Linda McMichael

This is about perfect as a movie can be, from the opening credits to the very end. I was escorted to Europe by my aunt when I was about Lucy's age, and it all rang true despite the many years between our Tours. The pond bathing scene, where Cycil and the ladies encounter naked George on the path, is hysterical. Daniel Day-Lewis inhabited that role as fully as he did Hawkeye, the alpha male in "Last of the Mohicans." This is the movie where I first encountered Simon Callow as the Reverend Mister Beebe, followed by the kilt-wearing wedding guest in "Four Weddings and a Funeral." He's probably healthier without the pudge, but I loved him fat and always looked forward to his roles. My husband and I still trade remarks, like Maggie Smith saying "This countryside reminds me of Shropshire," and Miss Lavish's reply, "And I think you had an adventure there, Charlotte." My husband, knowing how much I loved this movie, bought it for me for Christmas back in 1988 or so. It cost about $80, and was our first movie to own. He surprised me with his gift by putting it in the video player while I was fixing dinner for Christmas Eve. Tiri TeKanawa began to sing "O Mio Babbino Caro," and I totally lost it. I still tear up at the wonderful memory of a wonderful film. Thank you, Merchant Ivory Jabvalwa!