American Friends

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American Friends
Directed by Tristram Powell
Produced by Steve Abbott
Patrick Cassavetti
Written by Michael Palin
Tristram Powell
Starring Michael Palin
Connie Booth
Trini Alvarado
Music by Georges Delerue
Cinematography Philip Bonham-Carter
Editing by George Akers
Distributed by Palace Pictures
Release date(s) 22 March 1991
Running time 95 min
Country United Kingdom
Language English
All Movie Guide profile
IMDb profile

American Friends is a comic film, released in 1991, starring Michael Palin. It was written by Palin and Tristram Powell, and directed by Powell.

[edit] Plot

Palin plays Francis Ashby, a senior Oxford professor on holiday in the Alps in 1861. There he meets the American Caroline Hartley (Connie Booth) and her 18-year old ward Elinor (Trini Alvarado). Ashby is drawn to them both, particularly Elinor, but is rather surprised when they arrive in Oxford and rent a house. Women are not allowed in the College, nor are Fellows allowed to marry, which puts him in an embarrassing situation. Ashby's rival for the post of College President, Oliver Syme, takes full advantage of this to try and discredit Ashby. However the situation is finally resolved and Ashby and Elinor are finally married.

The plot was taken from a real-life incident involving Palin's great-grandfather, Edward Palin.

[edit] Cast

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