Watch Babs

Babs is a biographical drama that tells the story of Barbara Windsor's rise to fame. The film is set in London's theatre scene in the 1940s and 1950s, and it explores the personal and professional life of Barbara, played by Samantha Spiro. As a young girl, Barbara dreams of becoming a performer, and she gets her first taste of the stage when she s a theatre group in her neighborhood. Despite the disapproval of her mother, who thinks that show business is not a respectable career, Barbara works hard and eventually lands a part in a West End revue.

Once in the spotlight, Barbara attracts the attention of the charming and ambitious Ronnie Knight (Charlie Archer), who becomes her boyfriend and manager. Together, they navigate the ups and downs of the entertainment industry, and Barbara becomes a star, with her iconic role in the Carry On movies.

However, fame comes at a cost, and Barbara's personal life is often overshadowed by her public persona. She struggles with the pressure of maintaining her image and dealing with the constant scrutiny of the media. At the same time, her relationship with Ronnie becomes strained, as his own ambitions lead him down a dark path.

Throughout the film, we see how Barbara's determination and resilience help her overcome the challenges she faces. Her ion for acting and her love for the people around her give her the strength to keep going, even when things seem impossible. At the same time, we get a glimpse into the social changes that occurred during the post-war years, especially with regards to women's roles in society and the taboo surrounding divorce.

Samantha Spiro delivers a fantastic performance as Barbara, capturing both her vulnerability and her strength. She portrays the star with honesty and comion, highlighting her flaws and her humanity. Charlie Archer is equally excellent as Ronnie, bringing a mix of charm and darkness to the character. Nick Moran plays John Deeks, a photographer and Barbara's friend, who serves as a narrator of sorts, providing insightful commentary on the events.

The film is directed by Tony Jordan, who also wrote the screenplay. He does an excellent job of capturing the atmosphere of the period, with attention to detail in the costumes and sets. The musical numbers are also noteworthy, and they add to the overall nostalgic feel of the production.

Overall, Babs is a well-crafted and engaging biopic that pays homage to one of the most beloved actresses of the British entertainment industry. It is a poignant and heartfelt tribute to Barbara Windsor's life and career, with a touch of nostalgia and humor that will please both fans and newcomers alike.