Shadowlands (1993)

C.S. Lewis, a world-renowned Christian theologian, writer and professor, leads a passionless life until he meets a spirited poet from the U.S.

Director:

Richard Attenborough

Writers:

William Nicholson (screenplay), William Nicholson (play)

Stars:

Anthony Hopkins, Debra Winger, Julian Fellowes

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 7 wins & 11 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Julian Fellowes	...	Desmond Arding
Roddy Maude-Roxby	...	Arnold Dopliss
Michael Denison	...	Harry Harrington
Andrew Seear	...	Bob Chafer
Tim McMullan	...	Nick Farrell
John Wood	...	Christopher Riley
Andrew Hawkins	...	Rupert Parrish
Peter Howell	...	College President
Anthony Hopkins	...	Jack Lewis
Edward Hardwicke	...	Warnie Lewis
Robert Flemyng	...	Claude Bird
James Frain	...	Peter Whistler
Toby Whithouse	...	Frith
Daniel Goode	...	Lieven
Scott Handy	...	Standish

Storyline

C.S. Lewis is the author of the "Chronicles of Narnia" books. Known as Jack, he teaches at Oxford during the 1950s. An American fan, Joy Gresham, arrives to meet him for tea in Oxford. It is the beginning of a love affair. Tragically, Joy becomes terminally ill and their lives become complicated.

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Plot Keywords:

oxford | england | friend | book | author | 

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Taglines:

Based on a true story.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic elements

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

14 January 1994 (USA)

Also Known As:

Tierra de sombras

Filming Locations:

Randolph Hotel, Beaumont Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$22,000,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$25,842,000

Company Credits

Production Co:

Price Entertainment,Spelling Films International,Shadowlands Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

131 min 115 min (Ontario)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Sir Anthony Hopkins prefers to memorize lines on his own, while Debra Winger prefers extensive on-set rehearsals. To accommodate Winger, Sir Richard Attenborough would rehearse with her, reading Hopkins' lines.

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Goofs

The first time Jack appears in the hospital, the physician comes out of Joy's room and tells him Joy's left leg "snapped like a twig." It is her right leg which is shown collapsing and being treated throughout the film.

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Quotes

Joy: The pain then is part of the happiness now. That's the deal.

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Connections

Remake of Shadowlands (1985)

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Soundtracks

Once in Royal David's City
(uncredited)
Lyrics by Cecil F. Alexander and music by
Henry J. Gauntlett
Sung at the Christmas service

User Reviews

Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger bring a wonderful love story to life.

The true story of British writer C. S. Lewis who, despite his comfortable bachelor life, falls in love with a lively, spirited American poet played extremely well by Debra Winger. Excellent script, and direction along with outstanding performances by the supporting cast.