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Howard's End

Year: 1992
Director: James Ivory.
Cast: Anthony Hopkins , Vanessa Redgrave , Helena Bonham-Carter , Emma Thompson , James Wilby, Sam West, Jemma Redgrave, Nicola Duffett, Prunella Scales , Simon Callow.
Set Locations:
Central England: Various locations across Oxfordshire, including Peppard Common near Henley and Dorchester-on-Thames.
James Ivory's 1992 film 'Howard's End' was adapted from the 1910 novel of the same name by E.M. Forster . It tells the story of the relationships between different social classes in England at the beginning of the 20th century. The film features an all star cast including Anthony Hopkins, Vanessa Redgrave, Emma Thompson and Helena Bonham-Carter. The film won widespread acclaim from the critics and reaped many awards, including three Academy Awards. The majority of the awards won were in 'Best Actress' categories and were in recognition of Emma Thompson's performance in the film.

The film tells the story a family trying to thwart the bequest of Ruth Wilcox (Vanessa Redgrave), who wishes to leave the beloved family home 'Howard's End' to Margaret Schlegel, whom she has befriended. Unfortunately, Margaret is from the enlightened bourgeois class and this is deemed to be beneath the standing of the Wilcox family. They are Victorian Capitalists, a class who at the time were rapidly displacing the aristocracy following the deep changes brought upon British society by the Industrial Revolution. After much tragedy and heartache, however, the family fail in their quest and Margaret does end up living at Howard's End.

The film takes in something of a grand tour of English locations. Howard's End itself is actually Peppard Cottage, which overlooks Peppard Common, near Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire. Henley-on-Thames is particularly famous for the Henley Regatta , a boating event on the River Thames that has been held annually since 1839.

There are a number of scenes shot in the capital city of London, including those of Leonard Bast's flat, which is in Park Street, Southwark. Admiralty Arch at The Mall can be seen in the film. The Mall leads to Buckingham Palace , principal palace of the Queen of England. The Schlegel family home is in Victoria Square, Westminster, close to the houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey . The ancient Abbey at Westminster is used for royal coronations, royal weddings and other functions of State. The Schlegel sisters can also be spotted in the film doing a bit of Christmas shopping in Fortnum and Masons store in Piccadilly.

There is a lecture scene which takes place in the Town Hall at St Aldate's, Oxford. Oxford, home to the oldest University in England. Oxford is world famous for its large collection of historic buildings, most of which are connected to the ancient seat of learning.

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