The Woodlanders (1997)

The story is set in late 19th century rural corner of South England. The daughter of timber merchant Melbury, Grace, returns to the town after finishing school. Her father now believes she ... See full summary »

Director:

Phil Agland

Writers:

Thomas Hardy (novel), David Rudkin

Stars:

Emily Woof, Rufus Sewell, Cal Macaninch

3 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Credited cast:
Emily Woof	...	Grace Melbury
Rufus Sewell	...	Giles Winterbourne
Cal Macaninch	...	Dr. Fitzpiers
Tony Haygarth	...	Mr. Melbury
Jodhi May	...	Marty South
Polly Walker	...	Mrs. Charmond
Walter Sparrow	...	Old Creedle
Sheila Burrell	...	Grandma Oliver
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Geoffrey Beevers	...	Agent
Robert Blythe	...	Young Timothy Tangs
Jon Croft	...	John Upjohn
Michael Culkin	...	Percombe
Vincent Franklin	...	Stable Lad
Joanna Jeffrees	...	Peasant Girl
Caroline John	...	Housekeeper

Storyline

The story is set in late 19th century rural corner of South England. The daughter of timber merchant Melbury, Grace, returns to the town after finishing school. Her father now believes she can find a better husband than her childhood sweetheart, woodsman Giles. She marries handsome young doctor FitzPiers, but soon finds out he's not the man of her dreams and she still loves Giles.

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Plot Keywords:

merchant | timber merchant | love | doctor | timber | 

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Taglines:

A timeless tale of passion and desire.

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic elements and mild language

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 February 1998 (UK)

Also Known As:

Erdőlakók

Filming Locations:

Breamore House, Fordingbridge, Hampshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Arts Council of England, Channel Four Films, Pathe Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Marty South: Oh, Giles, if only you could tell your heart to be free.
Giles Winterbourne: You can't tell the heart. The heart hopes. Most of all where it's hopeless.

User Reviews

Wonderful interpretation of Hardy's complicated classic; beautiful stars, beautiful scenery, too

Giles (Rufus Sewell) is the right-hand man to a successful, rural logger. A handsome gent, he and the business owner's daughter, Grace (Emily Woof) grew up together and became very attached. But, the logger always had a chip on his shoulder that he was not refined so he sent his only child to a finishing school for some years. Now, Grace is coming home and Giles is eager to re-establish a relationship with her. But, alas, the beautiful young lady, although quite kind, is hoping to make a better match, having her head filled with bookish nonsense. This stuns Giles but, he keeps on keeping on. Even when he loses his home to a local woman's pettiness, the handsome man stays true to Gracie and his community. As bad luck would have it, there is a new doctor in town and once Gracie meets him, she sets her sights on him and the interest is mutual, resulting in marriage. How can this be, when clearly the doctor is a somewhat pompous and flawed individual and Giles is such a handsome, true-to-you kind of male? This is a complicated tale from the great writer, Thomas Hardy, of 19th century England. Hardy excelled in penning books about ordinary, country folks who sometimes had terrible exchanges with the wealthier, more powerful classes. Tragedy was often the result and the story here is much of the same. Admirably, this film is never melodramatic or forced but tells the complicated story very well. Also, the cast is quite wonderful, all of them, even though Sewell or Polly Walker are the only known actors. Then, too, the setting in the English countryside is very lovely and authentic, showing the beauty and the rustic nature of the existence in another time, another place. Costumes, too, are sensational, the productions values are very fine, and the script and direction are most competent. If you adore the classics, romance, or historical tales, you would do well to search for the Woodlanders. It is a powerful story that would spark a most animated discussion, even as it entertains.