An Awfully Big Adventure (1995)

TOMATOMETER

38%

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Critic Consensus: No consensus yet.

AUDIENCE SCORE

56%

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Movie Info

This intense drama provides an unsentimental look into how the hopes and dreams of star-struck youths are sullied by the selfishness of the adults around them. The story is set in 1947 Liverpool where a small theater troupe, managed by Meredith Potter, prepares a production of "Peter Pan." Young Stella has just been hired as the new assistant stage manager. She is only sixteen and in love with the theater. Soon she also falls in love with Meredith and his Tony ways. Stella begins to affect his mannerisms; she also begins reading and censoring his mail. Meredith is quite abusive to Bunny the stage manager. Stella's mother died years ago and when she is at home with surrogate parents Uncle Vernon and Aunt Rita, she often holds involved phone chats with her mom. Back on the stage, P.L. O'Hara, a known actor, who will play the Capt. Hook finally arrives. He falls for Stella and deflowers her. The affair continues, but Stella feels nothing as she is still in love with Meredith. At the film's climax Stella learns a family secret and the true relationship between Meredith and Bunny is revealed.

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Cast

Georgina Cates
as Stella Bradshaw
Hugh Grant
as Meredith Potter
Alan Rickman
as P.L. O'Hara
Peter Firth
as Bunny
Alun Armstrong
as Uncle Vernon
Prunella Scales
as Rose Lipman
Rita Tushingham
as Aunt Lily
Alan Cox
as Geoffrey
Edward Petherbridge
as Richard St. Ives
Nicola Pagett
as Dotty Blundell
Carol Drinkwater
as Dawn Allenby
Clive Merrison
as Desmond Fairchild
Gerard McSorley
as George
Ruth McCabe
as Grace Bird
James Frain
as John Harbour
Pat Laffan
as Mr. Harcourt
Patti Love
as Mary Deare
Hilary Reynolds
as Babs Osborn
Tom Hickey
as Freddie Reynolds
Johnny Murphy
as One Eye
Robbie Doolin
as Reporter
Brendan Conroy
as Disley
Peter O'Farrell
as Long John Silver
Larry Murphy
as Inspector
Agnes Bernelle
as Mrs Ackerly
Vicky Curtis
as Ellen
Brian McGrath
as Vicar
Padraig O'Raghallaigh
as GPO Clerk
Nick Grennel
as Actor
Willie Smith
as Empire Stage Manager
Katy O'Donnell
as Young Stella
Earl Gill
as Band Member
John Drummond
as Band Member
Chris Kenevey
as Band Member
Jack Bayle
as Band Member
Rolf Kholman
as Band Member
Horace Hessey
as Singer
Betty Casey
as Singer
Paddy Casey
as Pianist
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Critic Reviews for An Awfully Big Adventure

All Critics (13) | Top Critics (4)

The most startling thing here is Hugh Grant as a De Sade in luvvy's clothing. Grant embroiders him with impeccable details, while writer Charles Wood, adapting Beryl Bainbridge's novel, conveys the basics with admirable economy.

Dec 12, 2017
Independent on Sunday

Star Hugh Grant and director Mike Newell reteam in this bitter-sweet backstage melodrama, set in Liverpool after WWII; it's a disasppointing follow-up to their smash comedy hit Four Weddings and a Funeral.

Mar 31, 2007 | Rating: C | Full Review…
EmanuelLevy.Com

Newell at his nastiest

Apr 17, 2005 | Rating: 3/5
Filmcritic.com

Strange compelling film with strong performances

Aug 22, 2002 | Rating: 4/5
Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

Wow, is this depressing.

Jul 26, 2002 | Rating: 2/5
Northwest Herald (Crystal Lake, IL)
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Audience Reviews for An Awfully Big Adventure

Alan Rickman was the reason I saw this movie, and he's great in it, but that's not the only reason it's good. The story is realistic, dramatic, sad, and has a very surprising ending. I highly recommend it.

Aj V
Aj V

Super Reviewer

There isn't anything really terrible about his film is a well done and I liked the protagonist. I watched the film because of Rickman and I wasn't disappointed.

Marion Ravenwood
Marion Ravenwood

Super Reviewer

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