Christopher Morahan, born in 1929, was an English director known for his work in both television and theater. He directed All Neat in Black Stockings (1969), a film that delves into the complexities of love and societal expectations, showcasing his ability to blend sharp dialogue with poignant character studies. Morahan's background in stage direction, including his tenure with the National Theatre, informed his cinematic style, making his work a significant contribution to the cult film landscape.
All Neat in Black Stockings
A small comedy drama about the life and sex adventures of an amorous window cleaner, in the hip and swingin' London of the '60s. Ginger (Victor Henry) is a window cleaner with an eye for the girls. His best friend and neighbour, Dwyer, (Jack Shephard) swaps girls with him. Ginger is cleaning hospital windows and he sets up a date with nurse Babette (Jasmina Hilton). A patient gives Ginger keys to his house and asks him to care for his pets during his hospital stay. Ginger takes Babette to the local pub but his interest wanders to Carole (Vanessa Forsythe) and Jill (Susan George). He sets up a date with Carole and later that night he switches date Babette with Dwyer. Best friends share everything. Ginger cares for Mr. McLaughlin's birds, rabbits, white rats and many aquaria. This home is far nicer than Ginger's run down bedsit. In fact his pushy brother-in-law moves in with Ginger's pregnant sister, Cecily (Anna Cropper). Issur (Harry Tawb) even moves in with his girlfriend, Jocasta (Nita Lorraine). Ginger's passive and uncomplaining sister seems not to object. Ginger takes Carole iceskating but his interest moves to her friend, Jill. He starts dating Jill and even buys her a large plush penguin. He meets Jill's mother and Dwyer sees a difference in his friend. Ginger does not even try to have sex with Jill. Jill and her mother live together and Ginger befriends Mom. Issur decides to have large unauthorised party in the borrowed residence. Angry Ginger shows up and starts to kick people out. The house has been trashed. Later that night, Ginger finds Jill in bed with Dwyer. She has lost her virginity to Dwyer, who thought nothing was wrong because they always slept with each other's women. Brother-in-law goes off to Mexico with Jocasta. Jill ends up pregnant to Dwyer. House-sitting man (Terence de Marney) returns from hospital to find his pets hungry and possessions damaged. He nonetheless hires Cecily as his housekeeper. Despite all, Ginger decides to marry Jill. Ginger makes a deposit on a rental property but Jill decides they will live with her mother. Jill has the baby and Ginger says it looks like Dwyer. Ginger continues work cleaning windows and stops for lunch at a diner. The waitress is young and pretty and Ginger flirts with her and the movie ends.
