Kate Beckinsale in Cold Comfort Farm

COLD COMFORT FARM

Released by Magna Pacific.

Based on the outrageous novel by Stella Gibbons, directed by the late John Schlesinger and featuring a very distinguished cast headlined by the beautiful Kate Beckinsale this new release by Magna Pacific of the BBCs 1994 production is definitely one to watch.

Written as a satire on the flapper society of the 1920s and beautifully filmed in an almost merchant-ivory style pastiche, Beckinsale plays Flora Poste, a young girl, recently orphaned, who goes to stay with her relatives in the country.

The Starkadders are a wild and wooly bunch and Flora is determined to lick them into shape, the family is ruled over by Judith Starkadder (played by the fantastic Eileen Atkins) a widow who is convinced that black deeds lurk around every corner for her family who include sons Seth (an early role for Rufus Sewell), a broody looker whom Flora lines up for a career in Hollywood and farmer Reuben.

Before too long Flora has got to work on everyone in the family even lining up the villages most eligible bachelor for herself in the process. This is a very funny production, originally filmed for UKTV but with such high production values that it garnered a US cinema release. Cold Comfort Farm effortlessly pokes fun at the rustic way of life in the 1920s complete with gorgeous set design and sumptuous photography. Special mention must go to Ian McKellans turn as brother to Judith, the bible bashing, fire and brimstone spouting preacher who lights up the screen whenever he appears. With a cast that also includes the likes of Freddie Jones, Stephen Fry and Joanna Lumley Cold Comfort Farm is definitely worth seeking out.