Ethan Frome (1993)

Based on the novel of the same name by Edith Wharton, it is about a husband and wife (Ethan and Zeena), who need an extra hand around the house due to Zeena's debilitated body and constant ... See full summary »

Director:

John Madden

Writers:

Richard Nelson, Edith Wharton (novel)

Stars:

Liam Neeson, Gil Rood, Tate Donovan

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Liam Neeson	...	Ethan Frome
Gil Rood	...	Conductor
Tate Donovan	...	Reverend Smith
Stephen Mendillo	...	Ned Hale
Phil Garran	...	Mr. Howe
Virginia Smith	...	Mrs. Howe
Annie Nessen	...	Sarah Anne Howe
Katharine Houghton	...	Mrs. Hale
Marcie Vaughan	...	Young Woman
Burt Porter	...	Harmon Gow
Rusty De Wees	...	Man at Post Office
Paul Donlon	...	Man at Post Office
Joan Allen	...	Zenobia 'Zeena' Frome
Robert Nutt	...	Church Elder
David Dellinger	...	Funeral Minister

Storyline

Based on the novel of the same name by Edith Wharton, it is about a husband and wife (Ethan and Zeena), who need an extra hand around the house due to Zeena's debilitated body and constant illness. The young woman who joins them is a beautiful, spirited person. She and Ethan fall in love much to the dismay of Zeena.

---

Plot Keywords:

love | illness | remake | adultery | repression | 

---

Taglines:

A Forbidden Love Triangle Of Passion And Desire!

---

Genres:

Drama | Romance

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic elements

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 March 1993 (USA)

Also Known As:

Ethan Frome - Um amor para sempre

Filming Locations:

Northeast Kingdom, Vermont, USA

Box Office

Gross:

$296,081 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

American Playhouse, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

In a winter scene early in the film, a Red-eyed Vireo can be heard singing in the dead of winter in Massachusetts. These birds winter in Amazonia, and arrive in Massachusetts in late spring.

---

Connections

Version of The DuPont Show of the Month: Ethan Frome (1960)

---

Soundtracks

"Rakes of Mallow"
Traditional

User Reviews

Almost.

I must say outright that this book is one of the best Edith Wharton books you could possibly read, so I was a little dubious going into this film.

I was pleasantly surprised though by the detail and care that the director and actors put into it, although I would quibble with one point- I found that rather than the Whartonian 'repression', the performers seemed to be awkwardly stumbling with their emotions- it's a fine line to be sure.

Liam Neeson does a wonderful job in this film, beautifully nuanced performance, and Joan Allen (as always) just about walks away with the film.

Absolutely worth a viewing, but try the book first, it's superb.