Feast of July (1995)

After an abandoned young woman in late 19th Century England is taken in by a rural couple with three handsome sons, tragic consequences result.

Director:

Christopher Menaul

Writers:

H.E. Bates (novel), Christopher Neame (screenplay)

Stars:

Embeth Davidtz, Tom Bell, Gemma Jones

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Embeth Davidtz	...	Bella Ford
Tom Bell	...	Ben Wainwright
Gemma Jones	...	Mrs. Wainwright
James Purefoy	...	Jedd Wainwright
Ben Chaplin	...	Con Wainwright
Kenneth Anderson	...	Matty Wainwright
Greg Wise	...	Arch Wilson
David Neal	...	Mitchy Mitchell
Julian Protheroe	...	Bowler-Hatted Man
Mark Neal	...	Clerk at Shoe Factory
Tim Preece	...	Preacher
Daphne Neville	...	Mrs. Mitchell
Charles De'Ath	...	Billy Swaine
Colin Prockter	...	Man in Pub
Richard Hope	...	Squire Wyman

Storyline

This romantic story, based on a novel by H.E. Bates and set in late 19th century England, rests on sibling rivalry for the affections of a woman who comes to live with their family by happenstance. In time, she decides to accept the marriage proposal of the youngest of the three sons, to the surprise of all. However, a man whom she had once loved and who had abandoned her (after making false promises) comes back into her life. The appearance of this scoundrel sets into motion a tragic series of events that eventually engulfs everyone.

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Plot Keywords:

england | 19th century | marriage | sibling rivalry | marriage proposal | 

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Taglines:

There is no escape from the past.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for brief violence and sexuality

Details

Country:

USA UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 October 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

Cosecha de julio

Filming Locations:

Black Country Museum, Dudley, West Midlands, England, UK

Box Office

Gross:

$293,274 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Touchstone Pictures, Merchant Ivory Productions, Peregrine Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

116 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR Dolby Digital

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Jedd Wainwright: [to Bella] No, no, never say goodbye. It's too final.

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Soundtracks

"HARVEST WALTZ"
Composed by Rachel Portman

User Reviews

A nominal, romanticized lite drama.

"Feast..." is a well crafted, somewhat staged and romanticized drama about a woman, Bella (Davidtz), who wanders into the lives of a 19th century agrarian English family with 3 adult sons changing their lives forever. The film offers good performances by all, represents rural life of the time well, is artfully presented, and avoids extreme excursions giving the film a sort of perfect Disney-esque feel. Davidtz graces the screen throughout though Chaplin offers perhaps the best performance. A good watch for those in need of some easy-going romantic period drama.