Despite a script culled from no less than five books on the subject, this film of the notorious Profumo case - 'The Minister, the Model and the Russian Spy' - is a sadly whitewashed affair. With most of its characters still alive and the libel minefield to negotiate, it is perhaps not surprising that the film-makers played safe. Joanne Whalley-Kilmer certainly looks the part of 'showgirl' Christine Keeler, whose affairs with a Russian official and British Cabinet minister helped bring down the Conservative government of the day. But the film's revelation is American actress Bridget Fonda (daughter of Peter and niece of Jane) who perfectly captures the capricious nature and British accent of fellow goodtime girl Mandy Rice-Davies, remembered for her 'Well, he would say that' line during a famous court case. John Hurt is excellent as the sad establishment fall guy, Dr Stephen Ward.

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