On a chill Christmas Eve, a young woman rides into the English village of Mellstock. Miss Fancy Day (Keeley Hawes), who has been educated away, has returned to the village to help take care of her ailing father.
As the beautiful new schoolmistress, she becomes a focus of fascination in Mellstock. Not only is she the new teacher, but her presence threatens to shake the old order in Mellstock. The parson plans to replace the old men's choir, by Fancy's playing the modern new Harmonium in church, much to the villagers' surprise and consternation.
So, excitement over Miss Fancy Day begins! Not only does she disturb the choir, but she becomes the focus of the attentions of three men. Her father has groomed her to marry well. His eyes are upon sturdy, wealthy Farmer Shinar (Steve Pemberton) as her suitor. Fancy knows of her father's enthusiasm for Mr. Shinar; still his gruff, business-like proposal comes as a shock to her, but she promises to consider it.
Parson Maybold (Ben Miles) is another suitor. He is handsome, well-bred, and educated; but his lofty, intellectual airiness is so indirect, that Fancy doesn't realize his feelings for her.
It is with the young Dick Dewy (James Murray) that Fancy becomes friends. He comes from the lively home of the humble carrier, bustling with kids, and dogs, and friends who encompass the choir. His heart is taken by Fancy that first Christmas Eve, and he endeavors to win her by bettering himself. He also puts his best foot forward, by boldly venturing a kiss (not a bad move, considering he is devilishly handsome!). But Fancy's father vigorously objects to him.
Fancy is put into a predicament, trying to decide which path to take. The charms of the English country village are the background for this tale. The film moves through each season's music, work, and festive rites, as the story of Mellstock, and how Fancy becomes a part of it.
This film comes from Thomas Hardy's lovely homage to the English countryside. Under the Greenwood Tree is a wondrous work of humor, beauty, and heady romance.
As the beautiful new schoolmistress, she becomes a focus of fascination in Mellstock. Not only is she the new teacher, but her presence threatens to shake the old order in Mellstock. The parson plans to replace the old men's choir, by Fancy's playing the modern new Harmonium in church, much to the villagers' surprise and consternation.
So, excitement over Miss Fancy Day begins! Not only does she disturb the choir, but she becomes the focus of the attentions of three men. Her father has groomed her to marry well. His eyes are upon sturdy, wealthy Farmer Shinar (Steve Pemberton) as her suitor. Fancy knows of her father's enthusiasm for Mr. Shinar; still his gruff, business-like proposal comes as a shock to her, but she promises to consider it.
Parson Maybold (Ben Miles) is another suitor. He is handsome, well-bred, and educated; but his lofty, intellectual airiness is so indirect, that Fancy doesn't realize his feelings for her.
It is with the young Dick Dewy (James Murray) that Fancy becomes friends. He comes from the lively home of the humble carrier, bustling with kids, and dogs, and friends who encompass the choir. His heart is taken by Fancy that first Christmas Eve, and he endeavors to win her by bettering himself. He also puts his best foot forward, by boldly venturing a kiss (not a bad move, considering he is devilishly handsome!). But Fancy's father vigorously objects to him.
Fancy is put into a predicament, trying to decide which path to take. The charms of the English country village are the background for this tale. The film moves through each season's music, work, and festive rites, as the story of Mellstock, and how Fancy becomes a part of it.
This film comes from Thomas Hardy's lovely homage to the English countryside. Under the Greenwood Tree is a wondrous work of humor, beauty, and heady romance.