[5] It stars Miranda Richardson, Josie Lawrence, Polly Walker, and Joan Plowright, with Alfred Molina, Michael Kitchen, and Jim Broadbent in supporting roles.

Lottie sees Rose sigh wistfully after reading a newspaper advertisement to "those who appreciate wisteria and sunshine" for rental of a small Italian castle.

Fed up with "grabbers" latching onto her for her celebrated beauty and wealth, Caroline seeks a month's refuge at San Salvatore.

Mrs. Fisher, a widow rigid in her ways, immerses herself in memories, rereading works of now dead illustrious personalities she has met during her lifetime in an exalted circle.

Initially, at San Salvatore, finding the other three women a disturbance, she insists on staking out the main drawing room for her exclusive use.

Lottie's disclosure of the presence of Mrs. Fisher and Lady Caroline, two wealthy prospective clients, brings Mellersh eagerly to the refuge.

Thrilled at his wife's intimate friendship with rich prospects, Mellersh exerts himself to be agreeable, mitigating the problem over the first week's expenses.

Tracking the elusive Caroline to San Salvatore in amorous pursuit, Frederick arrives unaware of Rose's presence or her invitation to him at Lottie's urging.

[7] The score by Richard Rodney Bennett, featuring flute and oboe themes, evokes the film's mood and accentuates the story's yearning and nostalgia.

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.