Fans of Joanne Whaley Kilmer have to see her in “SCANDAL,” available on dvd from ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT.  Based upon the Profumo sex “scandal” of the ‘60s, it’s a thoroughly captivating and entertaining film. 

Kilmer stars as Christine Keeler, an 18 year old exotic dancer whom has caught the eye of Dr. Ward(John Hurt).  When he’s not working as an osteopath, he’s working to gain favor with London’s highest echelon, by supplying them with call girls.  

 At the same time Ward takes Christine “under his wing” to tutor her how to best meet her client’s needs, Christine meets and creates a friendship with a younger, more naïve girl, Mandy Rice Davies.  Before long Christine’s teaching Mandy the

“tricksof the trade,” and both begin participating in orgies for high government officials.  When Christine’s sexual life is uncovered, along with the fact that  the Minister of War,  John Profumo, as well as the Soviet attaché to Britain, Eugene IVanov, are two of her clients, concerns of national security are stirred and everyone’s lives are thrown into upheaval. 

In many ways “SCANDAL” is a classic! It’s timeless!  Its depiction of societal hypocrisy towards sex is as relevant today as in the 60s.  “SCANDAL” also demonstrates how politics and scandal have always and probably will continue to go together forever.  In a spectacular scene, Profumo is seen denying improper conduct with Christine, and it’s eerily reminiscent of the “Clinton-Lewinsky” scandal, which took place a decade after the film was released, and 40 years after the Profumo scandal! 

ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT has preserved the film’s 1.85:1 aspect ratio with 16:9 enhancement.  It’s a great transfer. Colors are solid in every instance, and there’s excellent detail throughout.  Contrast is excellent, with deep blacks and grays. There are no artifacts and fleshtones appear natural.

ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT has provided a Dolby Digital 5.1 remastering for this release.  While not overly aggressive, there are some fine directional effects moments in the front soundstage, and surrounds come into play, boosting the wonderful song highlights. Dialogue is always intelligible and free from distortion. 

The film’s theatrical trailer is included.