Enchanted April (1991)
Four British women trade grey skies for an Italian castle — and discover that sunshine has a way of changing everything.
Enchanted April - Movie Information
- Original Title: Enchanted April
- Release Year: 1991
- Directed by: Mike Newell
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Romance, Drama
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 1h 35m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Italian
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 27, 1991 (United Kingdom - U), July 31, 1992 (United States - PG), April 8, 1993 (Germany), March 31, 1993 (France), December 26, 1992 (Australia - G), April 23, 1993 (Spain - T), April 3, 1993 (South Korea - 18)
- Alternative Titles: 迷人的四月 (CN), Screen Two: Enchanted April (UK)
- Production Companies: BBC Film, Greenpoint Films
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Enchanted April - Plot
When married British women Rose Arbuthnot and Lottie Wilkins decide to take a break from their respective spouses, they stay at a castle in Italy for a quiet holiday. Joining the ladies is Caroline Dester, a young socialite, and Mrs. Fisher, an older aristocrat. Liberated from their daily routines, the four women ease into life in rural Italy, and each finds herself transformed by the experience.
Enchanted April - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and let the Italian sunshine draw you in:
It's April in Italy, and anything can happen... even love.
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Enchanted April - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Mike Newell
Main Cast
- Josie Lawrence
- Miranda Richardson
- Polly Walker
- Joan Plowright
- Alfred Molina
- Michael Kitchen
- Jim Broadbent
- Neville Phillips
- Stephen Beckett
- Matthew Radford
Writers
- Peter Barnes
Producers
- Ann Scott
Enchanted April - FAQs
What is Enchanted April about?
Enchanted April follows four very different British women who rent a medieval Italian castle for a spring holiday in the 1920s. Escaping dull marriages and rigid social lives, they find themselves gradually transformed by the warmth, beauty, and freedom of the Italian Riviera — and by each other's company.
Is Enchanted April based on a book?
Yes! The film is adapted from Elizabeth von Arnim's beloved 1922 novel of the same name. The book was a bestseller in its day and has remained a cherished classic. Screenwriter Peter Barnes stayed faithful to the novel's gentle, witty spirit while bringing the story vividly to life on screen.
Where can you stream Enchanted April?
Enchanted April is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It's not currently on a subscription streaming service, but renting it is easy and affordable across all major digital platforms.
Does Enchanted April have a happy ending?
Very much so. Without giving too much away, the magic of Italy works on everyone — not just the four women, but the men in their lives too. The film ends on a warm, hopeful note, with relationships renewed and hearts genuinely opened. It's the kind of ending that leaves you smiling.
Who are the main actors in Enchanted April?
The film boasts a wonderful ensemble cast. Josie Lawrence and Miranda Richardson play the two married women who hatch the holiday plan, Polly Walker is the glamorous socialite Caroline, and the great Joan Plowright steals scenes as the imperious Mrs. Fisher. Alfred Molina and Jim Broadbent also appear as the husbands.
Was Enchanted April a critical success?
Absolutely. Critics praised the film's warmth, its gorgeous Italian photography, and the exceptional performances — particularly Joan Plowright, who earned a Golden Globe for her role. The film was also nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay, cementing its reputation as a quiet gem of early 1990s British cinema.
Where was Enchanted April filmed?
The film was shot on location in Portofino on the Italian Riviera, capturing the real-life beauty that inspired Elizabeth von Arnim's original novel. The castle scenes were filmed at Castello Brown, a historic fortress overlooking the harbour — and it looks every bit as magical on screen as it sounds.
Is Enchanted April suitable for all ages?
Enchanted April is rated PG, making it a gentle, family-friendly watch. There's no violence or strong language — just a quietly moving story about women finding themselves. It's particularly well-suited to adult viewers who enjoy character-driven dramas, though older teens who appreciate period films will enjoy it too.
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