Relative Values ***½ (2000, Julie Andrews, Edward Atterton, William Baldwin, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Colin Firth, Stephen Fry) – Classic Movie Review 2186

Director Eric Styles’s crisp and amusing 2000 movie version of the vintage play by Noël Coward is a small civilised pleasure. Paul Rattigan and Michael Walker adapt the Master’s work, keeping his wit intact. It is set in 1952 England.

Julie Andrews enjoys herself in an ideal role for her as Countess Felicity of Marshwood, the English lady mother of a young earl called Nigel (Edward Atterton), who is scandalised when he proposes to marry a US movie star called Miranda Frayle (Jeanne Tripplehorn) rather than the English aristocrat of her choice. Just  before the engagement party, Miranda is revealed as the long-lost estranged sister of the family maid, Moxie (Sophie Thompson).

It is delightfully fluffy, old-style entertainment, and a good acting showcase for some fine, delightful players. Stephen Fry (as the Countess’s interfering butler Crestwell), William Baldwin (as Miranda’s ex -lover, fellow Hollywood star Don Lucas who arrives at Marshwood to try to get her back), Stephanie Beacham (as Elizabeth) and Colin Firth (who acts as though he thinks he’s playing Oscar Wilde rather than Noël Coward, as Peter Ingleton) all have their moments. However, it’s Andrews’s show and she as effervescing as ever.

It plays well on TV and its brief running time of only 87 minutes ensures it is brisk and pacy and doesn’t outstay its welcome.

Also in the cast are Gaye Brown (as Lady Hayling), Anwen Carlisle, Kathryn Dimery, Michael Higgs, John Hinnigan, Patrick Marley, Richard Nichols, David Schaal, Lynn Seymour, Katy Stephens, Lauren Stocks, Aaron Zorzo and Michael Culkin.

© Derek Winnert 2015 Classic Movie Review 2186

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