Enchanted April (BBC-2 1992, Josie Lawrence, Miranda Richardson)

Sometime between the Wars in the 1920’s, a bored British housewife (Josie Lawrence) spots an ad for short-term rental of a majestic Italian villa. She convinces her neighbor (Miranda Richardson) and two relative strangers (Polly Walker, Joan Plowright) to share in the experience. Character growth takes precedence over plot as the four women slowly find rejuvenation in the idyllic Mediterranean location. A witty script and strong ensemble performances complete this uplifting period piece.

Elizabeth Von Arnim’s 1922 novel was also adapted for the silver screen in 1935 by director Harry Beaumont.

Broadcast as part of the BBC’s Screen Two series.

production details
UK | BBC-2 | 1×89 minutes | 1991

Writer: Peter Barnes
Original Story: Elizabeth Von Arnim
Director: Mike Newell
Producer: Ann Scott
Director of Photography: Rex Maidment
Composer: Richard Rodney Bennett
Production Designer: Malcolm Thornton

cast
Josie Lawrence as Lottie Wilkins
Miranda Richardson as Rose Arbuthnot
Joan Plowright as Mrs. Fisher
Polly Walker as Caroline Dester
Alfred Molina as Mellersh Wilkins
Michael Kitchen as George Briggs
Jim Broadbent as Frederick Arbuthnot