Cotton Mary (1998)

In 1954 India, a British family struggle with tradition, adultery and deception in the Merchant Ivory drama Cotton Mary (1999). Lily is the neglected wife of a BBC correspondent (James Wilby) who needs to find a wet nurse to help her sick baby.  Hospital aide Cotton Mary is happy to help.  Little does the family know that Mary is not all she seems to be, and under her devoted surface is a manipulative core that threatens them all.

Period dramas aren’t usually known for nudity, so it’s no surprise that skin is scarce here.  There are some romantic moments of longing and we are treated to some scenes of Wilby’s John shirtless with his mistress. In an unusual twist, one of the hottest scenes happens partially clothed.  John is standing by the window wearing his 1954 underwear when his mistress approaches and begins fondling his Fruit of the Looms, and giving his package the what for.