Penelope (2006)

A modern romantic tale about a young aristocratic heiress born under a curse that can only be broken when she finds true love with "one who will accept her as one of their own."

Director:

Mark Palansky

Writer:

Leslie Caveny

Stars:

Christina Ricci, James McAvoy, Reese Witherspoon

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Richard E. Grant	...	Franklin Wilhern
Catherine O'Hara	...	Jessica Wilhern
Nick Prideaux	...	Penelope's Great-Grandfather (as Nicholas Prideaux)
Michael Feast	...	Jake / Witch
Christina Ricci	...	Penelope Wilhern
Ronni Ancona	...	Wanda
Simon Woods	...	Edward Vanderman
Paul Herbert	...	Leonard Wilhern
Simon Chandler	...	Doctor
Peter Dinklage	...	Lemon
Andi-Marie Townsend	...	Young Penelope
John Voce	...	Station Cop
Burn Gorman	...	Larry
Andrew Bailey	...	Floorman in Card Club
James McAvoy	...	Johnny / Max

Storyline

In this modern-day romantic tale, Penelope is about a young girl's inspiring journey, a mysterious family secret, and the power of love. With all odds against her, in order for Penelope to break the family curse, she must find true love with "one of her own kind" and realize the most important life lesson, "I like myself the way I am." Penelope Wilhern, born to wealthy socialites, is afflicted by the Wilhern spell that can only be broken when she finds love. Hidden away in her family's estate, the lonely girl meets a string of suitors in her parents' futile attempt to break the curse. Each eligible bachelor is enamored with Penelope and her sizable dowry; until her curse is revealed. Lemon, a mischievous and eager tabloid reporter, wants a photograph of the mysterious Penelope and hires Max to pose as a prospective suitor to get the shot. The handsome down-on-his luck gambler finds himself falling for Penelope, but, not wanting to disappoint her or to expose his surreptitious ways, he...

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Plot Keywords:

magical realism | rich parents | female protagonist | scarf | mother daughter relationship | 

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Taglines:

A fairytale like no other.

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Genres:

Comedy | Fantasy | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic elements, some innuendo and language

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

29 February 2008 (USA)

Also Known As:

Пенелопа

Filming Locations:

56 Holland Park, Holland Park, London, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$15,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£769,840 (United Kingdom), 3 February 2008, Limited Release

Opening Weekend USA:

$3,802,144, 2 March 2008, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$10,011,274, 1 June 2008

Company Credits

Production Co:

Summit Entertainment,Stone Village Pictures,Type A Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

104 min 86 min (DVD)

Sound Mix:

SDDS Dolby Digital DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In the scene where Penelope (Christina Ricci) catches Johnny (James McAvoy) trying to steal a book, she mentions that the room has three hundred first editions worth over fifty thousand dollars. This comes to fifteen million dollars, the budget of the film.

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Goofs

(at around 1 min) A part of the mattress can be seen when Penelope's mother faints in the kitchen.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Penelope: My parents were born into the good life. Old money, blue blooded, society sweethearts.

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Connections

References Beauty and the Beast (1976)

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Soundtracks

Your Disguise
Performed and Written by James Greenspun
Courtesy of Heroes for Nothing LLC

User Reviews

An uplifting tale with something for everyone.

I saw this at a preview and really enjoyed this movie. It's a wonderful take on the common theme of accepting who you are, not what you are.

Although aimed at tweens/teens, it has elements which also makes this entertaining for adults. It has great visual appeal, slapstick humor as well as clever writing throughout.

This movie deserves to be successful and it's best promotional vehicle will be word of mouth.

It is well cast and Cristina Ricci, as the main character, is instantly engaging.

A fun movie for all !