The Wings of the Dove (1997 film)
| The Wings of the Dove | |
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Theatrical release poster
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| Directed by | Iain Softley |
| Produced by |
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| Screenplay by | Hossein Amini |
| Based on |
The Wings of the Dove by Henry James |
| Starring | |
| Music by | Edward Shearmur |
| Cinematography | Eduardo Serra |
| Edited by | Tariq Anwar |
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Production
company |
Renaissance Dove
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| Distributed by | Miramax Films |
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Release date
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Running time
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102 minutes |
| Country |
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| Language | English |
| Box office | $13.7 million |
The Wings of the Dove is a 1997 British-American romantic drama film directed by Iain Softley and starring Helena Bonham Carter, Linus Roache, and Alison Elliott. The screenplay by Hossein Amini is based on the 1902 novel of the same name by Henry James. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards and five BAFTAs, recognizing Bonham Carter's performance, the screenplay, costume design and the cinematography.
In 1910 London, England, Kate Croy lives under the careful watch of her domineering Aunt Maude, who is determined that the young woman does not follow in the path of her recently deceased mother, whose dissolute husband, Lionel, Kate's estranged father, squandered her wealth in order to support his opium addiction. Maude wants Kate to marry the well-off Lord Mark, who has a title and estates, despite the fact that Kate does not love him. Kate is dependent on her wealthy aunt's goodwill but abandons her plans to defy her aunt when she is reminded that her father is at Maude's mercy as well. Kate's boyfriend, the financially struggling muckraking journalist Merton Densher, wants to marry her, but is skeptical of Kate's intentions, despite her pleas for him to wait as she tries to find a way out of her dilemma.
One day, Kate is introduced by Lord Mark to the wealthy and outgoing American orphan and heiress Milly Theale, who is on an extended trip through Europe with her best friend Susan Stringham (Elizabeth McGovern), and the cynical Kate is captivated by Milly's beauty, openness, and amusement at the conventions of high society. Milly invites Kate to accompany her and Susan to Venice. Prior to their departure, Milly meets Merton, with whom she is smitten, and she asks him to join them as well.
Lord Mark secretly reveals to Kate that Milly is terminally ill and that he desires Kate but has to marry Milly to avoid losing his estates. Aware that Milly is repulsed by Lord Mark's crudity, Kate decides to emulate his scheme and persuade Merton to woo Milly. After sending Lord Mark away from London on a ruse, Kate befriends Milly and fully expects Milly's generous nature will lead her to include Merton in her will, making him wealthy enough to satisfy her aunt and allow them to marry. He despises her scheme but can't resist the opportunity to be in Venice with Kate.
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