The Europeans (1979)
(James Ivory, UK 1979, 90 min., 35mm)
In the 1850s, near Boston, two unexpected guests arrive at the home of William Wentworth (Wesley Addy). Eugenia (Lee Remick) and Felix (Tim Woodward) are his niece and nephew through his half-sister. He allows them to stay in an adjacent house on the property, but is suspicious of their intentions. Indeed, Eugenia’s husband has asked for a divorce and she is searching for another rich spouse, and Felix’s bohemian, artistic pursuits rankle the puritanical Wentworth. His daughter, Gertrude (Lisa Eichhorn) takes an immediate interest in Felix, and Eugenia cultivates a relationship with the wealthy Robert Acton (Robin Ellis). Yet plans rarely work out as devised, particularly where love is involved. Lavishly adapted from the Henry James novel.