In today's celebrity-obsessed world it is quite rare to see famous entertainers willing to retire at the peak of their careers. Phoebe Cates, 1980s teen film star, represents one of such examples. In mid 1990s, in time when the actresses of her age would only begin to rule over box-offices, she decided to quit acting and completely dedicate herself to quiet family life. Her farewell film was Princess Caraboo, 1994 period comedy directed by Michael Austin.
The plot of the film is based on true story that took place in 1817 Britain. The country has just came out of Napoleonic Wars and economic disturbances have created masses of vagrants roaming the countryside. One of such vagrants happens to be a beautiful girl (played by Phoebe Cates) who wears turban and talks gibberish. Since nobody seems to speak her language, her exotic look and apparently aristocratic demeanour leads to speculations about her being Pacific or East Indian princess being escaped from slave ship. Local aristocrat Mrs. Worrall (played by Wendy Hughes) volunteers to house mysterious girl until her real identity could be determined. Although nobody, even Professor Wilkinson (played by John Lithgow), linguistic expert from Oxford, can't determine the truth, young "princess" becomes some celebrity and most welcome guest in salons of British aristocracy. Gutch (played by Stephen Rea), local newspaper reporter, is sceptical towards the whole "princess" story but his determination to reveal the truth clashes with the feelings he has towards the beautiful girl.
Princess Caraboo was a little bit unfortunate in being released only a year before the start of Hollywood's Jane Austen craze. Princess Caraboo and Jane Austen adaptations share the same English aristocratic settings, but the film, made from the outsider's perspective, is somewhat more critical in depicting the attitudes of early 19th Century English upper classes. The main problem for Princess Caraboo, together with at times very slow pace, is somewhat forced and not particularly convincing love story. On the other hand, few films had such a great cast like this one. Phoebe Cates is simply wonderful in her difficult role, while her real life husband Kevin Cline makes good impression in relatively small role of Worralls' Greek butler. The rest of the cast, made out of experienced British actors, is also effective. Together with great care for the period details they provide viewers with the old-fashioned but charming film that could teach many of today's Hollywood celebrities how to retire with class.
RATING: 6/10 (++)
(Note: The text in its original form was posted in Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.movies.reviews on June 3rd 2003)
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