TCM gave this 4 stars, & based on the Name, the fact that it was a Period(19th Century)Film, & that Lee Remick was in it, I DVR'd this with great anticipation.It's a story about an Upper Class New England Family who's life changes by the arrival of their Expatriate Cousins who grew up in Europe.Lee Remick plays the
Countess Euginia, a Countess who married for title, but now seems to be of Pending Divorce & looking for a new financial sponsorship or Marriage by way of Feminine Whiles & Cleaver Trickery.Her Brother,Robert(Robin Ellis),woos & wins the hand of his Cousin who is repressed by the Puritanical Lifestyle her family has imposed on her, & is badly in need of adventure & change.You are always quite aware of the Countess Eugenia's objective,it drives the film & gives it all it's color, but you never are quite sure if Cousin Robert actually even cares for the young cousin he pursed with such intent for her money.I had high expectations that may have influenced my view of this film a bit, but generally I was disappointed by the lack of luster & slow pace.
July 27, 2011
