Amazon.com

This gentle "true" fairy tale succeeds on nearly every level, becoming an intelligent handling of a tabloid story. In 1817 a young foreign drifter (Phoebe Cates, never better) sets a small portion of England buzzing that she is a royal princess from an uncharted land. This feels like a magical movie with slightly overcookedcharacters, such as Kevin Kline's Greek butler. The supporting cast is older than in most movies of this type--no cute actors, we have performers with chiseled features and gruff voices. Director Michael Austin's decision to approach this as a true story keeps things firmlygrounded so the eccentrics are not overplayed. Beautifully filmed by the great Freddie Francis (Glory) and featuring a surprisingly rich cast (Stephen Rea, Wendy Hughes, Jim Broadbent, and John Lithgow), this is simply the best family movie since The Secret Garden. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Reviews (13)

CHARMING, ADULT FAIRYTALE...
Based upon a true story, this is a charming film with wonderful performances by a stellar cast. It tells the tale of a mysterious young woman (Phoebe Cates) in nineteenth century England, who is found wandering the countryside dressed in outlandish clothing and supposedly speaking no English. She is taken in by a kindly aristocratic family, and she gulls them into believing that she is some sort of exotic, foreign royal, Princess Caraboo.

Princess Caraboo charms all who meet her. Everyone is intrigued by her. Just who is she and where is she from? The Greek butler (Kevin Kline) thinks that she is an imposter. The aristocratic couple ( Jim Broadbent and Wendy Hughes), who virtually adopt her, believe her to be the real deal. The skeptical academic (John Lithgow), who specializes in Southeastern Asian languages and dialects and was brought in to try and determine her origin, is not immune to the charm of Princess Caraboo. Even the intrepid reporter, Mr. Gutch (Stephen Rea), who is onto something that may reveal the mystery of Princess Caraboo, falls under her spell.

Phoebe Cates outdid herself, giving a wonderful performance in an inherently difficult role that calls for speaking very little, and when she does speak it is, for the most part, to utter what sounds like gibberish. She is very expressive and totally charms the viewer. Jim Broadbent and Wendy Hughes are terrific as the aristocratic couple. Kevin Kline gives an over the top performance as the wily Greek butler. John Lithgow is outstanding as the academic and drolly funny. Stephen Rea is wonderful as the conflicted reporter, giving a well nuanced and sensitive performance. All in all, this is a perfectly delightful film, which is suitable for the entire family.

Delightful story with wonderful ensemble of actors
This story of a poor British girl with limited means and a big imagination is one of my favorite movies, and always leaves a smile on my face (and maybe a few tears in my eyes, too.). The cast is absolutely dreamy, including Jim Broadbent, Stephen Rea, John Lithgow, the hilarious Kevin Kline, and the beautiful Phoebe Cates as the "Princess". Anyone who loves "period" pieces will love this film. (It is now being shown on the "Romance" cable TV channel, too.)

Fabulous Family Fare
This is such a wonderful movie -- engaging, humorous, delightful, romantic, and based on a real event. Beautifully acted and produced, with wonderful costumes, it also provides good fodder for a family discussion of human values. It's easy for us to become complacent about the idea that "all humanity is created equal" (of equal value) - but that's a radical notion throughout most of human history, even "civilized" England from a few hundred years ago. Buy it! Enjoy it!

Is It True, Do You Think?
This is a thoroughly charming story. Phoebe Cates is a marvel, and puts in a terrifically nuanced performance. Stephen Rea is a perfect Gutch, a subdued rabbit of a reporter who has the journalistic sense to sniff out and test a story, and yet may not have the nerve to shake up his life in order to claim the woman he loves. Yeesh, that sounds like something out of Danielle Steele, but trust me, the story is ravishing, but not the least gushy or "rouged". Reminds me, though, that the other thing we've seen Cates in, was a Steele-ish series, and ... well, Cates is a perfectly beguiling Caraboo/Baker (so beguiling a Caraboo, it is really a shock to find that she is actually Mary Baker), which you may not expect from the sort of "potboiler" casting of this other, Steele-ish thing. Lithgow as a skeptic-don-turned-true-believer ... I am not a huge Lithgow fan, but he is perfect is this supporting role; he carries off both ends of the transition admirably. I am astonished to read that a reviewer finds fault with Kline. Both Lithgow and Kline perform with expertly-gauged restraint; in comparison, Jim Broadbent's Mr Worrall is buffoonish, but this too is in perfect service to the story. Indeed, there is a (distant) comparison to be made between Broadbent/Kline and Bertie Wooster/Jeeves ... the light-of-intellect master, and the shrewd-but-always-decorous servant. Even Kline's zealous "testing" of Caraboo in the Worralls' absence, is brilliantly measured.

The whole cast perform wonderfully; the camera-work is a delight; the story is enchanting. If you haven't seen it, why, remedy this appalling oversight immediately!

CHARMING ADULT FAIRYTALE...
Based upon a true story, this is a charming film with wonderful performances by a stellar cast. It tells the tale of a mysterious young woman (Phoebe Cates) in nineteenth century England, who is found wandering the countryside dressed in outlandish clothing and supposedly speaking no English. She is taken in by a kindly aristocratic family, and she gulls them into believing that she is some sort of exotic, foreign royal, Princess Caraboo.

Princess Caraboo charms all who meet her. Everyone is intrigued by her. Just who is she and where is she from? The Greek butler (Kevin Kline) thinks that she is an imposter. The aristocratic couple ( Jim Broadbent and Wendy Hughes), who virtually adopt her, believe her to be the real deal. The skeptical academic (John Lithgow), who specializes in Southeastern Asian languages and dialects and was brought in to try and determine her origin, is not immune to the charm of Princess Caraboo. Even the intrepid reporter, Mr. Gutch (Stephen Rea), who is onto something that may reveal the mystery of Princess Caraboo, falls under her spell.

Phoebe Cates outdid herself, giving a wonderful performance in an inherently difficult role that calls for speaking very little, and when she does speak it is, for the most part, to utter what sounds like gibberish. She is very expressive and totally charms the viewer. Jim Broadbent and Wendy Hughes are terrific as the aristocratic couple. Kevin Kline gives an over the top performance as the wily Greek butler. John Lithgow is outstanding as the academic and drolly funny. Stephen Rea is wonderful as the conflicted reporter, giving a well nuanced and sensitive performance. All in all, this is a perfectly delightful film, which is suitable for the entire family.

The DVD itself offers high quality visuals and audio, but offers no special features or bonus extras. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This gentle "true" fairy tale succeeds on nearly every level, becoming an intelligent handling of a tabloid story. In 1817 a young foreign drifter (Phoebe Cates, never better) sets a small portion of England buzzing that she is a royal princess from an uncharted land. This feels like a magical movie with slightly overcookedcharacters, such as Kevin Kline's Greek butler. The supporting cast is older than in most movies of this type--no cute actors, we have performers with chiseled features and gruff voices. Director Michael Austin's decision to approach this as a true story keeps things firmlygrounded so the eccentrics are not overplayed. Beautifully filmed by the great Freddie Francis (Glory) and featuring a surprisingly rich cast (Stephen Rea, Wendy Hughes, Jim Broadbent, and John Lithgow), this is simply the best family movie since The Secret Garden. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Reviews (13)

CHARMING, ADULT FAIRYTALE...
Based upon a true story, this is a charming film with wonderful performances by a stellar cast. It tells the tale of a mysterious young woman (Phoebe Cates) in nineteenth century England, who is found wandering the countryside dressed in outlandish clothing and supposedly speaking no English. She is taken in by a kindly aristocratic family, and she gulls them into believing that she is some sort of exotic, foreign royal, Princess Caraboo.

Princess Caraboo charms all who meet her. Everyone is intrigued by her. Just who is she and where is she from? The Greek butler (Kevin Kline) thinks that she is an imposter. The aristocratic couple ( Jim Broadbent and Wendy Hughes), who virtually adopt her, believe her to be the real deal. The skeptical academic (John Lithgow), who specializes in Southeastern Asian languages and dialects and was brought in to try and determine her origin, is not immune to the charm of Princess Caraboo. Even the intrepid reporter, Mr. Gutch (Stephen Rea), who is onto something that may reveal the mystery of Princess Caraboo, falls under her spell.

Phoebe Cates outdid herself, giving a wonderful performance in an inherently difficult role that calls for speaking very little, and when she does speak it is, for the most part, to utter what sounds like gibberish. She is very expressive and totally charms the viewer. Jim Broadbent and Wendy Hughes are terrific as the aristocratic couple. Kevin Kline gives an over the top performance as the wily Greek butler. John Lithgow is outstanding as the academic and drolly funny. Stephen Rea is wonderful as the conflicted reporter, giving a well nuanced and sensitive performance. All in all, this is a perfectly delightful film, which is suitable for the entire family.

Delightful story with wonderful ensemble of actors
This story of a poor British girl with limited means and a big imagination is one of my favorite movies, and always leaves a smile on my face (and maybe a few tears in my eyes, too.). The cast is absolutely dreamy, including Jim Broadbent, Stephen Rea, John Lithgow, the hilarious Kevin Kline, and the beautiful Phoebe Cates as the "Princess". Anyone who loves "period" pieces will love this film. (It is now being shown on the "Romance" cable TV channel, too.)

Fabulous Family Fare
This is such a wonderful movie -- engaging, humorous, delightful, romantic, and based on a real event. Beautifully acted and produced, with wonderful costumes, it also provides good fodder for a family discussion of human values. It's easy for us to become complacent about the idea that "all humanity is created equal" (of equal value) - but that's a radical notion throughout most of human history, even "civilized" England from a few hundred years ago. Buy it! Enjoy it!

Is It True, Do You Think?
This is a thoroughly charming story. Phoebe Cates is a marvel, and puts in a terrifically nuanced performance. Stephen Rea is a perfect Gutch, a subdued rabbit of a reporter who has the journalistic sense to sniff out and test a story, and yet may not have the nerve to shake up his life in order to claim the woman he loves. Yeesh, that sounds like something out of Danielle Steele, but trust me, the story is ravishing, but not the least gushy or "rouged". Reminds me, though, that the other thing we've seen Cates in, was a Steele-ish series, and ... well, Cates is a perfectly beguiling Caraboo/Baker (so beguiling a Caraboo, it is really a shock to find that she is actually Mary Baker), which you may not expect from the sort of "potboiler" casting of this other, Steele-ish thing. Lithgow as a skeptic-don-turned-true-believer ... I am not a huge Lithgow fan, but he is perfect is this supporting role; he carries off both ends of the transition admirably. I am astonished to read that a reviewer finds fault with Kline. Both Lithgow and Kline perform with expertly-gauged restraint; in comparison, Jim Broadbent's Mr Worrall is buffoonish, but this too is in perfect service to the story. Indeed, there is a (distant) comparison to be made between Broadbent/Kline and Bertie Wooster/Jeeves ... the light-of-intellect master, and the shrewd-but-always-decorous servant. Even Kline's zealous "testing" of Caraboo in the Worralls' absence, is brilliantly measured.

The whole cast perform wonderfully; the camera-work is a delight; the story is enchanting. If you haven't seen it, why, remedy this appalling oversight immediately!

CHARMING ADULT FAIRYTALE...
Based upon a true story, this is a charming film with wonderful performances by a stellar cast. It tells the tale of a mysterious young woman (Phoebe Cates) in nineteenth century England, who is found wandering the countryside dressed in outlandish clothing and supposedly speaking no English. She is taken in by a kindly aristocratic family, and she gulls them into believing that she is some sort of exotic, foreign royal, Princess Caraboo.

Princess Caraboo charms all who meet her. Everyone is intrigued by her. Just who is she and where is she from? The Greek butler (Kevin Kline) thinks that she is an imposter. The aristocratic couple ( Jim Broadbent and Wendy Hughes), who virtually adopt her, believe her to be the real deal. The skeptical academic (John Lithgow), who specializes in Southeastern Asian languages and dialects and was brought in to try and determine her origin, is not immune to the charm of Princess Caraboo. Even the intrepid reporter, Mr. Gutch (Stephen Rea), who is onto something that may reveal the mystery of Princess Caraboo, falls under her spell.

Phoebe Cates outdid herself, giving a wonderful performance in an inherently difficult role that calls for speaking very little, and when she does speak it is, for the most part, to utter what sounds like gibberish. She is very expressive and totally charms the viewer. Jim Broadbent and Wendy Hughes are terrific as the aristocratic couple. Kevin Kline gives an over the top performance as the wily Greek butler. John Lithgow is outstanding as the academic and drolly funny. Stephen Rea is wonderful as the conflicted reporter, giving a well nuanced and sensitive performance. All in all, this is a perfectly delightful film, which is suitable for the entire family.

The DVD itself offers high quality visuals and audio, but offers no special features or bonus extras. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

CHARMING, ADULT FAIRYTALE...
Based upon a true story, this is a charming film with wonderful performances by a stellar cast. It tells the tale of a mysterious young woman (Phoebe Cates) in nineteenth century England, who is found wandering the countryside dressed in outlandish clothing and supposedly speaking no English. She is taken in by a kindly aristocratic family, and she gulls them into believing that she is some sort of exotic, foreign royal, Princess Caraboo.

Princess Caraboo charms all who meet her. Everyone is intrigued by her. Just who is she and where is she from? The Greek butler (Kevin Kline) thinks that she is an imposter. The aristocratic couple ( Jim Broadbent and Wendy Hughes), who virtually adopt her, believe her to be the real deal. The skeptical academic (John Lithgow), who specializes in Southeastern Asian languages and dialects and was brought in to try and determine her origin, is not immune to the charm of Princess Caraboo. Even the intrepid reporter, Mr. Gutch (Stephen Rea), who is onto something that may reveal the mystery of Princess Caraboo, falls under her spell.

Phoebe Cates outdid herself, giving a wonderful performance in an inherently difficult role that calls for speaking very little, and when she does speak it is, for the most part, to utter what sounds like gibberish. She is very expressive and totally charms the viewer. Jim Broadbent and Wendy Hughes are terrific as the aristocratic couple. Kevin Kline gives an over the top performance as the wily Greek butler. John Lithgow is outstanding as the academic and drolly funny. Stephen Rea is wonderful as the conflicted reporter, giving a well nuanced and sensitive performance. All in all, this is a perfectly delightful film, which is suitable for the entire family.

Delightful story with wonderful ensemble of actors
This story of a poor British girl with limited means and a big imagination is one of my favorite movies, and always leaves a smile on my face (and maybe a few tears in my eyes, too.). The cast is absolutely dreamy, including Jim Broadbent, Stephen Rea, John Lithgow, the hilarious Kevin Kline, and the beautiful Phoebe Cates as the "Princess". Anyone who loves "period" pieces will love this film. (It is now being shown on the "Romance" cable TV channel, too.)

Fabulous Family Fare
This is such a wonderful movie -- engaging, humorous, delightful, romantic, and based on a real event. Beautifully acted and produced, with wonderful costumes, it also provides good fodder for a family discussion of human values. It's easy for us to become complacent about the idea that "all humanity is created equal" (of equal value) - but that's a radical notion throughout most of human history, even "civilized" England from a few hundred years ago. Buy it! Enjoy it!

Is It True, Do You Think?
This is a thoroughly charming story. Phoebe Cates is a marvel, and puts in a terrifically nuanced performance. Stephen Rea is a perfect Gutch, a subdued rabbit of a reporter who has the journalistic sense to sniff out and test a story, and yet may not have the nerve to shake up his life in order to claim the woman he loves. Yeesh, that sounds like something out of Danielle Steele, but trust me, the story is ravishing, but not the least gushy or "rouged". Reminds me, though, that the other thing we've seen Cates in, was a Steele-ish series, and ... well, Cates is a perfectly beguiling Caraboo/Baker (so beguiling a Caraboo, it is really a shock to find that she is actually Mary Baker), which you may not expect from the sort of "potboiler" casting of this other, Steele-ish thing. Lithgow as a skeptic-don-turned-true-believer ... I am not a huge Lithgow fan, but he is perfect is this supporting role; he carries off both ends of the transition admirably. I am astonished to read that a reviewer finds fault with Kline. Both Lithgow and Kline perform with expertly-gauged restraint; in comparison, Jim Broadbent's Mr Worrall is buffoonish, but this too is in perfect service to the story. Indeed, there is a (distant) comparison to be made between Broadbent/Kline and Bertie Wooster/Jeeves ... the light-of-intellect master, and the shrewd-but-always-decorous servant. Even Kline's zealous "testing" of Caraboo in the Worralls' absence, is brilliantly measured.

The whole cast perform wonderfully; the camera-work is a delight; the story is enchanting. If you haven't seen it, why, remedy this appalling oversight immediately!

CHARMING ADULT FAIRYTALE...
Based upon a true story, this is a charming film with wonderful performances by a stellar cast. It tells the tale of a mysterious young woman (Phoebe Cates) in nineteenth century England, who is found wandering the countryside dressed in outlandish clothing and supposedly speaking no English. She is taken in by a kindly aristocratic family, and she gulls them into believing that she is some sort of exotic, foreign royal, Princess Caraboo.

Princess Caraboo charms all who meet her. Everyone is intrigued by her. Just who is she and where is she from? The Greek butler (Kevin Kline) thinks that she is an imposter. The aristocratic couple ( Jim Broadbent and Wendy Hughes), who virtually adopt her, believe her to be the real deal. The skeptical academic (John Lithgow), who specializes in Southeastern Asian languages and dialects and was brought in to try and determine her origin, is not immune to the charm of Princess Caraboo. Even the intrepid reporter, Mr. Gutch (Stephen Rea), who is onto something that may reveal the mystery of Princess Caraboo, falls under her spell.

Phoebe Cates outdid herself, giving a wonderful performance in an inherently difficult role that calls for speaking very little, and when she does speak it is, for the most part, to utter what sounds like gibberish. She is very expressive and totally charms the viewer. Jim Broadbent and Wendy Hughes are terrific as the aristocratic couple. Kevin Kline gives an over the top performance as the wily Greek butler. John Lithgow is outstanding as the academic and drolly funny. Stephen Rea is wonderful as the conflicted reporter, giving a well nuanced and sensitive performance. All in all, this is a perfectly delightful film, which is suitable for the entire family.

The DVD itself offers high quality visuals and audio, but offers no special features or bonus extras. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

CHARMING, ADULT FAIRYTALE...
Based upon a true story, this is a charming film with wonderful performances by a stellar cast. It tells the tale of a mysterious young woman (Phoebe Cates) in nineteenth century England, who is found wandering the countryside dressed in outlandish clothing and supposedly speaking no English. She is taken in by a kindly aristocratic family, and she gulls them into believing that she is some sort of exotic, foreign royal, Princess Caraboo.

Princess Caraboo charms all who meet her. Everyone is intrigued by her. Just who is she and where is she from? The Greek butler (Kevin Kline) thinks that she is an imposter. The aristocratic couple ( Jim Broadbent and Wendy Hughes), who virtually adopt her, believe her to be the real deal. The skeptical academic (John Lithgow), who specializes in Southeastern Asian languages and dialects and was brought in to try and determine her origin, is not immune to the charm of Princess Caraboo. Even the intrepid reporter, Mr. Gutch (Stephen Rea), who is onto something that may reveal the mystery of Princess Caraboo, falls under her spell.

Phoebe Cates outdid herself, giving a wonderful performance in an inherently difficult role that calls for speaking very little, and when she does speak it is, for the most part, to utter what sounds like gibberish. She is very expressive and totally charms the viewer. Jim Broadbent and Wendy Hughes are terrific as the aristocratic couple. Kevin Kline gives an over the top performance as the wily Greek butler. John Lithgow is outstanding as the academic and drolly funny. Stephen Rea is wonderful as the conflicted reporter, giving a well nuanced and sensitive performance. All in all, this is a perfectly delightful film, which is suitable for the entire family.

Delightful story with wonderful ensemble of actors
This story of a poor British girl with limited means and a big imagination is one of my favorite movies, and always leaves a smile on my face (and maybe a few tears in my eyes, too.). The cast is absolutely dreamy, including Jim Broadbent, Stephen Rea, John Lithgow, the hilarious Kevin Kline, and the beautiful Phoebe Cates as the "Princess". Anyone who loves "period" pieces will love this film. (It is now being shown on the "Romance" cable TV channel, too.)

Fabulous Family Fare
This is such a wonderful movie -- engaging, humorous, delightful, romantic, and based on a real event. Beautifully acted and produced, with wonderful costumes, it also provides good fodder for a family discussion of human values. It's easy for us to become complacent about the idea that "all humanity is created equal" (of equal value) - but that's a radical notion throughout most of human history, even "civilized" England from a few hundred years ago. Buy it! Enjoy it!

Is It True, Do You Think?
This is a thoroughly charming story. Phoebe Cates is a marvel, and puts in a terrifically nuanced performance. Stephen Rea is a perfect Gutch, a subdued rabbit of a reporter who has the journalistic sense to sniff out and test a story, and yet may not have the nerve to shake up his life in order to claim the woman he loves. Yeesh, that sounds like something out of Danielle Steele, but trust me, the story is ravishing, but not the least gushy or "rouged". Reminds me, though, that the other thing we've seen Cates in, was a Steele-ish series, and ... well, Cates is a perfectly beguiling Caraboo/Baker (so beguiling a Caraboo, it is really a shock to find that she is actually Mary Baker), which you may not expect from the sort of "potboiler" casting of this other, Steele-ish thing. Lithgow as a skeptic-don-turned-true-believer ... I am not a huge Lithgow fan, but he is perfect is this supporting role; he carries off both ends of the transition admirably. I am astonished to read that a reviewer finds fault with Kline. Both Lithgow and Kline perform with expertly-gauged restraint; in comparison, Jim Broadbent's Mr Worrall is buffoonish, but this too is in perfect service to the story. Indeed, there is a (distant) comparison to be made between Broadbent/Kline and Bertie Wooster/Jeeves ... the light-of-intellect master, and the shrewd-but-always-decorous servant. Even Kline's zealous "testing" of Caraboo in the Worralls' absence, is brilliantly measured.

The whole cast perform wonderfully; the camera-work is a delight; the story is enchanting. If you haven't seen it, why, remedy this appalling oversight immediately!

CHARMING ADULT FAIRYTALE...
Based upon a true story, this is a charming film with wonderful performances by a stellar cast. It tells the tale of a mysterious young woman (Phoebe Cates) in nineteenth century England, who is found wandering the countryside dressed in outlandish clothing and supposedly speaking no English. She is taken in by a kindly aristocratic family, and she gulls them into believing that she is some sort of exotic, foreign royal, Princess Caraboo.

Princess Caraboo charms all who meet her. Everyone is intrigued by her. Just who is she and where is she from? The Greek butler (Kevin Kline) thinks that she is an imposter. The aristocratic couple ( Jim Broadbent and Wendy Hughes), who virtually adopt her, believe her to be the real deal. The skeptical academic (John Lithgow), who specializes in Southeastern Asian languages and dialects and was brought in to try and determine her origin, is not immune to the charm of Princess Caraboo. Even the intrepid reporter, Mr. Gutch (Stephen Rea), who is onto something that may reveal the mystery of Princess Caraboo, falls under her spell.

Phoebe Cates outdid herself, giving a wonderful performance in an inherently difficult role that calls for speaking very little, and when she does speak it is, for the most part, to utter what sounds like gibberish. She is very expressive and totally charms the viewer. Jim Broadbent and Wendy Hughes are terrific as the aristocratic couple. Kevin Kline gives an over the top performance as the wily Greek butler. John Lithgow is outstanding as the academic and drolly funny. Stephen Rea is wonderful as the conflicted reporter, giving a well nuanced and sensitive performance. All in all, this is a perfectly delightful film, which is suitable for the entire family.

The DVD itself offers high quality visuals and audio, but offers no special features or bonus extras. ... Read more