Toyah Willcox didnt realise the feminist aspect of Quadrophenia while filming the cult classic.
The 61-year-old played Monkey in the 1979 hit – a party animal who was in control of her sex life as well as being a constant supplier of drugs to her friends.
When chatting to Metro.co.uk, the star reflected on the character and how liberating it was to play her.
She told us: At the time I wasnt aware of the feminist aspects of it. It was quite a schizophrenic time.
I got signed to a record label was working on another movie, then working on Quadrophenia.
She laughed: Everything was going absolutely ballistic.
Discussing the dynamics of the characters she explained where Monkey fell into the group.
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The truth I tried to hold onto, she explained: Was that you always get a group of people where one loves another, and they love someone else, but never do the two meet.
The singer smiled: So all the connections were firing off in the wrong areas.
Monkey was a very strong character, she was working in a chemist and she could get hold of drugs, but I think she was deeply, sexually frustrated and confused.
Chalky probably fancied her, she fancied Jimmy, it was one of those messes that worked in a team dynamic and they didnt fall out over it.
The Angel And Me songstress continued: But looking back it was an exciting time for women.
They were liberated from the girdle. They hadnt burned their bras yet, but they were allowed to show their legs, and they were allowed to be explicit and energetic… I think it was a perfect time.
Her co-star Leslie Ash mirrored Toyahs words as she opened up on that iconic alleyway sex scene.
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The 59-year-old told us: It was liberating and nice to keep your clothes on.
I remember whatever film you went for there was always a love scene and the woman was always naked – but not necessarily the man.
More: Sky
Ive had a lot of feedback on that scene. Ill walk down the road where people shout, “alright in the alley,” but I think for a lot of people who watched the film found it more erotic.
