The title of a Henry James novella set in mid-19th century New England, filmed in a barely-changed New Ipswich by Merchant/Ivory productions in the fall of 1978.
The setting was authentic–a New Hampshire village; the season–a blazing autumn, gold fading into silver; the story–Old Europe on the make in New England; my part–a Boston nabob unable to make up his mind.
Stark contrast with impulsive Ross Poldark for me–and one I found difficult.
And I was playing with an impressionistic “American” accent opposite the real thing–Boston Brahmin daughter par excellence, and Oscar nominee, Lee Remick–herself playing with her best cut-glass English accent.
Poor stuck-in-the-mud Robert Acton was too rich, too comfortable and too complacent to contemplate the upheaval a life with a gold-digging, not-yet-divorced, European princess would put him through.
Years later Ruth Prawer Jabhvala, Merchant/Ivory’s perennial screenwriter apologized for writing me such a dull part.
In truth, the fault was not hers.
No matter. I have good memories of fellow actors–in particular, Kristin Griffith who played my sister, and Tim Choate–plus one extraordinary feast. And I loved spending weeks watching nature reflect the story, as the foliage changed colour and with it, the Princess’s prospects.
That feast…
Independent film production is a hazardous business, and three-quarter’s way through the filming it became clear that the film was in financial difficulties (a scenario not unfamiliar to Merchant/Ivory productions).
I heard that in earlier days, producer Ismail Merchant would visit American film company offices in London (he lived in New York) offering a slice of freshly-baked apple pie–in exchange for the use of the telephone.
Around 5pm one Saturday afternoon, I returned to the unit base after filming, to find irrepressible Ismail unloading a number of large brown supermarket bags brimming with produce from his car.
“Hi Ismail–how’s it going?–can I carry something?”
“Very kind–perhaps a couple of these bags–to the kitchen….”
“What’s happening?”
“Indian feast. Eight o’clock this evening. Everyone is invited!”
“That’s in barely three hours time, Ismail!”
“You’ll see!”
I guessed that cast and crew were not to be the only guests at the table.
Other interested parties attended too–perhaps worried about their investments in the film.
On the dot of 8pm, the dining room doors of the unprepossessing Holiday Inn Leominster, Massachusetts (only Holiday Inn in the world without a swimming pool?) were flung open by Ismail, dressed like a maharaja–in his full Indian finery–not a bead of kitchen sweat visible–to reveal tables groaning under the weight of his sumptuous Indian feast.
After weeks of location catering and fast food suppers, we gulped it all down.
The film wrapped without further rumours–and ran for nine months at the Curzon Cinema in London.
It’s the 40th anniversary of the release–and the film has been restored and is being re-released.
James Ivory, the director and the other half of Merchant/Ivory recently won an Oscar for best-adapted screenplay and is working on another. He’s 91!
Ismail Merchant–whose refrain was always “Everybody loves our films!”–died in 2005. (And incidentally, he wrote several cookbooks too!)
Their partnership was the longest in the history of independent film production–44 years.
Thank you for latest email received this Christmas Eve just as I was watching Disc 3 of YOUR Poldark series,whilst on holiday in France.
which is still as brilliant as when I saw the series first broadcast. Look forward to your future emails.
Many thanks John Hooper
Pleasure, John.
Thank you for posting on Christmas Eve was a welcome distraction from brussel peeling 😂. Have a wonderful Christmas, Kat x
Lovely post on this day before Christmas! Thank you and have a Merry Christmas!
The same, Paula.
Was this a Merchant-Ivory film? it must have been an early one. I’ve seen it and thought you and all were superb. Merry Christmas, Robin, Ellen
Too kind!
Merry Christmas to you too!
Dear Robin, The Europeans is always the first DVD I watch when the weather turns cool in the fall. It is a beautiful movie that I would not have seen had it not been for Poldark! Merry Christmas to you, Michelle Crews
And to you and thank you, Michelle.
Robin,
I was unable to see the film at the time of it’s release. It was not in a theatre in the small town west of Chicago where I lived and I was not familiar with the location of the theatre where it was being shown.
I’m not sure if I first saw the movie when it was being shown on WTTW, the local PBS station or in a theatre . I have watched it again on dvd.
It’s hard to blame Robert Acton for not taking such a leap of faith. Divorce was rare in the 1800s and not easy to obtain.
Are there any such plans for the anniversary of “The Good Soldier?”
Context–you are right. Still!
The Good Soldier…not that I know of at the moment.
That was 1981 I think.
Happy Christmas to you, Meredith and your furry children!
Thanks, marla.
Thank you very much for this interesting piece. And Happy Holidays!
And to you, Diana!
Wonderful ! Where can we see it – in Australia?? Joan Ryan
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That’s a question for mr Google!
You may be able to see the entire movie on Youtube now. Check it out.
Yes you can.
Merry Christmas Eve to both you and Meredith
I am so glad you are back communicating with your very large fan base. I remember seeing you in The Europeans, a very good film. My favorite will ALWAYS be your Ross Poldark.
Happy New Year, Norma
Merry Christmas to you too, Norma and Happy New Year!
R&M
Thanks, Robin, and Merry Christmas! Lee Remick was beautiful! I watched an old movie she was in called Days of Wine and Roses. She was excellent!
How are the renovations with your church going? It’s sad what is happening to the churches in Europe.
Best wishes,
Linda in Southern California
Thanks, Linda–Church still standing proud!
Wonderful, Robin. More of the same would always be appreciated.
Thanks, Robert and Merry Christmas to you and Peggy!
Thanks for this movie memory post! Mele Kalikimaka Robin and Meredith, Aloha Ann
Lovely, Ann–thank you.
I remember the film very well. I loved it. It seemed so real. I think there were no formal sets. At least it appeared as if you were shooting in the actual homes.
By the way, did you know that Lee Remick’s childhood home was Mar-a-Lago? Her family sold it to he who who must not be named.
May you and your family have a lovely holiday and a happy new year!
I did not know that!!
My word–I’m not sure that’s the best news at Christmas!!
Wow, it has been that long. Now I truly feel old. I remember going to see the movie specifically because of Ross Poldark (Robin Ellis) and Lee Remick. It was another chance to get a glimpse of Ross after the series ended.
You are not alone!!
Thank you for your memories shared. I am looking forward to the re release especially since I never saw it when it was produced years ago. All best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!! Barbara Boling Oxford, Mississippi
Thank, Barbara and to you too.
Seen it, liked it, will definitely watch again. On another topic, just finished the new Poldark. We thought when you shook hands with Ross at the end your line should have been, “You remind me of my younger self.” Merry Christmas.
I loved this movie. I was fortunate enough to see it at an “art house” film theater where people actually watched the movie instead of running back and forth to the snack bar. I have to admit I was not a great fan of Henry James’s novels until I saw this movie. It gave me a whole new perspective on understanding the subtleties and nuances always swirling under the surface of placid domesticity and civility. Thank you Messrs. Merchant, Ivory,and Ellis. Joyeux Noel and bonne année!
To you too, Susan.
Merry Christmas Robin God bless you and your family.
Thanks, Stella and the same to you.
Dear Mr. Ellis: What a beautiful post about a beautiful film! I always thought Lee Remick was one of the most beautiful women I had ever seen on screen. Perhaps you have seen her doing a musical turn in Stephen Sondheim’s “Company”, where she played a former “Follies” showgirl, now the long-suffering wife of a philandering political man. Wonderful! Or with Jack Lemmon, in “Days Of Wine And Roses”, as the innocent led into alcoholism by Lemmon’s character. I thought you two were well matched in “The Europeans” –a film I ought to watch again. Speaking of Merchant Ivory –I am a fan, and have a boxed set collection of all their films. Indeed, I had the opportunity of sitting next to Ismail Merchant at a fancy fund-raising dinner gala in Manhattan 20 or so years ago. While we were chatting, I, of course mentioned his films, particularly complimenting him on “Shakespeare Wallah”, with Felicity Kendall, Shashi Kapoor and Madhur Jaffrey, that beautiful black and white ode to the Bard and his universal appeal. In addition to this, I also told Mr. Merchant that as a girl, I saw a Walt Disney film on television starring Hayley Mills, as an English girl who falls in love with Shashi Kapoor’s character. I told him that I must have been about Haley Mills’ age at the time I saw the movie, and immediately developed a great crush on Shashi Kapoor, where upon Ismail said, speaking quickly, “But you wouldn’t want to see him now! He’s verrrry, verrrrry fat!” I almost fell over with laughter. May he rest in peace, likewise, beautiful Lee Remick. Merry Christmas to you! Marta Varela Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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What a lovely memory.
Happy Christmas to you and Meredith, I saw the movie only because you were in it. And I did like you in the final episode of the current Poldark – you redeemed your character a bit!
Thanks, Mary!
That was really interesting reading and I cannot remember where but I did find that movie, I think it was on YouTube and found it very interesting. Henry James is a tuff author to read and his characters are always so sad and complicated. They don’t seem to have happy lives. I think I like you much better as Poldark. It was great seeing you with wee parts in the new production that sadly has just ended. They even gave you a relevant comment in the last episode. I do hope they will pick up the rest of the books in the not too distant future so we get to see you again. A very happy and healthy new year to you and Meredith and of course to all your feline friends. You haven’t sent out any adventures about them recently or how the remodel on the church is progressing. Warmest regards to you and Meredith Rachel (met you both at a bookstore in Palo Alto at a cookbook signing) rachelibco@yahoo.com
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We were just there again! Good wishes to you too, Rachel.
Saw it years ago and will definitely enjoy watching again. On another topic, just finished the new Poldark. We thought, at the end, where you shook hands wit Ross, your line should have been, “You remind me of my younger self.” Merry Christmas.
To you too, Mary.
Hello Robin, thank you for the fascinating memories of the making of the Europeans- a lovely film and one eagerly watched by myself. The costumes, location and music were delightful- and it was a treat to follow you after Poldark! My goodness – 40 years anniversary!!!
My best wishes for Christmas & the New Year to you and Meredith.
Looking forward to an update on your church soon in the the new year?.
Regards, Fran. Shaw
To you too, Fran–thanks.
After watching you in Poldark (and, truth be told, falling a little bit in love with you — or Ross — or both 😉), I watched everything you were in. And loved them all. Thanks for sharing your memories of this.
Thanks, Cindy.
How did I miss The Europeans? Lovely that it is being re released, so I can get it! It was amazing to see Tim Choate as a young man in the photo; previously I only remember him from Babylon 5. Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
You too, Jill.
Merry Christmas! It’s Christmas Eve here in the States and I am just reading your post about the Merchant/Ivory film you made some years back. And lo and behold you speak about the fantastic meal Ismail Merchant produced for you all at the Holiday inn, Leominster, MA. I live in the next town over (Lancaster) and remember well the Holiday Inn (no longer exists). I imagined the scene perfectly from your description – a delight to read. On another note, it was great to see you in the recent production of Poldark but always loved your portrayal of Ross Poldark in the original series. Look forward to the re-release of the film. All best to you and yours this holiday season – here’s to a healthy, happy year ahead.
Thanks, Sandra.
I was wondering whether it was still there. No great loss that it is not!
Best to you too and Happy New Year!
Merry Christmas, loved the message re Europeans, will watch out for it. Shirley
Lovely reminder of an old favorite film I must rent from Netflix.
Nancy in snowy Santa Fe
Christmas morn
Loved this film and will see the new version. Plus I always loved Lee Remick who is from my home Town of Quincy, Massachusetts. I used to buy my clothes at her parents’ store. Many Thanks for your beautiful recount.
Hello, Rosemary!
Thank you for this reminiscence. I knew her family had a department store but never met anyone who shopped there!
We have v happy memories of our stays chez vous on our way south all those years ago.
Happy New Year.
R&M
I remember this film and enjoyed it.
Best wishes to you both,for 2020
Elaine & Jimmy.
The same to you, Elaine.
I will be sure to find this movie to watch.I have been away for a week in
Virginia Beach, VA
Belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
And to you, Virginia.
I’ll certainly look forward to this. Remastered, too — I’ll bet it’s beautiful.
Sending all good wishes for a splendid New Year. (And if you didn’t see my comment on the other post, I heard the radio Lautrec drama today and I loved every second! I could practically smell the pink garlic! Bravo!)
Thanks, Jeanie.
I’d love to watch this again, but not on Netflix Canada, Prime or the Critereon Channel.
Thank you Robin I look forward to seeing the film on its re-release. Very best wishes to you and your dear ones for a Happy New Year from Venice (well Mestre actually as can’t afford to stay in the city!) Jean Thomas xx xx
Thank you, Jean and the same to lucky you–living [nr Venice! ]
I only just found this site. I was fortunat enough to work as clapper/loader on the film. Such a happy experience – we were all one big family. And I do remember Ismael’s fantqstic meals! Happy, happy days!
Brian Rose
Hi Brian! Yes, Happy days in a beautiful setting. Amazing that Jim Ivory is still going strong. Thanks so much for posting.
The happiest film I ever worked on, We were like one big family. Even Variety commented that everyone was in tears when we wrapped….
Cheers – Brian
It was a memorable time, Brian. Thanks for reminding of it.