A MONTH BY THE LAKE

A MONTH BY THE LAKE provides a refreshing vacation for moviegoers beaten down by the offerings of the summer of 1995. Set at a hotel on the shores of Lake Como, Italy, just prior to World War II, the movie tells the story of two aging English sojourners who finally find love. Miss Bentley squandered her youth on an affair which trapped her for fourteen years. Through it all, she developed common sense and a sense of humor. Thus, she is both amused and attracted to Major Wilshire and tries to strike up a friendship with him, but he is attracted by a young English governess, Miss Beaumont. Into this morally upright triangle comes a handsome young Italian heir who is smitten by the elegant Miss Bentley. This young man’s interest in Miss Bentley, as well as the rejection by Miss Beaumont, opens the Major’s eyes to the wit and charms of Miss Bentley. In the end, they fall into each other’s arms while Italian minstrels serenade them. Miss Bentley’s voice-over tells us that they married, forever grateful to Miss Beaumont for bringing them together.

The direction and cinematography bring the 1930s to life. Nuances help us to understand the heartbeat of these characters. This is a film that will makes you laugh and appreciate life. There are a few exclamations but otherwise, the film is a moral tale which subtly condemns promiscuity and deception and promotes marriage.