Enchanted April is a 1991 British film directed by Mike Newell. The screenplay by Peter Barnes was adapted from Elizabeth von Arnim's 1922 novel The Enchanted April. It stars Miranda Richardson, Josie Lawrence, Polly Walker, and Joan Plowright, with Alfred Molina, Michael Kitchen, and Jim Broadbent in supporting roles. Plot Elizabeth von Arnim's novel tells of four dissimilar women in 1920s England who leave their rainy, grey environments to go on holiday in Italy. Mrs. Arbuthnot and Mrs. Wilkins, who belong to the same ladies' club, but have never spoken, become acquainted after reading a newspaper advertisement for a small medieval castle on the shores of the Mediterranean to be let furnished for the month of April. They find some common ground as both are struggling to make the best of unhappy marriages. Having decided to seek other ladies to help share expenses, they reluctantly take on the elegant but peevish elderly Mrs. Fisher, and the stunning, aloof, and very wealthy Lady Caroline Dester. The four women come together at the castle and, after many unexpected twists and turns, find rejuvenation in the tranquil beauty of their surroundings, rediscovering hope and love. Cast Josie Lawrence as Lottie Wilkins Miranda Richardson as Rose Arbuthnot Polly Walker as Caroline Dester Joan Plowright as Mrs. Fisher Alfred Molina as Mellersh Wilkins Jim Broadbent as Frederick Arbuthnot Michael Kitchen as George Briggs Production The film was shot on location at Castello Brown in Portofino, Italy, the castle where the author of the book had stayed in the 1920s. The score by Richard Rodney Bennett, featuring flute and oboe themes, evokes the film's mood and accentuates the story's sentimentality and nostalgia. Reception The film premiered as the opening night gala of the London Film Festival on 6 November 1991. It gained a positive reaction from critics and holds an 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 33 reviews. The consensus summarizes: "Mike Newell's adaptation of Elizabeth von Arnim's novel moves at a more generous pace than the 1935 version, allowing excellent performances from Miranda Richardson and Joan Plowright to flourish." Awards and nominations See also An earlier adaptation of the book was released by RKO Radio Pictures in 1935, with the same name Enchanted April. References External links 1991 films 1991 drama films British drama films 1990s female buddy films Films based on British novels Films directed by Mike Newell Films featuring a Best Musical