Virgin And The Lover -1973- Classic- Feature- D... ((full)) Jun 2026

The film was re-edited multiple times for different markets. The original European cut ran 98 minutes. The US release cut 12 minutes of philosophical dialogue to emphasize explicit scenes. A “soft-core” version aired briefly on late-night cable TV in 1976, retitled The Awakening of Catherine .

A classic feature from this era demanded patience and attention. Directors were not afraid of long takes, silence, or ambiguity. This specific era of filmmaking catered to an audience that was arguably more politically engaged and intellectually curious. The entertainment value wasn't found in explosions or CGI battles, but in the tension between characters, the sharpness of the dialogue, and the bravery of the performances. Virgin and the Lover -1973- Classic- Feature- D...

The film was shot in late 1972 in the Loire Valley, France, over 12 days. The convent scenes used a real decommissioned monastery, while the studio interiors were built in a rented warehouse near Paris. The film was re-edited multiple times for different markets