Howards End

(James Ivory, UK/Japan/US 1992, 141 min., 35mm)

Period Dramas. In early 20th-century Edwardian England, the defiantly independent and flat broke Margaret Schlegel (Emma Thompson) is slowly seduced by the genteel Henry Wilcox (Anthony Hopkins), whose social graces belie darker desires. This trademark Merchant/Ivory production is based on the eponymous novel by E. M. Forster, and represents perhaps the finest hour for many from the fine cast that also includes Vanessa Redgrave and Helena Bonham Carter. Nominated for nine Academy Awards, it won Best Actress (Emma Thompson), Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Art Direction.