Stars and Bars (1988 Pat O'Connor)

William Boyd's comic novel - perhaps in part a reflection of being English in America, especially the wider America - adapted well is a treat, unlike anything else. Why it is 'lost' with no DVD release is a mystery, especially with cast of Daniel Day Lewis (climbing naked from a window), Harry Dean Stanton etc. 'Another character out of place', I noted in April '12.

Some losses through adaptation e.g. the theme of horrible food, but the grossly OTT Atlanta hotel scenes remain intact. Thoroughly amusing, with great scenes such as Martha Plimpton retaliating against horny reverend Spalding Gray, climactic fencing scene, 'blind' Glenne Headley and 'ape', cardboard box clothing. Perhaps scenes with fencing tutor Keith David don't quite work, and the classic line 'How do you like America now?' seems a bit swallowed.

With Laurie Metcalfe, Maury Chaykin, Matthew Coles, Joan Cusack, Deidre O'Connell, Steven Wright.

The Renoir featured is I think a reproduction...