Storyline

Autumn, 1913: on the eve of the Great War, a small party of lords and ladies gather at the Hertfordshire estate of Sir Randolph Nettleby. A code of propriety governs all: dress, breakfast, relations with the estate's peasants, courtship, shooting, adultery. Lionel Stephens, who is courting Sir Randolph's daughter, gets into a shooting competition with Lord Gilbert Hartlip; Lord Gilbert's wife carries on discreet affairs; a pamphleteer circles the estate calling for no more killing, and Sir Robert's grandson hopes to protect a wild duck he's befriended. A way of life is ending: Lord Gilbert's violation of the gentlemen's code suggests internal rot as the real world presses in.—

Plot Keywords

billiards, migraine, marital infidelity, manor house, maid, lord's prayer, jealousy, piano, placard, poacher, mansion, three word title, death, upper class, shotgun, servant, rivalry, pub, hungarian, landlord tenant relationship

Short Review

There is nothing new in the message of this film, but a great deal of artistry in its telling.

Trailer

Streaming Service

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