Calendar Girls Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A group of middle-aged women in Yorkshire get their kit off to buy a comfy sofa for a hospital, accidentally becoming international sensations in the process.

🍿 Calendar Girls: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Loss of John and a Bold Idea

In the small Yorkshire town of Knapely, Annie Clarke mourns the loss of her husband, John, to leukemia. Inspired by John’s love for sunflowers and his view of the women of Yorkshire as being most glorious in their later years, Annie’s best friend, Chris Harper, proposes a daring idea: a nude calendar featuring members of their local Women’s Institute (WI) to raise funds for a new sofa in the hospital’s family room. Chris believes this will be a unique and effective way to honor John’s memory and bring some much-needed comfort to others.

Convincing the Women and Facing Opposition

Chris and Annie face the challenge of convincing the conservative members of the WI to participate in their unconventional project. Despite initial hesitation and some disapproval from the WI president, Marie, they manage to gather a group of eleven women willing to pose tastefully nude for the calendar. They enlist the help of Lawrence, a local nurse and amateur photographer, to capture the images. The women strategically use props related to WI activities, like baking and gardening, to maintain a sense of modesty and humor.

Fame, Fortune, and Friendship Tested

The calendar becomes an unexpected international sensation, far exceeding their initial fundraising goals. The women find themselves thrust into the spotlight, attracting media attention and even an invitation to appear on Jay Leno’s The Tonight Show in Hollywood. The sudden fame and fortune begin to strain their relationships, particularly between Chris and Annie, as Chris becomes consumed by the attention and appears to prioritize the calendar’s success over their friendship and the original purpose of honoring John.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Chris (Helen Mirren): A spirited and determined woman who spearheads the nude calendar project to raise money for leukemia research after her best friend’s husband passes away.
• Annie (Julie Walters): A grieving widow who initially supports the calendar idea and poses nude in memory of her late husband, battling her own insecurities and grief.
• Ruth (Penelope Wilton): A reserved member of the Women’s Institute who initially seems unlikely to participate but ultimately finds empowerment through the calendar.
• Cora (Linda Bassett): A Women’s Institute member with a rebellious spirit who quickly embraces the nude calendar idea and helps bring other members on board.
• Jessie (Annette Crosbie): An older member of the Women’s Institute who embodies tradition and initial resistance to the calendar, but eventually finds the courage to participate.
• Marie (Geraldine James): The conservative leader of the local Women’s Institute, who struggles with the controversial nature of the calendar but eventually supports the initiative.
• John (John Alderton): Annie’s husband whose death from leukemia inspires the calendar and whose love for sunflowers becomes a symbolic element of the project.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Chris: “The flowers of Yorkshire are like the women of Yorkshire. Every stage of their growth has its own beauty, but the last phase is always the most glorious. Then very quickly they all go to seed.” – Chris quotes John Clarke’s speech about the beauty of Yorkshire women at all stages of their lives.
• John: “I don’t think there’s anything on this planet that more trumpets life that the sunflower.” – John explains his love for sunflowers, emphasizing their life-affirming nature.
• Marie: “Oh, sod it. Go on then.” – Marie reluctantly approves the calendar idea when persuaded by Chris, marking a turning point.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $31,041,759
• Worldwide Gross: $93,401,012

💥 Calendar Girls Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely adored this movie! It made me laugh, it made me cry, and it reminded me that life is about embracing who you are, no matter your age. The scene where they are trying to take the photos and hiding behind teapots and buns was just pure gold. It left me feeling uplifted and inspired.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of British comedies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy heartwarming stories”
  • “Those interested in stories about female empowerment”
  • “People who appreciate films based on true events”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief, tasteful nudity”
  • “Mature themes including grief and loss”
  • “Some mild language”

Professional Reviews

• The Guardian: “A heartwarming and genuinely funny film that celebrates the strength and beauty of ordinary women. Mirren and Walters are superb, making this a must-see for those who enjoy feel-good stories with substance.
• Empire: “Calendar Girls is charming and enjoyable, even if it treads familiar ground. The performances are strong, and the film offers a gentle, uplifting story about friendship and courage.

Audience Reactions

The humor and the touching story resonated with viewers of all ages.: Most people found the film to be heartwarming, funny, and inspiring, celebrating the beauty of aging and female friendship.

Overall Consensus: Calendar Girls is a feel-good British comedy-drama that celebrates friendship, courage, and the beauty of aging, with strong performances from its stellar cast.

Awards

1. British Comedy Award (Best Comedy Film)- 2003

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the true story of a group of Women’s Institute members from Rylstone, North Yorkshire, who created a nude calendar in 1999 to raise money for Leukaemia Research after the husband of one of the members died from the disease.”
• “Several of the real-life ‘Calendar Girls’ made cameo appearances in the film as members of the Highgyll W.I.”
• “The film’s success led to a stage play adaptation written by Tim Firth and a musical adaptation by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth.”

🖥️ How to Watch Calendar Girls?

Calendar Girls is available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check local listings for availability on streaming services and cable providers. You can also find physical copies of the DVD and Blu-ray on Amazon and at major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Calendar Girls, you might like these similar films:

• The Full Monty (1997): Both films feature ordinary people challenging social norms by stripping for a cause.
• Pride (2014): Explores a similar theme of unlikely alliances forming for a greater cause against societal prejudices.
• Saving Grace (2000): Another British comedy about a middle-aged woman turning to unconventional means to solve financial problems.
• Waking Ned Devine (1998): A light-hearted comedy with quirky characters in a small village coming together for a common goal.

🛒 Calendar Girls Related Products

• Calendar Girls – The Play [Blu-ray]: Experience the stage adaptation of Calendar Girls in stunning high definition! This is an excellent way to enjoy the live adaptation of the same story.
• Calendar Girls Movie Poster Print: High-quality print of the original Calendar Girls movie poster, perfect for decorating any movie lover’s space.
• Calendar Girls Mug: A high quality coffee mug that celebrates women.
• Calendar Girls – Book: Based on the hit movie, Calendar Girls will take you on a journey.

🎧 Soundtrack

Calendar Girls features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Black Cat Blues” – performed by Bert Jansch
• “Jerusalem” – performed by Choir

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Calendar Girls Official Trailer!

Want to know what ‘Calendar Girls’ is all about? This video gives you the full breakdown of the plot and characters. Seriously, it’s like the CliffsNotes version but way more entertaining!

Calendar Girls | Not A Movie Review | Sucharita Tyagi | Film Companion

Curious what the critics think of ‘Calendar Girls’? Sucharita Tyagi’s ‘Not a Movie Review’ breaks it down with her signature sharp wit! I always find her takes super interesting, so definitely check it out.

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