Washington Square (1997)

In this adaptation of the Henry James novel set in 19th-century New York City, a wealthy spinster with an overbearing father is pursued by a handsome fortune hunter who may be only after her money.

Director:

Agnieszka Holland

Writers:

Henry James (novel), Carol Doyle (screenplay)

Stars:

Jennifer Jason Leigh, Albert Finney, Maggie Smith

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jennifer Jason Leigh	...	Catherine Sloper
Albert Finney	...	Dr. Austin Sloper
Maggie Smith	...	Aunt Lavinia Penniman
Ben Chaplin	...	Morris Townsend
Judith Ivey	...	Aunt Elizabeth Almond
Arthur Laupus	...	Mr. Almond
Jennifer Garner	...	Marian Almond
Robert Stanton	...	Arthur Townsend
Betsy Brantley	...	Mrs. Montgomery
Nancy Daly	...	Maureen (Maid)
Sara Ruzicka	...	Catherine Sloper (age 11)
Rachel Layne Sacrey	...	Sarah Almond
Rachel Osborne	...	Alice Almond
Scott Jaeck	...	John Ludlow
Peter Maloney	...	Jacob Webber (Notary)

Storyline

Catherine Sloper (Jennifer Jason Leigh) has found the man of her dreams in Morris Townsend (Ben Chaplin), but her plans to marry him are strongly opposed by her father, Dr. Austin Sloper (Albert Finney), who believes Townsend is only interested in his daughter for her money. But Catherine is determined to follow her heart, even if she loses her inheritance in the process. But just what are Townsend's intentions?

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Plot Keywords:

mercenary | wetting pants | simple minded person | dead body | sex | 

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Taglines:

She must choose between her father's fortune... Or the man she loves.

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic elements including some sensuality, a childbirth scene and brief mild language

Did You Know?

Trivia

Shot over a period of eight weeks.

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Quotes

Catherine Sloper: It occurs to me if I live with you, I ought to obey you.
Dr. Austin Sloper: If that's your theory, it's certain mine.
Catherine Sloper: But if I don't obey you, I ought not to live with you - to enjoy your kindness and protection.
Dr. Austin Sloper: What a distasteful idea! It must be Mr. Townsend's.
Catherine Sloper: No, it's mine.
Dr. Austin Sloper: Why do you speak to me thus? I've done nothing but try to protect you from ...
Catherine Sloper: From? From what, Father? Love? Affection? Caring? Respect?

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Connections

Referenced in Film Geek (2005)

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Soundtracks

L'Absence
Lyrics by Théophile Gautier
Music by Jan A.P. Kaczmarek
Quartet Version Vocal by Marissa Anna Muro
Orchestra Version Vocal by Marta Boberska

User Reviews

Movie Twists James' intent

The film version of Henry James' novel twists the story James tried to convey. The director of the film took too many liberties with the film by adding scenes and distorting scenes as to make the drama point almost all fingers at the poor Doctor. I believe that the director did not make as much of an emphasis on the money as James originally did, and I believe that the director did not convey the faults within the love affair in order to make the drama more romantic. I think that a more strict adherence to James would have made the film just as romantic, but would have left the audience with the message that the lovers had just as many faults as the good Doctor.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English French

Release Date:

10 October 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

Washington Square

Filming Locations:

Baltimore, Maryland, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$14,352, 5 October 1997

Gross USA:

$1,851,761

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$1,851,761

Company Credits

Production Co:

Alchemy Filmworks, Caravan Pictures, Hollywood Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

115 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1