Princess Caraboo (1994)

Director:

Michael Austin

Writers (WGA):

Michael Austin (written by) &
John Wells (written by)

Release Date:

16 September 1994 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | History | Mystery | Romance

Tagline:

She was everything they dreamed of... And nothing they expected.

Plot:

Bristol, England, early 19th century. A beautiful young stranger who speaks a weird language is tried for the crime of begging...

Plot Keywords:

Princess | 19th Century | Bristol | England | Language

Cast

Jim Broadbent	...	Mr. Worrall
Phoebe Cates	...	Princess Caraboo / Mary Baker
Wendy Hughes	...	Mrs. Worrall
Kevin Kline	...	Frixos
John Lithgow	...	Professor Wilkinson
Stephen Rea	...	Gutch
Peter Eyre	...	Lord Apthorpe
Jacqueline Pearce	...	Lady Apthorpe
Roger Lloyd-Pack	...	Magistrate Haythorne
John Wells	...	Reverend Hunt
John Lynch	...	Amon McCarthy
John Sessions	...	Prince Regent
Arkie Whiteley	...	Betty
Kate Ashfield	...	Ella
Ewan Bailey	...	Ship's Captain

Also Known As:

Princesse Caraboo (Canada: French title) (France) [fr]
La princesa Caraboo (Spain) [es]
La principessa degli intrighi (Italy) [it]
Prinsessa Caraboo (Finland) [fi]
Prinzessin Caraboo (Germany) [de]

Runtime:

97 min

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Iceland:L | Canada:PG (Ontario) | Australia:PG | Finland:S | Germany:o.Al. (w) | Spain:T | Sweden:Btl | USA:PG | Norway:7

Filming Locations:

London, England, UK

Company:

Ardican Films

Trivia:

The tan and brown print satin pelisse Anna Chancellor (Mrs. Peake) wears when she comes to the Worrall's house is the same gown Sheila Gish (Mrs. Norris) wears to Maria's wedding in Mansfield Park (1999). The costume is also worn an extra during the French invasion in Goya's Ghosts (2006), and by an extra in the first church scene in Miss Austen Regrets (2008) (TV).

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Two If by Sea (1996)

Cinderella-Like Comedy With A Twist

This is a delightful, old-fashioned comedy-drama based on the true story of a wandering beggar (Phoebe Cates) who in the 1800s (England) causes quite a stir when a charitable rich woman takes the young woman under her wing, presuming that the homeless girl is an Oriental princess. It is a great showcase for the often-neglected Cates, who shines in one of her best film roles. Cates' real-life husband Kevin Kline is very funny as a Greek Butler who thinks the mysterious young girl is nothing but a fraud. As a matter of fact, the film has the good fortune of having an excellent ensemble cast of great character actors (Jim Broadbent, John Lithgow, Stephen Rea, etc.), who seem to be enjoying themselves. The camera of the great Freddie Francis makes everything look pretty. It is an enjoyable fairy tale, perfect for family consumption. Nowadays, we rarely get to see such a witty, charming little fable, so from that perspective, the movie is an unassuming gem. If you are looking for a movie that the whole family could enjoy, this movie for you.