored British identity and history.