Harnessing Peacocks (TV 1993)

The beautiful Hebe has been cast out by her family after a teenage pregnancy to a masked stranger during a fiesta in Italy. She makes ends meet and pays for her son's school fees by cooking... See full summary »

Director:

James Cellan Jones

Writers:

Andrew Davies, Mary Wesley (novel)

Stars:

Serena Scott Thomas, Peter Davison, John Mills

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Serena Scott Thomas	...	Hebe Rutter
Peter Davison	...	Jim Huxtable
John Mills	...	Bernard Quigley
Nicholas Le Prevost	...	Mungo Duff
Renée Asherson	...	Louisa Fox
Jeremy Child	...	Julian Reeves
Brenda Bruce	...	Amy Tremayne
Tom Beasley	...	Silas Rutter
Richard Huw	...	Rory Grant
Abigail McKern	...	Hannah Krull
David Harewood	...	Terry
Dilys Hamlett	...	Lucy Duff
Marsha Fitzalan	...	Alison Duff
Delia Lindsay	...	Jennifer Reeves
Richard Mathews	...	Grandfather

Storyline

The beautiful Hebe has been cast out by her family after a teenage pregnancy to a masked stranger during a fiesta in Italy. She makes ends meet and pays for her son's school fees by cooking for old ladies and sleeping with a small syndicate of adoring men (the "peacocks" of the title - from Greek mythology). The story revolves around Hebe, her "clients" and their families, and set against a backdrop of village life in South-West England. There is a sub-theme of the antiques trade which draws some of the characters together, and ultimately resolves the mystery of Hebe's masked lover.

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Plot Keywords:

peacock | greek mythology | cooking | mask | sailboat | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

28 November 1993 (USA)

Also Known As:

Ein Käfig voller Pfauen

Filming Locations:

Cornwall, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Friday Productions, Meridian Broadcasting

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

"Fur Elise"
(uncredited)
Written by Ludwig van Beethoven

User Reviews

one of the best "feel good" movies you can see again and again

I keep watching this movie every few months - my tape is already scratched and I don't care. Very smart, sensitive, intricate plot, with a subtle layer of sarcasm which makes it worth my time for the umpteenth time. The smart independent woman heroine portrayed in this movie should be an example to every woman who feels trapped - learn how to take advantage of life and of what you do best, and be prepared to re-think your life when changes make it necessary. Some of the men characters in this movie are so pathetic - just like in real life, while others - well, where could I find one? So... men may not find this movie so uplifting, except maybe for gawking at Serena Scott Thomas - one of the most beautiful actresses of our age (together with Robin Wright and Juliette Binoche).