Ladies In Lavender is a British drama film, which premiered on November 12th, 2004. The film is directed by Charles Dance and is based on a 1908 short story by William J. Locke. The movie centers around two sisters, Janet and Ursula, whose peaceful lives are disrupted by a handsome stranger when they discover him washed up on the beach below their house and nurse him back to health. The film received positive reviews from both critics and viewers alike and grossed more than 2 million in the UK, more than 6 million in North America, and more than 20 million worldwide. Since the movie did so well, the locations caught hold of some attention. And fans started asking, where is Ladies In Lavender filmed?
The film stars Judi Dench, Natascha McElhone, Maggie Smith, and Miriam Margolyes. They play Ursula Widdington, Janet Widdington, Olga Danilof, and Dorcas, respectively. Both Maggie Smith and Judi Dench were nominated for Best European Actress at the European Film Awards for their beautiful roles in the classic movie.
Plot Details
Ladies In Lavender’s storyline revolves around two sisters, Ursula and Janet Widdington. The movie is set in 1936, in picturesque coastal Cornwall, which is a tight-knit fishing village. Andrea, played by Daniel Bruhl, a gifted young Polish violinist from Krakow, is sailing to America when he is swept overboard from his ship in a storm. After this, he is found by the Widdington sisters, who then nurse him back to health. However, their peaceful lives and the community in which they live are disrupted by the presence of the musically talented young man.
The sister of famed violinist Boris Danilov, Olga Danilof, becomes interested in Andrea after hearing him play the violin while on holiday. She then writes a letter to the sisters telling them who she is. And asking to be introduced to him, so she can introduce Andrea to her brother. However, Janet burns the letter after she learns that her sister has feelings for Andrea. Later, when Andrea and Olga grow closer anyway, he learns about this and confronts them. He later apologizes for getting angry and reconciles with Ursula after he realizes that she has feelings for him.
Olga’s brother asks to meet Andrea in London when she tells him of his talent. Olga then tells Andrea that they have to leave immediately as her brother is only in London for 24 hours. Although Andrea did care for the sisters deeply, he cannot lose this opportunity and goes with Olga without saying goodbye. The sisters then call Andrea’s friend, as they are worried when he does not return. And his friend tells them that he saw Andrea getting on a train with Olga. Ursula is heartbroken as she thinks she will never see him again, and Janet consoles her. Andrea later sends them a portrait of himself, thanking them for saving his life. While the rest of the village listens on the radio, the sisters travel to London to attend Andrea’s first public performance in Britain.
Where Is ‘Ladies In Lavender’ Filmed?
The filming of Ladies In Lavender took place in September and October 2003. Exteriors were shot in Cadgwith, Helston, St. Ives, and Prussia Cove in Cornwall. All these locations are fairly far apart, which Cornish people are bound to notice and point out as a potential plot hole, as it’s all set in one village. Interiors were shot at the Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, where countless movies have been filmed.
Cornwall is one of the most beautiful counties in the UK, which appears untouched by the 21st century in many places. This is why it is no wonder that writer-director Charles Dance wanted to tell the story in this county. Despite it being his debut movie, both Maggie Smith and Judi Dench said that they did not even read the script before agreeing to do the movie. Ursula and Janet’s cottage was filmed at Prussia Cove, Rosudgeon, Cornwall, England, UK. Some of the interiors were shot at Harrow School, Harrow, Middlesex, England. Kenneggy Cove, Rosudgeon, Cornwall, and the Lizard Peninsula are some other locations where scenes were shot. Cornwall county is known for its beauty and picturesque view, which is why it makes perfect sense for the film to be shot there.
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