American Friends is a 1991 British film starring Michael Palin. It was written by Palin and its director, Tristram Powell. Plot Palin plays Francis Ashby, a senior Oxford professor on holiday in the Swiss Alps in 1861. There he meets the American Caroline Hartley (Connie Booth) and her 18-year-old ward Elinor (Trini Alvarado). Ashby is drawn to them both, particularly Elinor, but is rather surprised when they arrive in Oxford and rent a house. Women are not allowed in the college, nor are fellows allowed to marry, which puts him in an embarrassing situation. Ashby's rival for the post of college president, Oliver Syme (Alfred Molina), takes full advantage of this to try to discredit Ashby. Inspiration The plot was based on a real-life incident involving Palin's great-grandfather, Edward Palin. Cast Michael Palin - Rev. Francis Ashby Trini Alvarado - Elinor Hartley Connie Booth - Caroline Hartley Alfred Molina - Oliver Syme Bryan Pringle - Haskell Fred Pearson - Hapgood Susan Denaker - Mrs. Cantrell Jonathan Firth - Cable Ian Dunn - Gowers Robert Eddison - William Granger Rushden David Calder - Pollitt Simon Jones - Anderson Charles McKeown - Maynard Roger Lloyd-Pack - Dr. Butler John Nettleton - Rev. Groves Alun Armstrong - Dr. Victor Weeks Sheila Reid - Mrs. Weeks Edward Rawle-Hicks - John Weeks Markus Gehrig - Swiss Guide Jo Stone-Fewings - Undergraduate Jimmy Jewel - Ashby Senior Wensley Pithey - Cave Arthur Howard - Voe Charles Simon - Canon Harper Adrian Gannon - Extra Awards The film won the Writers' Guild of Great Britain Award for Best film/screenplay. Discography The CD soundtrack composed by Georges Delerue is available on Music Box Records label. Reference list External links 1991 films 1991 comedy films British comedy films Films scored by Georges Delerue British films based on actual events Films set in Oxford Films set in 1861 Films with screenplays by Michael Palin 1990s English-language films 1990s British films