1983. Movie: Veronica 4 Rose
Produced by the UK’s newly launched TV company Channel Four, Veronica 4 Rose looks at the lives of young lesbians in the English towns of Newcastle, Liverpool and London.
In the course of the film they share their experiences and discuss the various issues they face. The lack of role models or positive images is one shared theme but the most common seems to be the reaction of family and friends, who are determined to see it as nothing more than ‘a passing phase’.
As one participant asks, “If you can go out with boys at 14 and that’s OK, why can’t you go out with someone of your own sex without it being ‘a crush?”
A short extract from the film is available here.
I have the Veronica of the above movie here next to me. She is desparate to get hold of the movie. Could someone please help? We’re now older lesbians, proud of our part in creating a better world for our LGBT family..
Hi there,
I have my own copy of Veronica 4 Rose on VHF. I recorded this from TV when it was shown for a second time a couple of years or so later. It was a shame that the odd bit of the programme had been edited out, eg Lesley playing pool in Liverpool.
Warm regards
Sue
I was in the 6th form in Battersea with said duo. Just a callow youth with the rest of my mates who just took the piss out the two. 40yrs later full of regret for the pain we must of caused.
If you still have the said Veronica her you, could you ask her what happened to the leather jacket. My view is that it should be in a museum as an icon from a ground-breaking movie.
I cannot express the relief I felt at tuning into V 4 R once my parents were in bed in the early 80s before so many of us had dared to tell anyone we were out. That film left such an impression on me about what it was to come out that I forced myself to do so during A levels in a school in True Blue Tory sussex. Partly because of that I blew my exams but it was a real education!
Is there any way of thanking the V 4 R crew in person?
I have the contact details for the film’s distributors somewhere and also, Veronica’s partner so I’ll forward your messages to both of them. I’m sure they’ll be delighted to hear from you (altho’ I can’t guarantee that Veronica’s still got the leather jacket!). Colin
I am Lesley from Veronica for Rose and the Friggin Little Bits. I would love to see a copy of the film and relive my youth
I just googled V4R because I’m in the middle of writing a blog that it features in! Just rediscovered Friggin Little Bits and have been driving around Edinburgh today singing “I’m a dyke, I’m a dyke, I’m a dyke” at the top of my voice, re-living my 20s. Happy days. Would love to see the film again đ