Frenchman's Creek

Having read this book many, many times over the years, I was ready to be thrilled by a new adaptation. The last version of this story that I know of was a Hollywood theatrical release from 1944 with Joan Fontaine & Arturo de Cordova (who was delightful to look at but wasn't much of an actor). So, I settled back and hoped I would love this! My reaction to the film is a bit mixed: I thought the actors were quite wonderful - Tara Fitzgerald was lovely and spirited, as I would expect. New to me was Anthony Delon as the Frenchman, Jean Aubrey. He was gorgeous! Fantastic charisma on screen. I also thought Daniel Webb as William was excellent - a perfect recreation of the character from the novel. As well, I really enjoyed James Fleet as Dona's husband, Sir Harry. His role was played with great sympathy and was written with more complexity than what Daphne Du Maurier envisioned, but this worked for me. I liked him - which was a feeling you don't get from the novel.

This is where my comments become mixed. I felt that they might as well have retitled this film, as it was not a faithful recreation of the novel upon which it is based. There were a few points which were right on (such as William's characterization) but beyond a few similarities, there were far too many outright story inventions and that somewhat spoiled my enjoyment of the film. One of my main criticisms was with the loss of the wit in the character of the Frenchman and the wonderful repartee between him and Dona, that was such an enchanting part of the book. Certain character traits of his, such as his artistic bent (in the novel he is first seen by Dona, not doing deeds of piracy, but sitting at his desk drawing birds!) were completely thrown away in favour of action scenes. I understand that the film had to move quickly, as it was under 2 hours, but I feel that some of the elements of the novel which made it particularly memorable, were excised, so the film simply becomes an adventure yarn without a lot of character.

Some of the invented scenes were simply strange to me: for example - Dona's daughter telling on her mother. In the novel, the little girl is much younger and is not a realized character, and Daphne du Maurier wrote it that way for a reason. By inventing at least 3 scenes with the daughter that never occurred in the novel, the film version veered quite far from its roots and I feel the story was not improved by these inventions. As well, much of the dialogue was invented and that was a disappointment. Du Maurier was known for brilliantly conveying mood, but she also often wrote some very clever stuff for her characters to say and very little of it ends up here.

I also didn't understand why this adaptation had so much politics inserted in it. The scenes detailing the changeover from one monarchy to another (James II to William & Mary) are nowhere present in the novel. (I just re-read it so I know!) Du Maurier in this book was more interested in people than politics and those scenes for me in the film just detracted from the main story, that of the relationship between the Frenchman and Dona. Lastly, the scenes near the end of the movie, again, were so very different from the novel that I was somewhat annoyed. The novel has some choice moments of humour (especially near the end) that give it an unusually realistic feel, even for its time (originally published in 1940) and these things were entirely lost to this film adaptation. I had hoped to see the spirit of the book brought to life, but unfortunately I felt that was not achieved here.

I would have to agree with one of the other comments posted here: that if you loved the novel, watch this with reservations! That said, you may find, as I did, that the acting is still exciting and vivid enough to keep one's interest. On the other hand, if you haven't read the novel, you may just love the film. It has all the romance, intrigue, wonderful location photography, costuming and great accents that one hopes for in a production of this sort (produced partly by WGBH Boston).

The charisma between the two leads is terrific and there is (like the novel) a well-realized picture of how all the men who come into contact with Dona fall under her spell. She is an unusual woman for her time and one gets the sense that all the men know it: from her husband, Sir Harry, who doesn't understand her; to William the manservant who does not judge her, but seems to see in her the female equivalent of his master; to Lord Rockingham (a great character!) who is full of passion for her; finally to the Frenchman who cannot resist her; it's a great part and Tara Fitzgerald does a fine job of convincing us that Dona is, as the Frenchman says, "a dangerous woman!"

I'd love to see this done as a 4 or 6 hour mini-series, like the BBC/A&E version of Pride & Prejudice. With enough time to really develop character (and a screenwriter intent on keeping to the original storyline), this could be a great film! Until such time as that is done, enjoy this for what it is: a lovely looking adventure/romance flick.

The Cornish views and setting of the Creek and the Estuary are wondeful .Mostly well cast but sadly Anthony Delon asaaa the epoymous Frenhman is just not convincing. He is not reaslly ruthless enough, he is after all a pirate who kills people and robs them for a liivng. Comes over as soppy and a rather mechanical actor. Tara Fitzgerals was very convincing as the spoilt and self absorbed Dona The boats are obviously beiig sailed by people who know what they are doing.. Best to just read it and imagine your own Frenchman. Sir Harry is well cast . The Cornish manor house is a bit too grand, but film makers always overdo it ,

I love pirate movies especially with lots of galleons and period houses (1600s) set in ethereal far away places. This is probably my favorite movie but I prefer the 1944 version with Olivia deHaviland and Arturo Decordova.

I thought Anthony Delon was very credible and played his part sensitively. I am always grateful to the casting directors when they use native speakers or real musicians in a film. I am very sensitive to manufactured accents and someone whose fingers are flying all over the place hitting high notes on low keys and vice versa. Mr. Delon pacing was nice, I found myself becoming lost in his character but the shots were so short I frequently lost the connection. But he was quick to recover it and take you along for the ride. That's good acting.

I was disappointed in Lady St. Column. While Dona was used to the gaming houses she didn't like the company; this portrayal did not show Dona as a lady but closer to a street tart. When it came time for her to care about her children you didn't believe her; this portrayal was too cold and, in some instances, mechanical; I thought I was watching a stage play rehersal. I think Phoebe Cates would have been a better choice; she can act up a storm and she would have been an inspiring counter to Mr. Delon's efforts.

Also, "William" was flat and left me feeling uncomfortable. Support roles are just as important as the leads; they provide the credible ground to launch the other characters. (Look at Mathew Broderick in LadyHawke; with all of the heavies in that picture, he walked off with the show.) All I could think of was the butler from the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Also, I think the character of Henrietta was allowed to get away from the overall control of the picture; because she was so strident, too much so for her age, she was upstaging the picture and it was annoying.

Penultimately, I would like to see a version where Dona goes to sea; I'm tired of politically correct; let's have the real ending.

I am glad to see, though, that there is still an interest in this story. I am always glad to watch this tale being told again and again.

Having read the book many years ago, my memory of the story wasn't at it's best when I started to watch this adaption. Still, I found it hard to feel much empathy for the heroine, Lady Dona, her behaviour being totally selfish. No wonder her daughter was willing to betray her mother's French lover and his cohorts. After all the woman did rip the highly religious little girl's crucifix from around her neck and toss it out the carriage window! Also her husband may be not as exciting as her French lover, but he obvious adores her and has more balls than she gives him credit for.

I was disappointed with the feeling this production gave me in general. Being a English history buff, I must admit my political support was with Dutch King William of Orange and Queen Mary (King James' eldest daughter and heir) and his Protestant supporters, as Catholic James II was a pig-headed, stubborn man, unlike his brother Charles II, and didn't know when to keep his religious beliefs to himself in such religiously turbulent times. Maybe those unaware of politics of that time will enjoy it more. Don't if you are aware of the consequences of James II's foolishness. One should also be aware that the people of Cornwall and Devon bore a grudge against James II because he slaughtered many of their men who rose in support of Charles II illegitimate son, the Duke of Monmouth, who tried to claim the throne from his uncle in an uprising. Watch the 2000 BBC adaption Lorna Doone, which takes place at the same time. A much better production.

I really enjoyed this film. Beautiful locations, well-acted & perfectly cast (esp. Ms. Fitzgerald). Only once did it feel like a TV movie; most of the time it felt like cinema. In fact, I wish I'd had the opportunity to see this in a cinema. I'm not one for mushy romance, so men -- fear not. Rent this one, find your sweetheart and curl up for a wonderful film. Thanks to everyone who worked so hard on this movie! *applause* This was far better than recent Hollywood fodder.