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, 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 Félicien Mallefille, 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 and Duchess D'Antan in Angers. George's want to attend is largely to get ...

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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

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

Gross USA:

$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

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

[Alfred's satirical play begins]
Franz Liszt: Good evening. I am God. In the time that I am relating, I have grown disappointed in my master creation, the human race. I endowed them with everything: the riches of the land, and of the sea, and of the air... and enough intelligence to worship me.

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Connections

Featured in Siskel & Ebert: Robert Redford (1992)

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Soundtracks

Etude Op. 25 in G Flat
Music by Frédéric Chopin

User Reviews

A Gem

I liked Impromptu, I liked the characters, their development, the setting, the costumes. I like it all. It was a genuinely funny film. The kids, the duel, the horse's commentary were priceless gems. The story was well written and the acting was outstanding.

George Sand (Judy Davis) a very independent character falls for Frederic Chopin (Hugh Grant) a sensitive basket case who is a genius when it comes to the piano. I understand this is a true story. I hope the original was as fresh and funny as the movie portrayal.