Autobiography of a Princess (1975)

Synopsis: AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A PRINCESS is a thoughtful character study and fascinating look at a nearly obsolete Indian lifestyle. The 60-minute film, produced for Channel 13 (PBS) in New York, became a... AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A PRINCESS is a thoughtful character study and fascinating look at a nearly obsolete Indian lifestyle. The 60-minute film, produced for Channel 13 (PBS) in New York, became a Merchant Ivory production after producer Ismail Merchant visited the former maharaja of Jodhpur with the idea of making a documentary. Director James Ivory and screenwriter Ruth Prawer Jhabvala went along with Merchant, and there they conceived the idea of a film about an Indian princess (Madhur Jaffrey). Self-exiled in London, she invites her father's old tutor, Cyril Sahib (James Mason), to an annual tea party, where they reminisce about royal India. While watching old film reels of India (Ivory used footage that had been shot by Merchant of the real maharajas), the princess and Cyril argue about her father's place in history. Mason gives one of the finest portrayals of his career, an almost valedictory performance as the articulate and self-aware Cyril. Ivory was inspired to make the film by his relationship with the popular Indian actress Jaffrey, who is perfect as the imperious but befuddled and tragically isolated princess. [More]

Starring: Madhur Jaffrey, James Mason

Starring: Madhur Jaffrey, James Mason

Director: James Ivory

Director: James Ivory
Producer: Ismail Merchant

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