Stars: Anna Massey, Denholm Elliott, Patricia Hodge, Julia McKenzie, Googie Withers

Director: Giles Foster

Summary: BBC TV adaptation of the award-winning novel by Anita Brookner, which vividly brings to life the characters and atmosphere of the elegant Hotel Du Lac. It is a production of wit, charm, and beautifully observed detail filmed amid the mountains and lakes of Switzerland.

At the urging of friends, a young woman retreats to a Swiss lakefront hotel during the off-season. While there, she begins work on a novel, reflects on life, and carefully observes her fellow guests. BBC adaptation of the Anita Brookner bestseller.

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Hotel du Lacis an impeccably produced BBC television adaptation of Anita Brookner's Booker Prize-winning novel. Middle-aged writer Edith Hope has fled London and romantic disappointment to find sanctuary at a luxury hotel on a Swiss Lake, but finding no escape from her loneliness must eventually face her past. Edith is played with compassion by Anna Massey, her intellect and wit acting as a defence against her own failings, and support comes from a superb cast including Denholm Elliott, Googie Withers, Julia McKenzie, Patricia Hodge, Irene Handl and Barry Foster.

Brookner's apparently slight but multi-layered tale is skilfully crafted by writer Christopher Hampton, who has with such films as Dangerous Liaisons(1988) and The Quiet American(2002) become a master of literary adaptation. Giles Foster's direction focuses on bringing the best from his cast, rather than attempting any sort of cinematic sweep, and Carl Davis' eloquent theme music makes the introspection all the more touching. Ultimately, though, it is Anna Massey's insightful central performance which makes Hotel du Lacsuch a memorable slice of television.

On the DVD:Hotel du Lacis presented in the original TV broadcast 4:3 ratio with a very poor, extremely grainy and soft picture. The sound is reasonable mono, clear and free from distortion though lacking in dynamic range. The only extra, though one well worth having, is a serious and highly informative commentary from Giles, Hampton and producer Sue Birtwistle. --Gary S Dalkin

Aspect Ratio:	4:3
Main Language:	English
Region:	Region 2
Special Features:	Photo Gallery, Producer And Director Commentary
Year:	1986
Release Date:	May 26, 2003
Runtime:	75 minutes
Certification:
Catalogue Number:	B B C D V D 1226
Keywords:	Hotel, General, Lac, Tv, Drama, Du
Genre:	Drama