Enchanted April

Enchanted April
Directed by	Mike Newell
Produced by	Mark Shivas Simon Relph Ann Scott Matthew Hamilton
Written by	Peter Barnes
Starring	Miranda Richardson Josie Lawrence Polly Walker Joan Plowright Alfred Molina Michael Kitchen Jim Broadbent
Music by	Richard Rodney Bennett
Cinematography	Rex Maidment
Editing by	Dick Allen
Distributed by	Miramax Films
Release date(s)	5 April 1992 (1992-04-05)
Running time	95 minutes
Country	United Kingdom
Language	English

Enchanted April (1992) is a film adaptation of Elizabeth von Arnim's 1922 novel, The Enchanted April. The film was directed by Mike Newell. The novel was previously adapted as a Broadway play by Kane Campbell in 1925, and as an RKO Radio film in 1935. A new, Tony Award-nominated stage adaptation of the novel by Matthew Barber was presented on Broadway in 2003. In 2010, Enchanted April, A Lyrical New Musical, with music by Richard B. Evans and book and lyrics by Charles Leipart, was previewed in New York City. The Shaw Festival, Niagara on the Lake, Canada will present Matthew Barber's adaptation as part of their 2013 season.

Plot

Elizabeth von Arnim's novel tells the story of four dissimilar women in 1920s England who leave their damp and rainy environs to go on a holiday to a secluded coastal castle in Italy. Mrs Arbuthnot and Mrs Wilkins, who belong to the same ladies' club but have never spoken, become acquainted after reading a newspaper advertisement for a 'small mediaeval Italian castle on the shores of the Mediterranean to be let furnished for the month of April'. They find some common ground in that both are struggling to make the best of unhappy marriages. Having decided to seek other ladies to help share expenses, they reluctantly take on the waspish, elderly Mrs Fisher and the stunning, but aloof, Lady Caroline Dester. The four women come together at the castle and find rejuvenation in the tranquil beauty of their surroundings, rediscovering hope and love.

Production

The film was shot on location at Castello Brown in Portofino, Italy. This same castle was where the author of the book stayed in the 1920s.

Awards

Wins

• Golden Globe Award for Best Actress - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy (Miranda Richardson)
• Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress - Motion Picture (Joan Plowright)

Nominations

• Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
• Academy Award for Writing Adapted Screenplay (Peter Barnes)
• Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (Joan Plowright)
• Academy Award for Costume Design (Sheena Napier)

Cast

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

2003 Stage Adaptation

Original Broadway Cast

• Jayne Atkinson as Lotty Wilton
• Molly Ringwald as Rose Arnott
• Dagmara Dominczyk as Caroline Bramble
• Elizabeth Ashley as Mrs. Graves
• Michael Cumpsty as Mellersh Wilton
• Daniel Gerroll as Frederick Arnott
• Michael Hayden as Antony Wilding
• Patricia Conolly as Costanza

Awards

Wins

• Outstanding New American Play - Outer Critics Circle

Nominations

• Tony Award for Best Play
• Tony Award for Best Actress - Jayne Atkinson
• Best Play - Drama League

External links

• Official website
• Enchanted April - a play by Matthew Barber
• Enchanted April at the Internet Movie Database
• Enchanted April, A Lyrical New Musical
• The Enchanted April at Project Gutenberg