Personal Services (1987)

77% of users liked it
(761 ratings)

This comedy was inspired by the true story of Cynthia Payne, a former waitress who gained fame as England's best-known (and best-liked) madame. Christine Painter (Julie Walters) is a working-class single mother who sub-leases a few inexpensive flats as a way of bringing in extra money. Christine has… More This comedy was inspired by the true story of Cynthia Payne, a former waitress who gained fame as England's best-known (and best-liked) madame. Christine Painter (Julie Walters) is a working-class single mother who sub-leases a few inexpensive flats as a way of bringing in extra money. Christine has no particular interest in selling her body, but when she finds herself in a tight spot financially -- and notices that the prostitutes who rent her apartments are the only ones who consistently pay on time -- she decides to open a brothel. With the help of Shirley (Shirley Stelfox), an experienced prostie, and Morton (Alec McCowen), a former RAF commander with a fondness for women's undergarments, Christine opens a little place where elderly businessmen can indulge their fondness for kinky lingerie and being spanked by younger women. Soon Christine's business is booming and everyone is happy -- until the police pay her a visit. Personal Services was directed by Terry Jones, best known as a member of the Monty Python troupe; the real-life Cynthia Payne served as a technical advisor. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 44 min.
Directed By: Terry Jones
Genres: Drama, Comedy

In Theaters: May 15, 1987 Wide

Critic Reviews

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Offers a wacky portrait of the sexual foibles of men.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Anthony L

Loved this when I was younger for obvious reasons, love it now for its subtle comedy value ;o)

Cast

            Julie Walters as Christine Painter

            Alec McCowen as Morten

            Shirley Stelfox as Shirley

            Danny Schiller as Dolly

            Victoria Hardcastle as Rose

            Tim Woodward as Timms

            Peter Cellier as Mr. Marples

            Dave Atkins as Sydney

            Leon Lissek as Mr. Popozogolou

            Alan Bowyer as David Painter

            Clare Clifford as Fay

            Anthony Collin as Mr. Webb

            Arthur Cox as Lennox

            Joanna Dickens as Gloria

            Pamela Duncan as Jackie

            Beverly Foster as Elizabeth

            Arthur Hewlett as Mr. Francis

            Ewan Hooper as Edward

            Stephen Lewis as Mr. Dunkley

            Suzette Llewellyn as Helen

            Andrew MacLachlan as Mr. McClellan

            Ian McNeice as Harry

            Toni Palmer as Aunt Winnie

            Ron Pember as Ron

            Ivor Roberts as Glossop

            John Shrapnel as Lionel

            Nick Stringer as PC Baker

            Buddy Uzzaman as Mr. Pater

            Benjamin Whitrow as Mr. Marsden

            Arthur Whybrow as Mac

            Nigel Le Vaillant as The Man

            Terry Jones
            
            David Leland as Mr. Pilkington/Danielle

            Carolyn Allen as Carol

            Shulie Bannister as The Woman

            Janie Booth as Court Usher

            Arnold Brown as Vicar

            Bernard Brown as John

            Lorraine Brunning as Angela

            Antony Carrick as Edgar

            Jeffrey Caunton as PC Williams

            Michelle Collins as June

            Rupert Holliday Evans as Terry

            Helen Gemmell as Jenny

            Sheila Gill as Mrs. Winter

            Mark Hardy as Nicole

            Paul Imbusch as Solicitor

            Michael Irving as Lawson

            Jagdish Kumar as Mr. Shah

            Stanley Lebor as Jones

            Lorena Lee as The Angel

            Renny Lister as Pat

            Andreas Markos as Mr. Grivas

            Michael Packer as Ralph

            Charlotte Seely as Diane

            Jason Smart as PC Hart

            Allan Strland as Phil

            Claire Waugh as Girl in Film

            Peter Wight as Detective Gibson

            Debbie McWilliams
            
            John Bailey as Mr. Gardner

            Wayne Morris as Man in Film
See full cast