Usually if there are two separate timelines featured in a story, the director tries to ensure that we cannot readily distinguish between one that might be true and one that might be artificial. It's the complete opposite that really works well here as we mingle the story of an 18th century woman living within the constraints of high Victorian society with a more profligate 1970s one. To fit out the earlier scenario,…
She was lost from the moment she saw him.
In this story-within-a-story, Anna is an actress starring opposite Mike in a period piece about the forbidden love between their respective characters, Sarah and Charles. Both actors are involved in serious relationships, but the passionate nature of the script leads to an off-camera love affair as well. While attempting to maintain their composure and professionalism, Anna and Mike struggle to come to terms with their infidelity.
Top Cast
Meryl Streep
Sarah / Anna
Jeremy Irons
Charles Henry Smithson / Mike
Hilton McRae
Sam
Lynsey Baxter
Ernestina
Emily Morgan
Mary
Penelope Wilton
Sonia
Jean Faulds
Cook
Charlotte Mitchell
Mrs. Tranter
Peter Vaughan
Mr. Freeman
Colin Jeavons
Vicar
Liz Smith
Mrs. Fairley
Patience Collier
Mrs. Poulteney
John Barrett
Dairyman
Leo McKern
Dr. Grogan
Arabella Weir
Girl on Undercliff
Ben Forster
Boy on Undercliff
Reviews
FAQ about The French Lieutenant's Woman
What is The French Lieutenant's Woman about?
In this story-within-a-story, Anna is an actress starring opposite Mike in a period piece about the forbidden love between their respective characters, Sarah and Charles. Both actors are involved in serious relationships, but the passionate nature of the script leads to an…
When was The French Lieutenant's Woman released?
The French Lieutenant's Woman was released in 1981.
What genres does The French Lieutenant's Woman belong to?
The French Lieutenant's Woman is categorised as Drama, Romance, History.
Who stars in The French Lieutenant's Woman?
The cast of The French Lieutenant's Woman includes Meryl Streep, Jeremy Irons, Hilton McRae, Lynsey Baxter, Emily Morgan.