Easy Virtue

Easy Virtue marks the much-anticipated return of Australian director Stephan Elliott (The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert). An adaptation of the 1924 play of the same name by Noel Coward (who is often regarded as the godfather of true wit and priceless dialogue), Elliott's version retains the essential qualities of the original while making it relevant to a contemporary, wider audience. Jessica Biel plays Larita, a sexy and glamorous young American widow who marries a provincial Englishman (Narnia: Prince Caspian's Ben Barnes) after knowing him only a few days. When he takes her home to his family, she must contend with the overbearing matriarch Veronica (Scott Thomas) and the bitchy, narrow-minded sisters. A battle of wits ensues and sparks soon fly. The only reprieve in this oppressive environment is Veronica's long-suffering husband, Mr Whittaker (Firth). Produced by Ealing Studios and featuring a wicked soundtrack, renowned perfectionist Elliott brings his own flamboyant flair to this droll comedy of manners that plays on the snobberies of the English aristocracy and the mistrust of all things American.