The Herritons, an upright British family, are horrified when their widowed daughter/sister-in-law, Lilia, hauls off to Italy and ends up marrying an Italian (named Gino) some years younger than herself and then dies giving birth to their son. This would have been the end of it except that the dead woman's spinsterish friend, Caroline Abbott, decides to go to Italy to retrieve the baby. The formidable Mrs. Herriton , concerned about the social implications of this action and how they might look allowing such a thing to happen, send her son and daughter, Philip and Harriet to get the baby first. Both Caroline and Philip are unexpectedly seduced by the Italian culture (and Gino). Their actions as well as peevish Harriet's result in tragedy.
You might think that this is primarily a criticism of Edwardian Brits and their rigid moral code (and you'd be right). But E. M. Forster (and the movie) play things fair. The tragedy that occurs is not JUST because of the starchy superiority of the English but also because of the passionate and casual nature of the Italians. The movie doesn't come squarely down on either side. In the end, all parties come out sadder but, hopefully, wiser. Overall, an enjoyable movie with some interesting ideas to contemplate. (P. S. I really like the film's score composed by Rachel Portman)
You might think that this is primarily a criticism of Edwardian Brits and their rigid moral code (and you'd be right). But E. M. Forster (and the movie) play things fair. The tragedy that occurs is not JUST because of the starchy superiority of the English but also because of the passionate and casual nature of the Italians. The movie doesn't come squarely down on either side. In the end, all parties come out sadder but, hopefully, wiser. Overall, an enjoyable movie with some interesting ideas to contemplate. (P. S. I really like the film's score composed by Rachel Portman)