| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Kate Beckinsale | ... | ||
| James Fox | ... |
Colonel Bob Assingham
|
|
| Anjelica Huston | ... |
Fanny Assingham
|
|
| Nick Nolte | ... | ||
| Jeremy Northam | ... | ||
| Madeleine Potter | ... |
Lady Castledean
|
|
| Uma Thurman | ... | ||
| Nicholas Day | ... |
Lord Castledean
|
|
| Peter Eyre | ... |
A.R. Jarvis, Shopkeeper
|
|
|
|
Nickolas Grace | ... |
Lecturer
|
|
|
Robin Hart | ... |
Mr. Blint
|
|
|
Daniel Byam Shaw | ... |
Principino at Five Years
|
|
|
Francesco Giuffrida | ... |
Duke's Younger Son
|
|
|
Marta Paola Richeldi | ... |
The Duchess
|
|
|
Rossano Rubicondi | ... |
Duke's Older Son
|
Adam Verver, a US billionaire in London, dotes on daughter Maggie, an innocent abroad. An impecunious Italian, Prince Amerigo, marries her even though her best friend, Charlotte Stant, an alabaster beauty with brains, no money, and a practical and romantic nature, is his lover. She and Amerigo keep it secret from Maggie that they know each other, so Maggie interests her widowed father in Charlotte, who is happy with the match because she wants to be close to Amerigo. Charlotte desires him, the lovers risk discovery, Amerigo longs for Italy, Maggie wants to spare her father pain, and Adam wants to return to America to build a museum. Amidst lies and artifice, what fate awaits adulterers? Written by <[email protected]>
Prince Amerigo (Jeremy Northam) has a castle on the verge of ruin and empty pockets. Although he lusts after a poor but beautiful lady named Charlotte, he decides to marry her very rich friend instead. His new wife, Maggie, is a lovely, innocent human being, totally unspoiled by wealth. Maggie hopes to see her widowed father happily remarried and encourages his interest in Charlotte. It happens. Charlotte agrees to marry America's first billionaire, what a tough gig. But, why? Does she have any affection for Maggie's father? Or does she want to stay in close contact with Amerigo? It seems the latter, for Charlotte and the Prince go everywhere together, now that it is acceptable for two "relatives" to gad about. What is happening here? The book was written over 100 years ago but this story of human nature shows that very little changes under the sun. Northam and Thurman excel as the egocentric and evil humans who are so very lovely to look upon, it hurts. Beckinsale and Nolte likewise give nice turns as the folks who still have hearts beating in their breasts, despite their riches. As period pieces go, the costuming, the scenery, the staging, and the cinematography here are sumptuous. True, the pace is somewhat slow and the tale is intricate and subtle, requiring a repeat viewing, perhaps. However, Merchant and Ivory fans and non-fans will be rewarded by sitting through this timeless and tantalizing tale. If anyone wants to arrange for friends to share a movie evening together, the Bowl will have everyone talking.