Digitally Restored Version of Come Play with Me to Honor Mary Millington’s Legacy
In a move to celebrate the legacy of 1970s icon Mary Millington, a digitally restored version of her groundbreaking film Come Play with Me is set to be released later this year. The restoration, spearheaded by a collaboration between the British Film Institute (BFI) and independent cinema groups, promises to bring the classic film to a new generation in high definition.
Originally released in 1977, Come Play with Me became one of the longest-running British films in history, symbolizing the era’s cultural shift toward sexual liberation. The restoration project aims to showcase the film in its original glory, ensuring Millington’s impact on British cinema is preserved for years to come.
The re-release will be accompanied by a special edition Blu-ray, featuring never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with cast and crew, and a mini-documentary titled Remembering Mary Millington. The documentary will explore Mary’s rise to stardom, her battle against censorship, and her enduring influence on the British sexual revolution.
In addition to the home release, Come Play with Me will return to select cinemas across the UK for limited screenings. Each screening will include panel discussions featuring film historians, feminists, and Millington’s contemporaries, addressing her contributions to freedom of expression and her struggles with fame.
A portion of the proceeds from the project will be donated to mental health charities, honoring Mary’s personal battles and raising awareness about the pressures faced by public figures.
“Mary Millington was more than just a star—she was a trailblazer,” said the project’s lead curator. “This restoration is a celebration of her life, her work, and the cultural shifts she helped inspire.”
The restored Come Play with Me is expected to hit screens and shelves later this year, cementing Mary Millington’s place in British film history.
