In short, a wonderful, entertaining romp of a period romcom, set at a crucial time in the evolution of modern medicine, the genesis of the telephone and the increase in electrical appliances in general. Interesting, well scripted and portrayed with a great ensemble cast including the fabulous Rupert Everett and Jonanthan Pryce and the luminous and hugely talented Maggie Gyllenhaal. Some familiar faces from British stage and screen; Ashley Jensen, the underused Sheridan Smith and the wonderful Gemma Jones (love her in Much Ado About Nothing) all come together to make something really special. Hugh Dancy is great as the determined and ethical lead, Dr Mortime Granville, shocked at the behind the times medical practices going on in all the big Hospitals who haven't yet heard of handwashing, germs or sterile-dressings and he tries to find a place where his medicine will be worthwhile. At this time 'hysteria' was the main diagnosis for women attending a physician and it is these misdiagnosed women he gains employment treating with a - RSI inducing - 'hands on approach.' There is more to this film than orgasms (*ahem* paroxysms) for rich ladies, and the invention of the vibrator, there is also a social commentary of the time, examples of historical shortsightedness of male-dominated medicine in the late 1800s and the treatment of women in general. Not just a funny film (and it is genuinely funny) but also with something to say, not vacuous or pointless, it really is intelligent humour and the kind of film I'm sure you would gain more from on a second (or third) viewing and it wouldn't be less entertaining on repetition. One of the most feel-good genuinely enjoyable comedies I've seen in a while.
