THE SECRET DIARIES OF MISS ANNE LISTER (James Kent, UK). 90 minutes. May 30, 7:30 pm, Bloor. Rating: NNNN
Based on the true diaries – written in code – of Anne Lister (Maxine Peake), The Secret Diaries Of Miss Anne Lister tracks the turn-of-the-19th century landowner and industrialist’s determination to live as a lesbian at a time when being a dyke was not exactly easy.[rssbreak]
The story starts with Anne dealing with her grief when lover Mariana (Anna Madely) gets married off. Soon she’s almost recovered and interested in new seductions. She’s attracted to Ann Walker (Christine Bottomley), who’s just inherited a fortune. When the two develop a successful coal mining venture, they become double-threatening – lesbians doing cutthroat business.
What looks like it’s going to be another snooze-worthy BBC-produced period piece notable only for the costumes deepens into an emotionally compelling story of courageous sapphic love.
