The Europeans (1979) (NR)

synopsis

A pivotal film for Merchant Ivory, who demonstrate great intelligence and wit with their faithful adaptation of Henry James' story of an encounter between a family or pre-Civil War New Englanders and their European cousins, whose sophisticated ways dazzle and attract some family members and scandalize others. The fortune-hunting Baroness Eugenia Muenster (Lee Remick) arrives with her artistic and dashing brother Felix (Tim Woodward) for a transatlantic visit with their cousins, the Wentworths. Less calculating than his sister, the bohemian, happy-go-lucky Felix falls for Gertrude Wentworth (Lisa Eichhorn), who is already being courted (and bored) by the earnest Unitarian Minister suitor Mr. Brand (Norman Snow). Eugenia meanwhile sets her sights on the reserved and attractive Robert Acton (Robin Ellis), who is torn between his captivation with the Baroness and his distrust of her European worldliness. Delightful, elegant and superbly acted, this film inaugurated Merchant Ivory's long winning streak of period literary adaptations.