Princess Caraboo (1994)
The American historical comedy-drama film, Princess Caraboo (1994), tells the story of a woman who deceives Regency England by posing as an exotic princess speaking an unknown language. Directed and written by Michael Austin and John Wells respectively, the movie is based on a true 19th-century character. When she is discovered in the fields, dressed extravagantly and speaking unintelligibly, the Worrall family takes her in. However, their Greek butler Frixos immediately suspects her to be a fraud. While Mr. Worrall sends her to face charges of vagrancy, Mrs. Worrall decides to care for her. The local printer and newspaper reporter, Mr. Gutch becomes intrigued and investigates further when the woman mimes that she is Princess Caraboo.
Gutch converses with the farm workers who found her and discovers she possessed a book from the Magdalene Hospital in London. During the Worralls’ absence on a trip, their employees conduct an inspection of Caraboo’s body for any markings, assuming that all natives of the South Seas bear tattoos. To their surprise, they find one on her thigh, confirming her as Princess Caraboo. With this new information, Frixos expresses his belief that she is indeed a true princess. Mr. Worrall seizes the opportunity to use her presence as a means to attract investors for the spice trade, which she will help facilitate upon returning to her homeland. Gutch involves Professor Wilkinson, a linguist who initially doubts Caraboo’s story but ultimately refuses to label her as a fraud based on lingering uncertainty.
Date of download: 2015-11-11T17:22:34+00:00
Cast:  Phoebe CatesPrincess Caraboo  Jim BroadbentMr. Worrall  Wendy HughesMrs. Worrall  Kevin KlineFrixos  John LithgowProfessor Wilkinson  Stephen ReaGutch |
The American historical comedy-drama film, Princess Caraboo (1994), tells the story of a woman who deceives Regency England by posing as an exotic princess speaking an unknown language. Directed and written by Michael Austin and John Wells respectively, the movie is based on a true 19th-century character. When she is discovered in the fields, dressed extravagantly and speaking unintelligibly, the Worrall family takes her in. However, their Greek butler Frixos immediately suspects her to be a fraud. While Mr. Worrall sends her to face charges of vagrancy, Mrs. Worrall decides to care for her. The local printer and newspaper reporter, Mr. Gutch becomes intrigued and investigates further when the woman mimes that she is Princess Caraboo.
Gutch converses with the farm workers who found her and discovers she possessed a book from the Magdalene Hospital in London. During the Worralls’ absence on a trip, their employees conduct an inspection of Caraboo’s body for any markings, assuming that all natives of the South Seas bear tattoos. To their surprise, they find one on her thigh, confirming her as Princess Caraboo. With this new information, Frixos expresses his belief that she is indeed a true princess. Mr. Worrall seizes the opportunity to use her presence as a means to attract investors for the spice trade, which she will help facilitate upon returning to her homeland. Gutch involves Professor Wilkinson, a linguist who initially doubts Caraboo’s story but ultimately refuses to label her as a fraud based on lingering uncertainty.
