The Devil’s Whore
Posted on 1 November 2018
November 2018 marks 10 years since the release of The Devil’s Whore, a four-part English Civil War period TV drama.
The Devil’s Whore (retitled The Devil’s Mistress in the United States), tells the tale of a young woman named Angelica Fanshawe who is rich, aristocratic and lucky enough to be in the royal court of King Charles I.
Seen mostly through the eyes of Angelica, the series touches on numerous major events in mid-17th Century England. From the lead up of the English Civil War Period, to the execution of Charles I, Angelica is never far away from the events that turn the world upside down.
The drama begins with Angelica marrying her best friend, Harry, who wants her to be a submissive wife whilst she wants her own freedom and independence. As the war starts, and on the side of the Royalists, Angelica is faced with stark choices in her own personal battle for survival. This brings flashbacks of her childhood and the first appearance of the Devil in Angelica’s life.
Most of the men she interacts with in the film are major historical figures from the time, including the aforementioned King Charles I, Thomas Rainsborough, Edward Sexby, Oliver Cromwell, and John Lilburne.
Always a Seeker with a strong-willed spirit, along the way she becomes a woman preacher, a supporter of the Levellers, joins the Diggers, and ends up a radical revolutionary.
Filmed in South Africa, to save money, the series stars now famous actors such as Andrea Riseborough, John Simm, Michael Fassbender, and Dominic West.
The Devil’s Whore may play fast and loose with some of its historical facts, but the period setting is a joy to watch and the drama delivers a sublime bittersweet ending.
Click here to watch The Devil’s Whore via Channel 4’s On Demand service
YouTube Clips
Image from www.andreazuvich.com
