David Mamet's period piece about an Edwardian (?) scandal is
smart and poignant. A proper and intellectual English family
short on emotion strives to clear the name of one of their own
from what they perceive as a slander to their name (the youngest
son is accused of theft - 5 shillings - and expelled from navy
school). The father (Nigel Hawthorne of "The Madness of King
George") is an eccentric banker who sacrifices the position
(financial and otherwise) of his family to clear his son. His
daughter (Rebecca Pidgeon) is a suffragette engaged to a military
man - as the scandal envelops the family, her social life is
shattered.
The family engages the services of Sir Robert Morton (Jeremy
Northam), a leading barrister and politician who opposes women's
suffrage, but finds himself inexorably drawn to the case and
Pigeon.
This is understated and rhythmic dialogue, and Mamet treats
each character, major and minor, with dignity. There are no fops
or fools. Everyone is multi-faceted and thus, interesting.
Mamet's touch and restraint are inerrant.
