Gary a Smith

Forever Amber: from Novel to Film Gary a Smith

One of the most popular and controversial novels of the Twentieth Century was Forever Amber. Kathleen Winsor's story of Restoration England follows the exploits of a beautiful girl named Amber St. Clare who bed-hops her way from country wench to mistress of the King of England. Forever Amber became a cause celebre for the "watchdogs of morality" who attempted to ban the book, which went on to sell millions of copies despite their efforts. When a film version of the novel was announced these same "watchdogs" turned their attention toward Hollywood. Although controversy might sell books and cinema tickets it can also damage reputations and prevent serious works of art from ever being taken seriously. Forever Amber: From Novel to Film hopes to shed a new light on the much maligned movie version of the best selling novel of the Forties and show how misguided censorship can ultimately damage artistic expression.