Abortionist Vera Drake finds her beliefs and practices clash with the mores of 1950s Britain--a conflict that leads to tragedy for her family.
Director:
Writer:
Awards:
- Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 41 wins & 42 nominations.
- See more »
Reviews:
Photos and Videos
Cast verified as complete
| Imelda Staunton | ... |
Vera
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| Richard Graham | ... |
George
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| Eddie Marsan | ... |
Reg
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| Anna Keaveney | ... |
Nellie
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Alex Kelly | ... |
Ethel
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| Daniel Mays | ... |
Sid
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| Phil Davis | ... |
Stan
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| Lesley Manville | ... |
Mrs. Wells
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| Sally Hawkins | ... |
Susan
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| Simon Chandler | ... |
Mr. Wells
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| Sam Troughton | ... |
David
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| Marion Bailey | ... |
Mrs. Fowler
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Sandra Voe | ... |
Vera's Mother
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| Chris O'Dowd | ... |
Sid's Customer
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| Adrian Scarborough | ... |
Frank
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| Heather Craney | ... |
Joyce
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| Sinead Matthews | ... |
Very Young Woman
(as Sinéad Matthews)
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Sid Mitchell | ... |
Very Young Man
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| Leo Bill | ... |
Ronny
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| Gerard Monaco | ... |
Kenny
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| Ruth Sheen | ... |
Lily
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| Tilly Vosburgh | ... |
Mother of Seven
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| Alan Williams | ... |
Sick Husband
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Heather Cameron-McLintock | ... |
Child
(as Heather Cameron)
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Billie Cook | ... |
Child
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| Billy Seymour | ... |
Child
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Nina Fry | ... |
Dance Hall Girl
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Lauren Holden | ... |
Dance Hall Girl
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| Elizabeth Berrington | ... |
Cynical Lady
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| Emma Amos | ... |
Cynical Lady
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| Fenella Woolgar | ... |
Susan's Confidante
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| Joanna Griffiths | ... |
Peggy
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Wendy Nottingham | ... |
Ivy
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| Nicky Henson | ... |
Private Doctor
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| Allan Corduner | ... |
Psychiatrist
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Angie Wallis | ... |
Nurse Willoughby
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Judith Scott | ... |
Sister Beech
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| Vinette Robinson | ... |
Jamaican Girl
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| Rosie Cavaliero | ... |
Married Woman
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| Lesley Sharp | ... |
Jessie Barnes
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| Liz White | ... |
Pamela Barnes
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| Anthony O'Donnell | ... |
Mr. Walsh
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Lucy Pleasence | ... |
Sister Coombes
(as Lucy Pleasance)
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Tracy O'Flaherty | ... |
Nurse
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| Peter Wight | ... |
Det. Inspector Webster
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| Martin Savage | ... |
Det. Sergeant Vickers
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| Helen Coker | ... |
WPC Best
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| Tom Ellis | ... |
Police Constable
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| Robert Putt | ... |
Station Sergeant
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| Craig Conway | ... |
Station Constable
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| Jake Wood | ... |
Ruffian
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| Vincent Franklin | ... |
Mr. Lewis
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Michael Gunn | ... |
Gaoler
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| Paul Jesson | ... |
Magistrate
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Paul Raffield | ... |
Magistrate's Clerk
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| Jim Broadbent | ... |
Judge
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Philip Childs | ... |
Clerk
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| Jeffry Wickham | ... |
Prosecution Barrister
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| Nicholas Jones | ... |
Defence Barrister
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Stephan Dunbar | ... |
Usher
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Angela Curran | ... |
Prisoner
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Jane Wood | ... |
Prisoner
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| Eileen Davies | ... |
Prison Officer
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| Rest of cast listed alphabetically: | |||
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Sara Bowes | ... |
Dance Hall girl (uncredited)
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Hayley Angela Gilbert | ... |
Ballroom Dancer (uncredited)
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Daniel Hatkoff | ... |
Dancer (uncredited)
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David House | ... |
Dancer (uncredited)
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| David King | ... |
Police Officer (uncredited)
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| Arnold Montey | ... |
Police Officer (uncredited)
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| James Payton | ... |
Court Reporter (uncredited)
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Melody Reynolds | ... |
Factory worker (uncredited)
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| Georgie Smith | ... |
Dancer (uncredited)
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Sarah Strachan | ... |
Ballroom Dancer (uncredited)
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John Warman | ... |
Policeman in Court (uncredited)
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Directed by
| Mike Leigh | ||
Written by
| Mike Leigh | ... | (written by) |
Produced by
| Simon Channing Williams | ... | producer |
| Gail Egan | ... | executive producer |
| Christine Gozlan | ... | executive producer |
| Robert Jones | ... | executive producer |
| Georgina Lowe | ... | co-producer |
| Duncan Reid | ... | executive producer |
| Alain Sarde | ... | producer |
Music by
| Andrew Dickson | ||
Cinematography by
| Dick Pope | ... | director of photography |
Editing by
| Jim Clark | ||
Editorial Department
| Gavin Buckley | ... | first assistant editor |
| Clive Noakes | ... | color grader |
| Tom Russell | ... | colourist: Digital Cinema at VTR |
| Steve Farman | ... | negative cutter (uncredited) |
| Tom Russell | ... | digital intermediate colourist (uncredited) |
| Neil Stenhouse | ... | rushes operator (uncredited) |
Casting By
| Nina Gold | ||
Production Design by
| Eve Stewart | ||
Art Direction by
| Andrew Grant | ||
| Ed Walsh | ||
Set Decoration by
| John Bush | ||
Costume Design by
| Jacqueline Durran | ||
Makeup Department
| Christine Blundell | ... | hair designer / makeup designer |
| Charmaine Fuller | ... | makeup assistant |
| Julius Goosen | ... | makeup assistant |
| Nuria Mbomio | ... | hair stylist: crowd / makeup artist: crowd |
| Kerry Scourfield | ... | makeup artist |
| Lesa Warrener | ... | makeup artist |
| Julia Wilson | ... | makeup assistant |
Production Management
| Danielle Brandon | ... | production manager |
| Steve Harrow | ... | post-production supervisor |
| Steve Mason | ... | unit manager |
Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
| Rob Burgess | ... | additional third assistant director (as Robert Burgess) |
| Sarah Coombs | ... | third assistant director |
| Merry Irwin | ... | third assistant director |
| Dan John | ... | second assistant director |
| Toby Leigh | ... | additional third assistant director |
| Samantha McGrady | ... | additional third assistant director (as Samantha Smith) |
| Darren Price | ... | set third assistant director |
| Josh Robertson | ... | first assistant director |
| Nick Shuttleworth | ... | additional second assistant director |
| Hayley Williams | ... | second assistant director |
Art Department
| Peter Agbaba | ... | stagehand |
| Vince Bartlett | ... | props runaround (as Vince Bartlet) |
| Alan Briant | ... | prop storeman (as Alan D Briant) |
| Tanya Clark | ... | assistant art director |
| Mark Collisson | ... | construction manager |
| Hannastina Crick | ... | additional painter |
| Gary Davies | ... | stagehand |
| Ken Davy | ... | painter (as Ken Davey) |
| Jonathan Downing | ... | dressing props |
| Andrew Forrest | ... | stand-by props (as Andy Forrest) |
| David John Green | ... | scenic artist |
| Dave Hill | ... | carpenter |
| Richard Lloyd Jones | ... | dressing props |
| Rowanna Lacey | ... | art department assistant |
| Jo Littlejohn | ... | art department coordinator |
| Leon McCarthy | ... | stand-by carpenter |
| Richard Mills | ... | property master |
| Rebecca Neville | ... | stand-by props |
| Justin Overhill | ... | stand-by painter |
| Marko Pavlovic | ... | additional painter (as Marko Pavolic) |
| Gary Peed | ... | dressing props |
| Joseph Raynes | ... | additional painter |
| Tom Read | ... | stand-by art director |
| Don Santos | ... | dressing props |
| Terry Stinson | ... | dressing props |
| Andrew 'Monty' Wilson | ... | dressing props |
| Rhona Wilson | ... | production buyer |
Sound Department
| Georgina Adams | ... | trainee: FT2 |
| Tom Barrow | ... | sound assistant |
| Chris Burdon | ... | re-recording mixer |
| Peter Burgess | ... | foley walker (as Pete Burgess) |
| Paul Carr | ... | adr mixer |
| Andie Derrick | ... | foley walker (as Andi Derrick) |
| Robert Farr | ... | foley mixer |
| Tim Fraser | ... | sound recordist |
| Peter Gleaves | ... | adr mixer |
| Loveday Harding | ... | sound maintenance |
| Zane Hayward | ... | sound effects editor |
| Adrian Rhodes | ... | re-recording mixer |
| Nigel Stone | ... | supervising sound editor |
| John Warhurst | ... | sound editor |
| Denise Yarde | ... | additional boom operator |
| Doug Cooper | ... | foley recordist (uncredited) |
Visual Effects by
| Sally Clayton | ... | production supervisor: Digital Cinema at VTR |
| Mike Fraser | ... | consultant: Digital Cinema at VTR |
| Safiya Gili | ... | combustion artist: Digital Cinema at VTR (as Saffia Ravat) |
| Danny Pagan | ... | data coordinator: Digital Cinema at VTR |
| Rod Shelton | ... | producer: Digital Cinema at VTR |
| James Tillett | ... | film recording supervisor: Digital Cinema at VTR |
| Laurent Treherne | ... | data supervisor: Digital Cinema at VTR |
Camera and Electrical Department
| Lucy Bristow | ... | second camera operator |
| Lee Eldred | ... | electrician |
| Avelino Fernandez | ... | electrician |
| Neil Flaherty | ... | camera trainee: FT2 |
| John Hanks | ... | additional rigger |
| Simon Mein | ... | still photographer |
| Brian Miller | ... | generator operator |
| Les Mills | ... | additional rigger |
| Matthew Moffat | ... | gaffer |
| Andy Ormesher | ... | stand-by rigger |
| Dick Pope | ... | camera operator |
| James Scott | ... | second assistant camera |
| Gordon Segrove | ... | first assistant camera |
| Dan Shoring | ... | second assistant camera |
| Martin Smith | ... | best boy |
| Colin Strachan | ... | grip |
| Joe McGee | ... | practical electrician (uncredited) |
Casting Department
| Rosalie Clayton | ... | casting assistant |
| Tamara Gillon | ... | casting assistant (uncredited) |
Costume and Wardrobe Department
| Jennifer Alford | ... | costume maker |
| Sue Bradbear | ... | seamstress (as Sue Bradbeer) |
| Sallyann Dicksee | ... | costume assistant (as Sally Ann Dicksee) |
| Julia Dollimore | ... | costume assistant |
| Charlotte Finlay | ... | costume supervisor |
| Andrew Fletcher | ... | costume assistant |
| Frank Gallacher | ... | costume assistant |
| Laura Grace | ... | wardrobe mistress |
| Jenny Hawkins | ... | costume assistant |
| Steve Hyams | ... | costume assistant |
| Sophie Lambe | ... | costume assistant (as Sophie Finlay) |
| Gabriella Loria | ... | costume buyer |
| Sara Meek | ... | costume assistant |
| Helen O'Donnell | ... | costume design assistant (as Helen Mattocks) |
| Jane Petrie | ... | costume assistant |
| Gaetano Speranza | ... | assistant costume designer |
| Rachele Verrecchia | ... | costume assistant |
| Celia Yau | ... | stand-by costume assistant |
| Camille Benda | ... | costume assistant (uncredited) |
Location Management
| Mandy Edwards | ... | location assistant |
| Ali James | ... | location scout |
| Neil Lee | ... | location manager |
| Matthew Woolf | ... | location scout |
| Henry Woolley | ... | location manager |
Music Department
| Benjamin Bevan | ... | vocal coordinator (as Ben Bevan) |
| Nick Bicât | ... | conductor |
| Helen Keen | ... | musician: bass flute |
| Fiesta Mei Ling | ... | music preparation |
| Gerry O'Riordan | ... | music engineer |
| Step Parikian | ... | music supervisor |
| Lucy Wakeford | ... | musician: harp |
| Rosemary Warren-Green | ... | musician: viola |
| Stacey Watton | ... | musician: double bass |
| Luis Miguel Rojas | ... | soundtrack art director (uncredited) |
Script and Continuity Department
| Heather Storr | ... | script supervisor |
Transportation Department
| Glen Anderson | ... | driver: costume vehicle |
| Kevin Bennett | ... | driver: minibus |
| Luke Chisholm | ... | driver: camera/grips (as Luke Chisolm) |
| Dave Coker | ... | driver: props |
| Martyn Giles | ... | unit driver |
| John McMeekin | ... | driver: construction department |
| Mark Williams | ... | unit driver |
Additional Crew
| Chris Allies | ... | title designer |
| Alison Brister | ... | liaison: Ingenious Films |
| Claire Broughton | ... | assistant to producer |
| Danny Brown | ... | facilities captain |
| Judith Chan | ... | liaison: Ingenious Films |
| Dominic Channing-Williams | ... | production runner (as Dominic Channing Williams) |
| Terry Charman | ... | advisor: world war II |
| Graham Easton | ... | completion bond: Film Finance Ltd. |
| Jonathan Evans | ... | advisor: medical history |
| Will Evans | ... | liaison: The UK Film Council |
| Jeffrey Gordon | ... | advisor: legal history |
| Vince Holden | ... | liaison: The UK Film Council |
| John Jaggon | ... | liaison: Ingenious Films |
| Paula Jalfon | ... | liaison: Ingenious Films |
| Francesca Jaynes | ... | choreographer |
| Victoria King | ... | solicitor: Richards Butler |
| Rowan Laidlaw | ... | additional runner |
| David Lewisohn | ... | solicitor: Richards Butler |
| Clive Loveless | ... | advisor: motor car |
| Andrew MacLean | ... | assistant accountant |
| Sarah McBryde | ... | production coordinator |
| Justin Miller | ... | assistant accountant |
| Fiona Morham | ... | liaison: The UK Film Council |
| Clive Noakes | ... | laboratory contact |
| Brock Norman Brock | ... | liaison: The UK Film Council |
| Richard Philipps | ... | solicitor: Richards Butler |
| Jonathan Rutter | ... | publicist: McDonald & Rutter |
| Roger Sampson | ... | insurance: Aon/Albert G. Ruben |
| Alain Sarde | ... | presenter |
| Joy Scott | ... | additional runner |
| Ray Seal | ... | advisor: police history |
| Peter Touche | ... | liaison: Ingenious Films |
| Will Tyler | ... | production accountant |
| Doug Vale | ... | unit medic |
| Tamara Walsh | ... | trainee: FT2 |
| Lucy Whitton | ... | researcher |
| Richard Rowntree | ... | assistant: Steve Harrow (uncredited) |
Production Companies
- Les Films Alain Sarde (presents)
- UK Film Council (presents)
- Inside Track Productions (in association with)
- Thin Man Films (in association with)
- Film Council Premiere Fund (produced with the support of)
- Ingenious Film Partners
- Inside Track 1
- National Lottery through UK Film Council (produced with the support of)
- Untitled 03
Distributors
- Momentum Pictures (2004) (United Kingdom) (theatrical)
- Optimum Releasing (2004) (United Kingdom) (theatrical)
- Mars Distribution (2004) (France) (theatrical)
- Alliance Atlantis Communications (2004) (Canada) (theatrical)
- Fine Line Features (2004) (United States) (theatrical)
- New Line Cinema (2004) (United States)
- BIM Distribuzione (2004) (Italy) (theatrical)
- A-Film Distribution (2005) (Netherlands) (theatrical)
- Alfa Films (2005) (Argentina) (theatrical)
- CCV (2005) (Norway) (theatrical)
- Cinema Mondo (2005) (Finland) (theatrical)
- Concorde Filmverleih (2005) (Germany) (theatrical)
- Dendy Films (2005) (Australia) (theatrical)
- Frenetic Films (2005) (Switzerland) (theatrical)
- SPI International (2005) (Czechia) (theatrical)
- Tokyo Theatres (2005) (Japan) (theatrical)
- Triangelfilm (2005) (Sweden) (theatrical)
- Vértigo Films (2005) (Spain) (theatrical)
- Alliance Atlantis Home Video (2005) (Canada) (DVD)
- Concorde Home Entertainment (2005) (Germany) (DVD)
- Gateno Films (2005) (Peru)
- Pan Vision (2005) (Finland) (DVD)
- Transeuropa Video Entertainment (TVE) (2005) (Argentina) (DVD)
- Transeuropa Video Entertainment (TVE) (2005) (Argentina) (VHS)
- Warner Home Video (2005) (Switzerland) (DVD)
- Yleisradio (YLE) (2010) (Finland) (tv)
- The Criterion Channel (2020) (United States) (tv) (digital)
- Arthaus (2021) (Germany) (Blu-ray) (Mike Leigh Edition)
- Arthaus (2021) (Germany) (DVD) (Mike Leigh Edition)
Special Effects
Other Companies
- Hyperactive Broadcast (editing equipment)
- AFM Lighting (lighting)
- AON/Albert G. Ruben Insurance Services (insurance)
- Aimimage / Ice Film (camera equipment provided by)
- Aimimage / Ice Film (cameras supplied by)
- Audiolink Radio Communications (walkie talkies)
- Falco Ink. (award campaign)
- Film Finance (completion bond)
- Freeway CAM B.V. (collection account management)
- Funn (hosiery supplier)
- Goldcrest Post Production London (ADR Facility)
- Hannonmedia (health & safety advisor)
- Ice Film Equipment (camera equipment)
- Imperial War Museum (thanks)
- Mad Dog 2020 (extras casting)
- McDonald and Rutter (publicity)
- Media Services (stationery supplier)
- National Lottery (made with the support of: through UK Film Council Priemiere Fund)
- Network Security (security)
- Nunc Dimittis (choir)
- On Set Location Services (location vehicles)
- Richards Butler International Law Firms (solicitors)
- Sapex Scripts (post-production script services)
- TLO Film Services (action vehicles)
- The Machine Room (rushes telecine)
- The Metropolitan Police Historical Museum (thanks)
- The Royal London Hospital (thanks)
- Warner Bros. De Lane Lea (sound post-production)
- White Heat Catering (catering)
Storyline
| Plot Summary |
Vera Drake is a selfless woman who is completely devoted to, and loved by, her working class family. She spends her days doting on them and caring for her sick neighbor and elderly mother. However, she also secretly visits women and helps them induce miscarriages for unwanted pregnancies. While the practice itself was illegal in 1950s England, Vera sees herself as simply helping women in need, and always does so with a smile and kind words of encouragement. When the authorities finally find her out, Vera's world and family life rapidly unravel. Written by Sujit R. Varma |
| Plot Keywords | |
| Taglines | Wife. Mother. Criminal. See more » |
| Genres | |
| Parents Guide | View content advisory » |
| Certification |
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Additional Details
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Box Office
| Budget | $11,000,000 (estimated) |
| Opening Weekend United Kingdom | GBP266,010, 09 Jan 2005 |
Did You Know?
| Trivia | Except for Imelda Staunton, none of the actors knew the film was about abortion until their characters found out. See more » |
| Goofs | Vera's sister-in-law Joyce says she wants a washing machine which costs "25 pounds." Until decimalization in 1971, most luxury goods, like washing machines and men's suits, were priced in guineas, not pounds (one guinea = one pound one shilling, or one pound five pence in decimal). Some stores, particularly those wishing to appeal to the middle class or aspiring to a degree of 'poshness', priced items in pounds. Throughout the 1960s most domestic items were priced in pounds, shillings, and pence. Services and professions continued to charge in guineas until much later. In the film, an abortion costs two guineas. See more » |
| Movie Connections | Featured in The Best Films of 2004 (2005). See more » |
| Soundtracks | Salut D'Amour (Liebesgruss), Op.12 See more » |
| Quotes |
Det. Inspector Webster:
You perform abortions, don't you? Vera: That's not what I do dear. That's what you call it. But they need help. Who else they got to turn to? No one. I help them out. See more » |