• fax: 1-866-743-3439
  • toll-free: 1-877-366-7327

Blog by Don Kennedy

<< back to article list

The Duchess

The Duchess is based on the lives and loves of Georgiana Spencer Duchess of Devonshire (a direct ancestor of Princess Diana) and is yet another gorgeous period piece (for those who like gorgeous period pieces) that Keira Knightly (Spencer) seems to be able to glide into effortlessly. Ralph Feinnes plays William a middle aged Duke who despite his hang dog expression and bored personality has quite a taste for the Devonshire “cream” but who still lacks an heir. With assurances of success in that department from Georgiana’s mother Lady Spencer (Charlotte Rampling in her element as the picture of proper stoicism) he takes the 17 year old as his bride. Within 2 years two children are born but with neither a son the Duke is feeling duped. Eventually a boy is sired but not before William used his manipulative power to broker an ongoing ménage a trios (although never in the same room) with the Duchess and her best friend (Privilege has its membership!) but things get heartbreakingly complicated due to the offspring of Georgiana and her lover Charles Grey (Dominic Cooper). Like her cherished descendant, the Duchess proves to be a beloved trend setter and activist as she journeys through this story that delves into the 19th century politics of aristocratic marriage.

Archives