Enchanted April
| Enchanted April | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Mike Newell |
| Produced by |
Mark Shivas Simon Relph Ann Scott Matthew Hamilton |
| Written by | Peter Barnes |
| Starring |
Miranda Richardson Josie Lawrence Polly Walker Joan Plowright Alfred Molina Michael Kitchen Jim Broadbent |
| Music by | Richard Rodney Bennett |
| Cinematography | Rex Maidment |
| Editing by | Dick Allen |
| Distributed by | Miramax Films |
| Release dates |
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| Running time | 95 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $13,200,170 |
Enchanted April is a 1992 film adaptation of Elizabeth von Arnim's 1922 novel, "The Enchanted April," directed by Mike Newell. The novel was previously adapted as a stage play by Kane Campbell in 1925, and as an RKO Radio film in 1935. A new, Tony Award-nominated stage adaptation of the novel by Matthew Barber debuted on Broadway in 2003.
Plot
Elizabeth von Arnim's novel tells the story of four dissimilar women in 1920s England who leave their damp and rainy environments to go on a holiday to a secluded coastal castle in Italy. Mrs Arbuthnot and Mrs Wilkins, who belong to the same ladies' club, but have never spoken, become acquainted after reading a newspaper advertisement for a small medieval Italian castle on the shores of the Mediterranean to be let furnished for the month of April. They find some common ground in that both are struggling to make the best of unhappy marriages. Having decided to seek other ladies to help share expenses. They reluctantly take on the waspish elderly Mrs Fisher and the stunning, but aloof, Lady Caroline Dester. The four women come together at the castle and find rejuvenation in the tranquil beauty of their surroundings, rediscovering hope and love.
Cast
- Josie Lawrence as Lottie Wilkins
- Miranda Richardson as Rose Arbuthnot
- Polly Walker as Caroline Dester
- Joan Plowright as Mrs. Fisher
- Alfred Molina as Mellersh Wilkins
- Jim Broadbent as Frederick Arbuthnot
- Michael Kitchen as George Briggs
Production
The film was shot on location at Castello Brown in Portofino, Italy. This same castle was where the author of the book stayed in the 1920s. The score by Richard Rodney Bennett effectively evoked the mood of the film and accentuated the sentimental and nostalgic emotions depicted in the story — featuring winsome flute and oboe themes. [1]
Reception
The film gained a positive reaction from critics, as it currently holds an 82% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 28 reviews.
Awards
Wins
- Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy (Miranda Richardson)
- Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture (Joan Plowright)
Nominations
- Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
- Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay (Peter Barnes)
- Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (Joan Plowright)
- Academy Award for Best Costume Design (Sheena Napier)
2003 Stage Adaptation
Original Broadway Cast
- Jayne Atkinson as Lotty Wilton
- Molly Ringwald as Rose Arnott
- Dagmara Dominczyk as Caroline Bramble
- Elizabeth Ashley as Mrs. Graves
- Michael Cumpsty as Mellersh Wilton
- Daniel Gerroll as Frederick Arnott
- Michael Hayden as Antony Wilding
- Patricia Conolly as Costanza
Awards
Wins
- Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New American Play
Nominations
- Tony Award for Best Play
- Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play (Jayne Atkinson)
- Drama League Award for Distinguished Production of a Play
References
External links
- Official website
- Enchanted April - a play by Matthew Barber
- Enchanted April at the Internet Movie Database
- Enchanted April at Rotten Tomatoes
- Enchanted April at Box Office Mojo
- Enchanted April, A Lyrical New Musical
- The Enchanted April at Project Gutenberg
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