Gosford Park/Ladies in/Before DVD

Gosford Park: Robert Altman directs this elegant period drama and Agatha Christie-style murder mystery that features the cream of British acting talent. Gathered at aristocrat Michael Gambon's big house are fellow toffs Charles Dance, James Wilby and Jeremy Northam (as British matinee idol Ivor Novello) among others. Meanwhile, downstairs in the bustling servant's quarters we encounter Alan Bates and Helen Mirren as the head male and female members of staff. The various intrigues that play out between members of the different classes and sexes are all observed with... Altman's customary withering eye and trademark roving camerawork. After a murder is committed, comical pipe-smoking detective Stephen Fry arrives, but the solution is arrived at in an unconventional way. With an impeccable ensemble cast that Merchant Ivory would die for, Gosford Park is a classy piece of cinema from a great director getting back to the top of his form. Ladies In Lavender: Award winning actresses Dame Judi Dench and Maggie Smith star in this evocative, heart-warming story of unfulfilled dreams, innocence and unrequited love. Cornwall in 1936 remains as ever a timeless place. Sisters, Janet and Ursula Widdington discover a castaway on the beach below their house. With the help of the local doctor they nurse him back to health. During his convalescence the sisters discover his talent as a musician and the unsettling effect he has on them both - especially Ursula, whose life will never be the same again. Before You Go: Directed by veteran British film-maker Lewis Gilbert (Shirley Valentine, Educating Rita), Before You Go is based on Shelagh Stephenson's play 'The Memory of Water'. Three sisters (Julie Walters, Joanne Whalley and Victoria Hamilton) return to their family home in Northumberland following the death of their mother (Patricia Hodge). Family memories are soon rekindled in this beautifully acted, touching comedy drama... [show more]

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