Impromptu (1991)

In 1830s France, pianist/composer Frédéric Chopin is pursued romantically by the determined, individualistic woman who uses the name George Sand.

Director:

James Lapine

Writer:

Sarah Kernochan

Stars:

Judy Davis, Hugh Grant, Mandy Patinkin

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Judy Davis	...	George Sand
Hugh Grant	...	Frederic Chopin
Mandy Patinkin	...	Alfred De Musset
Bernadette Peters	...	Marie D'Agoult
Julian Sands	...	Franz Liszt
Ralph Brown	...	Eugene Delacroix
Georges Corraface	...	Felicien Mallefille
Anton Rodgers	...	Duke D'Antan
Emma Thompson	...	Duchess D'Antan
Anna Massey	...	George Sand's Mother
David Birkin	...	Maurice
Nimer Rashed	...	Didier
Fiona Vincente	...	Solange
John Savident	...	Buloz
Lucy Speed	...	Young Aurora

Storyline

1830s Paris. Novelist George Sand (Judy Davis), who is known to be writing her memoirs, is causing a sensation in the literary scene not only for the quality of her writing, but because of her extreme views and manners, including blurring the lines between the sexes - she generally wearing men's clothes - and her non-belief in the sanctity of marriage after having gone through the institution once before, now preferring sexual liaisons outside of her own wedlock, with the marital status of her lovers of no concern to her. She is just coming to the end of a turbulent affair with Jean Pierre Félicien Mallefille (Georges Corraface), who she is now trying to avoid in his continual pursuit of her. Despite thinking it will be a bore because of their insufferable hostess, she invites herself to a weekend gathering of some of France's greatest artistic and creative minds - many who are attending solely for a weekend of free food - at the country estate of the Duke (Anton Rodgers) and Duchess ...

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Plot Keywords:

composer | jealousy | strong woman | gender roles | composing | 

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Genres:

Biography | Comedy | Music | Romance

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Certificate:

PG-13

Did You Know?

Trivia

One of Hugh Grant's first leading roles, and he was virtually unknown in the U.S. when this aired on PBS's Masterpiece Theatre in early 1990s.

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Quotes

[Their first meeting, after she sneaks in while he's playing the piano]
George Sand: Oh, don't stop! Monsieur Chopin, you are in the middle of a miracle! - I'm not quite yet cured.
Frederic Chopin: How did you get in here? Who are you?
George Sand: I am your slave, and you have summoned me with your music.
Frederic Chopin: Oh, yes. I think I know who you are: I have heard you described. Madame Sand, rumor has it you are a woman, and so I must ask you to leave my private chambers.
George Sand: Have I offended your modesty? I apologize. Only play me one more piece and I'll...
[...]

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Connections

Referenced in The Graham Norton Show: Hugh Grant/Emma Thompson/Luke Evans/Lenny Kravitz (2014)

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Soundtracks

Nocturne Op.15, No.1 in F
Music by Frédéric Chopin

User Reviews

A Delightfully Charming Movie

Impromptu is one of the more charming, lighthearted period movies I have come across. If you are expecting a sweeping drama, prepared to be disappointed. Some people might not like this film, as it lacks some of the lengthy, tragic dialogue and overly melodramatic style that many period films have. If you are looking for something fun for the whole family, this is it. Judy Davis' role as George Sand is strong, and she delivers her character with the perfect amount of gusto. Hugh Grant performance as Fredric Chopin is priceless, and he makes himself very endearing and believable as the timid composer. Bernadette Peters performance as the jealous and spiteful Marie D'Agoult is marvelous - you leave the movie feeling quite annoyed by her character, which is exactly what I imagine the director wanted from her character! The costuming and set designs are exquisite, as is the cinematography, and backs the actors wonderfully.

Details

Official Sites:

MGM

Country:

UK France

Language:

English

Release Date:

May 1991 (USA)

Also Known As:

Chopin - min elskede

Filming Locations:

Bibliothèque Thiers, place Saint Georges Paris, France

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$51,176, 14 April 1991

Gross USA:

$4,076,211

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$4,076,211

Company Credits

Production Co:

C.L.G. Films, Governor Productions, Les Films Ariane

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color