England, 1936. Downton Abbey this is not. A hushed stillness permeates Darlington Hall, each polished surface reflecting the rigid order imposed by its devoted butler, James Stevens. For decades, Stevens has submerged his own desires beneath an unwavering sense of duty to Lord Darlington, a man now teetering on the precipice of political controversy. The arrival of Miss Kenton as housekeeper disrupts the delicate balance of the household, her spirited nature a stark contrast to Stevens’s reserved demeanor. Their unspoken attraction simmers beneath layers of propriety, complicated further by the looming shadow of war and the presence of the American Congressman Jack Lewis, whose discerning observations threaten to expose the carefully constructed facade of Darlington Hall and the sacrifices made within its walls. As political tensions rise, Stevens finds himself increasingly conflicted, torn between loyalty to his master and the burgeoning possibility of a life beyond service, a life perhaps shared with Miss Kenton.
Movie Overview
| Title | The Remains of the Day |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 1993-11-05 |
| Runtime | 134 minutes |
| Genre | Drama, Romance |
Movie Cast
| Name | Character |
|---|---|
| Anthony Hopkins | James Stevens |
| Emma Thompson | Miss Kenton |
| James Fox | Lord Darlington |
| Christopher Reeve | Jack Lewis |
| Hugh Grant | Reginald Cardinal |
| Peter Vaughan | William Stevens |
| Ben Chaplin | Charlie, Head Footman |
| Paula Jacobs | Mrs. Mortimer, the cook |
| Patrick Godfrey | Spencer |
| Michael Lonsdale | Dupont D’Ivry |
| Rupert Vansittart | Sir Geoffrey Wren |
| Tim Pigott-Smith | Thomas Benn |
| Lena Headey | Lizzie |
| Paul Copley | Harry Smith |
| Peter Cellier | Sir Leonard Bax |
| Brigitte Kahn | Baroness |
| John Savident | Doctor Meredith |
| Pip Torrens | Doctor Richard Carlisle |
| Peter Eyre | Lord Halifax |
| Wolf Kahler | German ambassador |
| Abigail Hopkins | Housemaid |
| John Haycraft | Auctioneer |
| Caroline Hunt | Landlady |
| Steve Dibben | George, Second Footman |
| Terence Bayler | Trimmer |
| Peter Halliday | Canon Tufnell |
| Jeffry Wickham | Viscount Bigge |
| Tony Aitken | Postmaster |
| Christopher Brown | Irma |
| Ian Redford | Publican |
| Jo Kendall | Publican’s wife |
| Steven Beard | Andrews |
| Miles Richardson | Craddock (uncredited) |
Storyline
In the picturesque yet restrained backdrop of post-World War I England, James Stevens, the devoted head butler of Darlington Hall, embodies unwavering duty and suppressed emotions. His meticulously ordered world is disrupted by the arrival of Miss Kenton, a spirited housekeeper whose warmth and modern ideas clash with Stevens’ rigid adherence to tradition. As Miss Kenton attempts to connect with Stevens on a personal level, he finds himself torn between his professional obligations to Lord Darlington, who is increasingly sympathetic to the Nazi cause, and the stirrings of affection he feels for her. The presence of the American Congressman, Jack Lewis, further complicates matters as he voices concerns over Darlington’s political affiliations, forcing Stevens to confront the ethical implications of his unwavering loyalty. Stevens’ internal conflict intensifies when Miss Kenton considers leaving Darlington Hall, presenting him with a difficult choice: declare his love and risk breaking from the mold of his servitude, or remain steadfast in his role and potentially lose his only chance at happiness. Ultimately, Stevens’ inability to express his feelings and confront Lord Darlington’s controversial views leads to a profound sense of regret, leaving him to contemplate the “remains of the day” and the life he might have lived.
Details
In the somber and meticulously ordered world of post-World War I England, “The Remains of the Day” unveils the life of James Stevens (Anthony Hopkins), the profoundly dedicated head butler at Darlington Hall. Stevens’ existence revolves around unwavering duty, impeccable manners, and an almost suffocating adherence to protocol, all in service of Lord Darlington (James Fox). The arrival of Miss Kenton (Emma Thompson), a spirited and forward-thinking housekeeper, disrupts Stevens’ rigid world. Her warmth and genuine affection challenge his emotional repression, offering a glimpse into a life beyond servitude. As Miss Kenton attempts to forge a connection, Stevens remains trapped by his own stoicism and commitment to his employer, even as Lord Darlington’s increasingly dubious political affiliations with Nazi sympathizers cast a dark shadow over the household. The film poignantly explores themes of love, loss, duty, and regret, as Stevens grapples with the consequences of his choices. Hugh Grant portrays Reginald Cardinal, Lord Darlington’s godson, who challenges the political leanings, adding to the turmoil within the household, while William Stevens (Peter Vaughan), James’ father, serves as a painful reminder of duty versus personal happiness. “The Remains of the Day” is a delicate and heartbreaking study of a man who sacrifices personal fulfillment on the altar of tradition and loyalty, only to find, in the twilight of his life, that the price of his devotion may have been too high.
FAQs
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What is “The Remains of the Day” about?
It’s a drama and romance film set in post-WWI Britain, focusing on a butler whose dedication to service prevents him from acknowledging his feelings for the housekeeper and questioning his master’s controversial affiliations.
When was “The Remains of the Day” released?
The movie was released on November 5, 1993.
What are the main genres of this film?
The main genres are Drama and Romance.
Who are the leading actors in “The Remains of the Day”?
Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson play the leading roles.
Who directed “The Remains of the Day”?
James Ivory directed the film.
What is the runtime of “The Remains of the Day”?
The film has a runtime of 134 minutes.
Where was “The Remains of the Day” produced?
It was a co-production between the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
Who wrote the screenplay for “The Remains of the Day”?
Ruth Prawer Jhabvala wrote the screenplay, based on the novel by Kazuo Ishiguro.
What production companies were involved?
Columbia Pictures, Mike Nichols Productions, John Calley Productions, and Merchant Ivory Productions.
What is the IMDB ID for the movie “The Remains of the Day”?
The IMDB ID is tt0107943
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