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It is sometimes assumed that British TV's first lesbian kiss appeared in
1994, between Anna Friel and Nicola Stephenson in the boundary-pushing soap,
Brookside (Channel 4, 1982-2003), In fact, some 20 years earlier Alison Steadman
and Myra Frances shared an on-screen kiss in James Robson's 'Girl'.
Produced as part of Second City Firsts (BBC, 1973-78) - a product of the
BBC's Birmingham-based English Regions Drama unit dedicated to nurturing
regional talent - 'Girl' tells the story of Jackie, a young army recruit forced
to leave her position in the forces when she becomes pregnant, and her secret
relationship with Chrissie, her army superior.
The half-hour Second City Firsts slot offered fairly modest budgets, and so
the action takes place largely in one room, although there is a brief flashback
which shows the pair in bed together during the time of their affair. Dressed in
her civilian clothes, Jackie presents a stark contrast to the officious
Chrissie, smartly turned out in her Corporal's uniform, a constant reminder of
the two women's difference in status, and, perhaps, of the naivety of the
fragile Jackie. This aspect is further emphasised by the pictures of male
pin-ups that adorn the walls of Jackie's dorm, giving it the feel of a teenage
girl's bedroom.
While the scenes that occur in the present are fraught with tension, the
flashback sequence of the women sharing a post-coital cigarette is relaxed and
intimate, as the pair cuddle and make plans for the future. Jackie's
circumstances seem bleak, but this sequence provides the play's one true moment
of comfort. Rather than viewing the lesbian relationship as perverse or keeping
it purely subtextual (as it might have in earlier, less liberal times), the tone
is frank and even progressive, albeit in a melancholic sort of way. This is
particularly apparent in a moment of almost melodramatic euphoria when the pair
sing along to 'This Girl's In Love' by lesbian icon Dusty Springfield. Robson
introduces a more humorous touch with Chrissie's comment that the song is "top
of the gay girls' hit parade".
Though it seems mild by today's standards, 'Girl' was very controversial at
the time, and the BBC's anxiety was evident in the decision to precede its
transmission with a special announcement by the controller of
BBC2.
Michael Blyth
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1. Memories (2:40)
