Hysteria

Victorian times were many things. It was spiritual and of course a time for science.

Dr. Granville’s electromechanical vibrator was portable but had a wet cell battery that weighed about 40 pounds.

Naturally, when it came to women, if a doctor couldn't solve their problem it was written off as Hysteria.

Hysteria:The term "hysteria" has been in use for over 2,000 years and its definition has become broader and more diffuse over time. In modern psychology and psychiatry, hysteria is a feature of hysterical disorders in which a patient experiences physical symptoms that have a psychological, rather than an organic, cause; and histrionic personality disorder characterized by excessive emotions, dramatics, and attention-seeking behavior.

This movie is a comedy, yet the costumes are beautiful. It also takes a historical perspective of this new study of its time.

The movie came out in 2011 in the UK. It is in limited theaters here in the US this month. Many will tell you, its a movie they want to own on DVD.

Hugh Dancy stars as Dr. Granville. Maggie Gyllenhaal, Rupert Everett, and Felicity Jones also star.

Storyline: In Victorian London, Dr. Mortimer Granville, a young doctor struggles to establish himself. He is hired by a doctor to investigate treatments for women diagnosed with female hysteria using 'pelvic massage'. The doctor's two daughters develop an interest in the young Dr. Granville, each tempting to woo him.