We’ll Take Manhattanis an Ovation Original Production which tells the story of famed British photographer, David Bailey (Aneurin Barnad) and his model and muse, Jean Shrimpton (Karen Gillan of Dr. Who). Setting out from 1960’s London, the film recounts how Bailey, with his east end accent and leather jacket, and Shrimpton, the “ugly duckling” who turned into the first supermodel, set off to Manhattan for an historic photo shoot for British Vogue. The brash, visionary Bailey refused to conform to the status quo. His raw, sophisticated images of the gamine Shrimpton revolutionized the world of fashion photography.
The now iconic photos that resulted from the 1960 Vogue shoot had Shrimpton posing in haute couture set against the mean gritty streets of New York City, while clutching to a teddy bear. Despite violent opposition from vogue editor, Lady Clare Rendlesham, played by Helen McCrory (Harry Potter), Baily’s photographs of Shrimpton became the definition of a new generation of celebrity chic – one which had helped characterize cinema verite style and focused on the contrast and grey area of what “beautiful” actually is. We’ll Take Manhattan, illustrates the rebellious spirit of these characters and also focuses on the torrid love affair that inevitably ensued.
