Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Maggie Smith | ... | Constance Trentham | |
Michael Gambon | ... | William McCordle | |
Kristin Scott Thomas | ... | Sylvia McCordle | |
Camilla Rutherford | ... | Isobel McCordle | |
Charles Dance | ... | Raymond Stockbridge | |
Geraldine Somerville | ... | Louisa Stockbridge | |
Tom Hollander | ... | Anthony Meredith | |
Natasha Wightman | ... | Lavinia Meredith | |
Jeremy Northam | ... | Ivor Novello | |
Bob Balaban | ... | Morris Weissman | |
James Wilby | ... | Freddie Nesbitt | |
Claudie Blakley | ... | Mabel Nesbitt | |
Laurence Fox | ... | Rupert Standish | |
Trent Ford | ... | Jeremy Blond | |
Ryan Phillippe | ... | Henry Denton |
Set in the 1930s, the story takes place in an old-fashioned English country house where a weekend shooting party is underway. The story centers on the McCordle family, particularly the man of the house, Sir William McCordle (Sir Michael Gambon). Getting on in years, William has become a benefactor to many of his relatives and friends. As the weekend goes on, secrets are revealed, and it seems that everyone, above stairs and below, wants a piece of William and his money, but how far will they go to get it? Written by Ashley <AMTOT@aol.com>
This film was captivating from beginning to end. The exemplary performances by a veritable who's who would certainly be enough, but the film is a complete package. Altman's impeccable directing knits this amazing cast into a true ensemble. The best of British cinema did the film for scale, and sat around on long shooting days because they wanted to. Add to this a realistic and beautiful English setting and a complex, riveting story, and you have a film that can't miss. Anyone who doesn't enjoy this movie should stick to low budget thrillers and cheap summer teenage trifles, because this is a film for those who can understand plot, character, and the human condition. BackStage West gave it Best Ensemble Cast. Highly recommended.