In 1715, lowborn Sir Chauncey (Richard E. Grant) and his aristocratic wife Lady Savage (Claire Foy) are disliked in polite society, and have debts piling up. When they are given the opportunity to have the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire visit, they see a chance to turn their lives around.
Grant, hams it up marvellously, and the rest of the cast, including Foy, Kíla Lord Cassidy as the Savages’ daughter and Bel Powley as a servant are all good. The production design captures their fetid lifestyle and sometimes it was almost too disgusting to watch. But it felt like Peter Glanz, who wrote and directed this comedy, was sometimes trying a little too hard. A lot of the humour felt forced and Glanz’s score was far too obtrusive. The screenplay did also have some glaring anachronisms, such as the use of the word “snickering” by the American writer.
The story of the impending visit and the desperate lengths the couple go to in order to be ready for it was entertaining, but a subplot about build up to a solar eclipse, happening on the same day, was not needed. It is talked about a lot but when it happens it is completely inconsequential.
Rating: 6 out of 10